A homecoming celebrating 100 years of diversity and progress took over the Wapato Convention Center Aug. 29, as about 300 people converged there for dinner and reminiscence, during the Wapato Centennial Dinner.

Pictured: Wapato’s Centennial Dinner draws an enthusiastic crowd Aug. 29. Bottom left, Helen Downs entertains with her yodeling. Top right, guest lione up for the caterred dinner. Richard Burger photos

WAPATO — Construction on Dove Lane and the access to the new $10-million farm-workers’ housing project in Wapato is progressing quickly, Wapato Public Works Director Gary Potter said Aug. 18.

Pictured: Construction begins Aug. 6 to widen Dove Lane in the first part of a new $10-million farm-workers’ housing project in Wapato. Here workmen prepare laying a new sewer system and other utilities. Rob Chandler photo

TOPPENISH — Susan Treneer has been named the new Toppenish Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

Pictured: Susan Treneer makes some of the arrangements for this year’s Whistlestop! music festival. Staff photo

TOPPENISH —A delivery driver resisted an armed robber shortly after 11 p.m. Aug. 13, on the 10 block of South H Street, according to a police report.

If you want to attend the big Wapato Centennial dinner Aug. 29, at the Wapato Convention Center, you had better act fast.

Pictured: Daniel DeSiga has painted a beautiful Wapato Centennial poster that portrays a scene in the Yakima Valley with the Yakama Indian Reservation and Mt. Adams in the background. The sky is filled with an American flag. One spot in the “Heart of the Valley” has fireworks exploding into the sky with the Mexican, German, city of Wapato, Filipino and Japanese flags at each sparkling burst. The original poster is currently on display at Larson Gallery at Yakima Valley Community College at 16th Ave. and Nob Hill Blvd. in Yakima. Courtesy photo

WAPATO — The Wapato city swimming pool opened for the 2008 season July 4, with funding by the Yakama Nation Housing Authority.
However, the Yakama Nation was not alone in keeping the city pool open.

Pictured: Wapato’s city pool recently received additional funding to coninue operating through the summer. Rob Chandler photo

Cast members rehearse for “The Truth About Cinderella,” which will open July 21, at the Yakama Nation Cultural Center Theater in Toppenish. Pictured are, from left, Ashley Groves, Janell Walters, Justin Pfliger, Angel Hopkins, and Mary Roy.  Performances of this uproarious musical comedy will also be held July 22 and 23, and July 28-30. The curtain goes up on all performances at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors (over 60) and students (under 18). For more information, contact Ginny Wells at 865-2422 or Dave Wells at 945-7426. Staff photo

TOPPENISH — United Way has contributed $12,840 to the Toppenish Community Fund for the 2008/09 fiscal year.

The 2008 Toppenish Junior Rodeo Queen is a lifelong rodeo fan and participant, from an active rodeo family.
Jackie Miller, 15, said her brother is into roping and her father has hauled rough stock.

Pictured: Jackie Miller and Chaska greet the crowd at this year’s Toppenish Fourth of July parade. Staff photo

John Ely, of Asotin, Wash., will return as this year’s stock contractor for the upcoming Toppenish Junior Rodeo this Friday-Sunday.