If local truck farms were television, you’d have to call this time of year in the valley Prime Time.

The first annual Art and Culture Showcase is planned for Sept. 11, at Pioneer Park in Toppenish.

A tradition to honor family members in education is helping students at Camas Elementary School in Wapato.

Eighteen-year-old Carmen Selam dreamed she was crowned Miss Yakama Nation, only to find that her dream had come true last June, when she was named 2010 Miss Yakama Nation during the Treaty Day Powwow in White Swan.  Selam will carry the title for one year, until the 2011 Treaty Day Celebration.

The newly-painted mural on the Toppenish Parks and Recreation building glows in the afternoon sun. The mural was painted over a weekend recently by local artists.

Local students are returning to classes this week. Students in Granger and White Swan started the new school year today, while students in Toppenish and Zillah go back to school on Thursday, Aug. 26. Students in Wapato return to class on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Pictured: Zillah Middle School ASB vice president Tom Stephens places Back to School information on the school’s reader board while ASB president Diego Hernandez checks the information.

Toppenish physical therapist Dale Funk believes in the importance of staying fit – especially as people get older. So, the 53-year-old Funk is leading by example.

Tall weeds on bare ground at the north end of Guyette Lane in Toppenish have been replaced with broad, smooth pavement, sidewalks, and the brightest street lighting in the valley.

Soccer field development continues east of the Wapato City Park and north of the Wapato Middle School. At present, water lines are being installed on the north side and down the center of the property prior to the land leveling.

Prior to the official National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 3, one Toppenish neighborhood had its own block party to build neighborhood unity and cooperation.