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Selah police have identified the 4-year-old boy whose remains were found buried on Cowiche Mill Road in April
Selah police said his father is facing criminal fraud charges
While the investigation into Alaric “AJ” Funderburgh’s cause of death continues
Selah police Chief Dustin Soptich said in a news release that Funderburgh’s father is facing criminal fraud charges
District Court Wednesday on charges of theft of government money and wire fraud
as a Social Security investigator alleged that Funderburgh continued to collect payments directed to his son for several months after he died
Selah’s prosecutor dismissed without prejudice charges of unlawful disposal of human remains
obstructing law enforcement and making false statements to public officials against Funderburgh
a move that allows prosecutors to refile the charges should circumstances change
The move came the same day the federal charges were filed
A Selah police detective went to Funderburgh’s home in the 500 block of Speyers Road April 16 to check AJ's welfare after a friend of the boy’s grandfather said AJ's grandparents had not seen him for a year and were not able to get hold of Funderburgh
and the friend told police that there were concerns because AJ had a heart condition that was described as a “hole in his heart,” according to a complaint filed in U.S
said that AJ was fine and was staying with the boy's grandmother
who lives on Cowiche Mill Road because his house was infested with bedbugs
Other people who knew the boy said he had not been seen since fall 2024
Selah police questioned Funderburgh April 17
and he told officers that he found AJ dead in his bed at the house Dec
He panicked because he didn’t want to lose his other children and buried AJ out on Cowiche Mill Road and directed officers to the location
AJ's remains were taken to the King County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy
and further testing is being done to determine how he died
Funderburgh was booked into the Yakima County jail on the municipal charges
which were misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
an investigator with the Social Security Office of Inspector General began looking into records and found that Funderburgh had been appointed as the representative to receive the survivors’ benefits AJ and another sibling were receiving after Bedard’s death
When Funderburgh applied to be the children’s representative to receive the benefits
he agreed to notify the Social Security Administration if any of the beneficiaries died
left his custody or were no longer his responsibility
each child received an initial payment of $4,274.50 and then started receiving monthly payments of $1,119 each
Funderburgh received payments on AJ's behalf from December 2024 through April 2025
Magistrate Judge Alexander Ekstrom ordered Funderburgh to remain in jail pending a detention hearing May 9
Court records show Funderburgh has a prior conviction for third-degree theft in Benton County in 2017
Reach Donald W. Meyers at dmeyers@yakimaherald.com
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CRIME BLOTTER
Stock image of activated lights atop a police vehicle
BY FRANK SUMRALL
The Selah Police Department confirmed the human remains discovered on Cowiche Mill Road last month were of a four-year-old boy
“We can now confirm that the human remains located on Cowiche Mill Road are
Alaric ‘AJ’ Funderburgh,” the Selah Police Department wrote
“The autopsy of Alaric was conducted on Tuesday
by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is still conducting further tests to identify the cause of death.”
While the King County Medical Examiner’s Office was able to identify the remains
the office is still determining the cause of death
was arrested on April 17 in connection with the investigation
Funderburgh faced charges of theft of government money and wire fraud after a Social Security investigator allegedly discovered that Funderburgh continued to collect payments directed to his son for several months after he died
Funderburgh had an initial appearance Thursday for two alleged federal felonies of theft of government money and wire fraud
while his misdemeanor charges of unlawful disposal of human remains
and making false statements to public officials were dismissed
Prosecutors can refile the charges should circumstances change
A detective with the Selah Police Department visited Funderburgh’s home on April 16 to check on AJ’s welfare
A friend of AJ’s grandfather said the grandparents had not seen AJ for a year
When contacted by Selah police, Funderburgh said that AJ was “fine” and was staying with the boy’s grandmother, who lives on Cowiche Mill Road, because his house was infested with bedbugs, according to a complaint obtained by The Yakima Herald
AJ’s grandmother told police he was not living with her
When Selah police detectives pressed Funderburgh further on April 17
he told officers that he found AJ dead in his bed in his home on Dec
the father allegedly panicked and buried AJ out on Cowiche Mill Road and directed officers to the location
AJ had a heart condition that was described as a “hole in his heart,” according to the complaint filed in U.S
Funderburgh allegedly kept receiving the survivors’ benefits AJ and another sibling were given after the mother’s death from December 2024 through April 2025
Funderburgh is expected to remain in custody until his detention hearing on May 9
Funderburgh has a prior conviction for third-degree theft in Benton County in 2017
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
President Donald Trump makes a major sports announcement. The announcement comes amid reports Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft.
WATCHSelah Police Department update on the investigation of a missing childby John Kennedy O'Connor
SELAH: The Selah Police Department has confirmed that the human remains located on Cowiche Mill Road are
The autopsy of Alaric was conducted on Tuesday
by the King County Medical Examiner's Office
The King County Medical Examiner's Office is still conducting further tests to identify the cause of death
was arrested on April 17th for misdemeanor charges in connection with the investigation
we identified potential fraud charges that involved the US Federal Government
The Selah Police Department provided the potential fraud findings to the Eastern District US Attorney's Office and later connected with the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General
Funderburgh had an initial appearance on a complaint filed in Federal Court for two federal felonies: Theft of Government Money and Wire Fraud
The Selah Police Department is actively collaborating with the U.S
Attorney's Office as we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Alaric's death
We want to assure the community that we are diligently pursuing every possible lead to develop and present factual information for a successful prosecution
Chief of Police wrote that he appreciates the community's support and understanding during this challenging time
and our hearts go out to Alaric's family
we observed Israel’s most poignant national juxtaposition: Yom HaZikaron
The first is a solemn day of communal mourning and reflection honoring the lives of fallen soldiers and victims of terror
the nation comes to a powerful standstill during the two-minute piercing siren
a moment that unites Israelis in shared grief
the country shifts – from heartbreak to celebration – honoring Israel’s independence and enduring resilience
The transition from grief to joy can feel jarring
But the deliberate sequencing offers a compelling life lesson rooted in Jewish tradition: we reflect before we rejoice
giving deeper meaning and importance to both
In today’s hyperintense and often chaotic world
we rarely give ourselves permission to pause
often failing to mark our achievements and milestones with intentionality
“The Amen Effect,” Rabbi Sharon Brous emphasizes the value of acknowledging and affirming others
highlights the need for fostering community and belonging
and encourages us to seek out moments of meaning
Her ideas resonate with the themes of remembrance and celebration; “Amen” in Hebrew means “certainty” or “so be it,” an affirmation of our faith and an expression of agreement with a statement
I saw the power of intentional pauses for reflection came alive during a visit to Havaya Arts
a Jewish specialty camp launched through Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Specialty Camps Incubator
Under the shade of a majestic oak in Redlands
chanichim (campers) and madrichim (counselors) engaged in a daily practice called Selah – a pause at the beginning and end of each day and session
Like the uncertain exact meaning of the Hebrew word often found in Psalms
Selah at camp offered moments of sacred interlude – a break for reflection
Watching young people take turns expressing themselves and supporting each other in those moments of pause made a lasting impression on me
It underscored the profound impact of creating a space for communal reflection
Just as Selah provided a time and place for individual and collective processing at camp
the reflective nature of Yom HaZikaron serves a similar purpose for the Israeli people – a day to collectively process loss before moving toward hope
our words gain additional emphasis and amplification
Following a moment of contemplation and reflection (Selah)
we acknowledge and affirm life and community (Amen)
This rhythm of pause and affirmation mirrors Israel’s national consciousness during these holidays
After 15 years leading Foundation for Jewish Camp
I recently stepped down from the day-to-day intensity of the CEO role
The past five-plus years – navigating and stewarding the field through the pandemic
With both of our children now living in Israel
our first grandson approaching a year-and-a-half
my wife and I need the flexibility to spend more time there
This transition has offered me my own Selah – a time to reflect
I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Jewish camps across North America
these camps are incubators of Jewish identity
They are the heart and soul of our Jewish future
These past two months of reflection have filled me with admiration and gratitude for the inspired and tireless work of our many talented camp professionals and dedicated lay leaders
and the generosity of programmatic funders and individual donors
I am proud of all we have accomplished together – raised $250 million since 2010
invested in initiatives to improve mental health
and reached a record-breaking 190,000 participants in Summer 2024 – a true testament to the strength and vitality of this essential field
The intentional pairing of these two days represents the ultimate example of Selah and Amen; we pause
as we commemorated Yom HaZikaron on Wednesday and celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut on Thursday
we witnessed – yet again – how Israel transforms mourning into hope
The intentional pairing of these two days represents the ultimate example of Selah and Amen; we pause
May we each continue to find meaning in our moments of pause
and strength in the communities we build together
resilience grows not from forgetting the past
but from honoring it as we step forward into the future
Fingerman recently concluded a 15-year tenure as CEO for Foundation for Jewish Camp and now serves as FJC’s Senior Advisor
elections in the 39th World Zionist Congress nears conclusion—voting closes May 4—American Zionist Movement (AZM) Executive Director Herbert Block said there were few barriers of entry to voting in what Jewish leaders are describing as a consequential election
We are here today because Jewish fathers and mothers wanted more than happiness from their children
The bipartisan group includes Los Angeles representatives
Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and Ted Lieu (D-West LA)
Speaking ill of someone once most likely leads to a second time
providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work
a local artist who has been conducting mobile art shows for years
decided to establish a permanent gallery space
I thought a gallery is going to be the way to go
and they get to benefit from that also," said Heidi Ihnen
Heidi’s Art and Image will feature a collective of artists from the Yakima Valley
"It's going to be a collective of artists so that they have an opportunity to sell their work to maybe they can't do art shows
maybe they can't get into a gallery this way
and we get to share and selling our work," said Ihnen
The gallery will showcase a variety of art styles and mediums
I have people who make their own homemade soaps and lotions
beautiful jewelry made of all sterling silver
just all different mediums," said Ihnen
Ihnen expressed her enthusiasm for the gallery's role in connecting art with the community
"It's always exciting for an artist to see somebody enjoy their work and think about putting it in their home or displaying it seeing
what kind of feeling it gives them to have something that really inspired them to
It's a good feeling when they come in and they enjoy people's work," said Ihnen
Heidi's Art and Image will officially open next Thursday
Selah police Chief Dustin Soptich said there’s no danger to the public at this time
and he could not release any additional details because it is a pending investigation
Selah police are investigating the possible death of a child whose remains were found in the Cowiche area Friday
Police went to a home in the 500 block of Speyers Road around 1 p.m
according to a news release from the police department
One of the child’s parents said the child was living elsewhere
Selah and Yakima police continued to look for the child
and while following up leads learned of a possible burial site
A state crime scene response team joined with local investigators who located remains in the Cowiche Mill Road area Friday
Chief Yakima County Deputy Coroner Marshall Slight said that the remains will be taken to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office Monday for an autopsy Tuesday
Selah Police Chief Dustin Soptich said there’s no danger to the public at this time and that he could not release any additional details because it is a pending investigation
Yakima County jail and Selah Municipal Court records show that Preston Keith Funderburgh
is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail on charges of unlawful disposal of human remains
obstructing a law enforcement officer and making false statements to a public servant
The unlawful disposal of remains charges is a misdemeanor while the other charges are gross misdemeanors
An adult and three teens are being held in connection with a drive-by shooting in Selah Friday afternoon
A Selah police officer was patrolling the 500 block of South Third Street around 3:40 p.m
when he saw a car run a stop sign at the intersection of Riverview Avenue and South Third Street
and “aggressively” head south onto South Third Street
told the officer he had heard a shot and thought someone was shooting
The officer noticed that a Sureño gang sign was written in the dirt on the vehicle
a call came in about shots fired in the 400 block of Riverview Avenue
with the caller saying a vehicle with four men inside was speeding away from the scene
One of the passengers in the car matched a description of one of the people seen at the shooting
and officers removed all four people from the car
a 17-year-old man was walking on Riverview Avenue when the car went past him and he heard a sound like a gunshot
a color associated with Norteño street gangs
police found a single .380-caliber shell casing
while officers found a firearm in the rear passenger seat pocket in the car
The 20-year-old was booked into the Yakima County jail
while the three 17-year-olds were booked into the Yakima County Juvenile Justice Center
All were being held on suspicion of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting
At a preliminary appearance in Yakima County Superior Court
Deputy Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Diane Hehir argued for the $50,000 bail set over the weekend be maintained
a public defender representing defendants making their preliminary appearances
said while $50,000 was a reasonable bail in the situation
she said the defendant’s bail should be set in the $25,000-$30,000 range
Judge Shane Silverthorn went with the $50,000 bail
noting that an earlier drive-by shooting case that day had an initial bail five times that amount
“Fifty thousand is reasonable,” Silverthorn said
Judge Ruth Reukauf set bail at $50,000 each for two of the suspects
The Yakima Herald-Republic typically does not name adult suspects before they are charged
nor does it name suspects who are tried as juveniles
Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is proud to announce that Parker Casey
an accomplished student from Selah High School in Washington
has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024–2025 FCCLA Member of the Year Award
Earlier this spring Parker had been named a national semi-finalist and has since advanced to the final five round
This honor recognizes Casey’s outstanding leadership
and dedication to student advocacy within FCCLA
Casey plays a vital role in representing students across the state and serves on the Washington FCCLA Board of Directors
helping to ensure that student perspectives influence organizational decisions
His leadership has strengthened FCCLA’s presence through statewide initiatives and increased student engagement
Casey has excelled in FCCLA Competitive Events
earning a Gold Medal in the Chapter in Review Display at the Washington State Leadership Conference and placing 11th nationally
He also achieved first place nationally in the Teach FCS Skill Demonstration Event
promoting Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) as a career path to his peers
Casey is the Executive Treasurer for the Selah High School Associated Student Body
overseeing school activities and athletics budgets
He also holds leadership roles in the National Honor Society and the Environmental Club
leading sustainability and student involvement efforts
His advocacy work includes representing FCCLA at Washington’s CTSO Advocacy Day
where he met with state legislators to champion career and technical education
He has also presented at professional conferences
including the Washington ACTE Summer Conference and the Washington Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Educators Conference
and student advocacy is truly exceptional,” said Sandy Spavone
and promote Family and Consumer Sciences education shows his commitment to empowering peers and advancing FCCLA’s mission.”
The FCCLA Member of the Year will be announced this summer at the National Leadership Conference
where the five finalists will be recognized for their achievements
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YAKIMA — Little margin for error. Little time to recover.
Columbia River saw how quickly a good team can run away with a game in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A boys basketball state tournament. After staying close for one half, the Rapids were outgunned in the second half of a 74-49 loss to Selah on Thursday at the Yakima Valley SunDome.
“You get to the quarterfinals of the state tournament, it’s grown man basketball,” Columbia River coach Mark Ganter said. “Every team can play, and we found that out.”
Seeking its first state semifinal berth since 2009, the No. 11 seeded Rapids were within 32-28 late in the second quarter. But No. 5 seed Selah outscored Columbia River 24-8 in the third quarter.
Columbia River’s comeback hopes were stymied by cold shooting, including 1 for 21 from 3-point range.
Now the Rapids (20-6) hope to earn their first state trophy since 2018. To do so, they’ll need to win a loser-out game in the fourth-place semifinals at 9 a.m. Friday against top-seeded Lynden, which was upset by No. 10 Prosser 64-50 on Thursday.
“We still have games to play,” Ganter said. “Is it going to be early? Sure. But we can still get some hardware to take home and be proud.”
Luca Phillips led Columbia River with 18 points, going 9 for 12 from the field. John Reeder added 11 points.
Jackson Pepper scored 24 points, including two 3-pointers in Selah’s 17-6 run to open the second half. That gave the Vikings (21-4) a 54-34 lead over a Rapids team 24 hours removed from a hard-fought win in a loser-out game in the Round of 12.
“Some of our passing and cutting on offense was a little lazy,” Ganter said. “When you get to this point, you can’t do that.”
COLUMBIA RIVER (20-6) — Alex Pont 9, Ari Richardson 2, Kellen Clary 1, Javen Fletch 4, Chase Fitzwilson 0, John Reeder 11, Tyler Miles 0, Joey Ianello 0, Luca Phillips 18, Aaron Hoey 4, Josh Paxton 0, Luke Potter 0. Totals 22 (1) 4-9.
SELAH (21-4) — Rylan Tilley 5, Jackson Pepper 26, William Depell 0, Oliver Pepper 10, Colton Shea 0, Beau Benjamin 15, Rowdy Mullins 0, Jackson Decker 0, Jaiden Alexander 4, Finnegan Tait 2, Carson Decker 3, Jonathan Wright 9. Totals 28 (9) 9-10.
Columbia River 11 17 8 13 — 49
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SACRAMENTO, CA – Selah Johnson of Los Angeles County is this year’s California Poetry Out Loud state champion
The 17-year-old high-school junior from The Archer School for Girls received first place in the statewide recitation competition held March 16 and 17 in Sacramento
This is Johnson’s second year participating in the state finals competition
She will go on to represent the state of California at the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest beginning May 5 in Washington
The 2025 California Poetry Out Loud State Finals marked a milestone 20th anniversary for the program
which inspires youth to engage with poetry through memorization and performance
students from 48 counties competed for the prestigious state title
showcasing their talent and passion for the literary arts
In honor of this landmark anniversary, Senator Ben Allen presented a special resolution on the legislature floor on March 17
recognizing two decades of California Poetry Out Loud’s impact on students across the state
The program’s top three finalists were in attendance to accept the resolution
highlighting the profound influence of poetry in education and self-expression
A full event program, including a listing of all 2025 county champions, is available here.
a 16-year-old sophomore at Norton Science and Language Academy in San Bernardino County
was runner-up and will represent California in the national finals in the event Johnson is unable to attend
a 17-year-old senior from Vintage High School in Napa County
I wasn’t meant to love and be loved” by Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib
“Ode to the Midwest” by Kevin Young and “My Dad Says” by Naomi Ayala
“It’s been an uplifting experience to witness the creative potential of this wonderful group of young people from up and down our state,” said California Arts Council Chair Roxanne Messina Captor
“Events like these are important to at once celebrate the arts and cultivate new artists
Congratulations to this year’s state champion and to all our county champions.”
“It’s thrilling to watch these passionate and brave students come together from across the state to share their voices with each other and with us
I am proud of them and inspired,” said California Poet Laureate
California’s county champions have also been invited to submit original written works at the state level through the Poetry Ourselves creative writing contest
“Metaphors,” was written by 16-year-old El Dorado High School sophomore and El Dorado County Poetry Out Loud champion Erin Levinson
Levinson was invited to recite her original piece before a live audience during the first day of the state finals on Sunday
an 18-year-old senior at Bret Harte Union High School in Calaveras County
was selected as runner-up with her submission
titled “I Think It’s Time to Cut You Off,” and 16-year-old Anah Khan
received third place for her poem “Bring It On.”
All three contestants’ poems will be featured on the California Poetry Out Loud website
The 2025 State Finals also mark the return of the California Poetry Out Loud Hero Award
Established by the California Arts Council
the Hero Award acknowledges the remarkable work done in the classroom by the bevy of teachers
teaching artists and others who bring the California Poetry Out Loud program to life each year
This year’s Poetry Out Loud Hero Award honors the valiant efforts of Crystal Rienick of San Diego County
an English teacher at Valley Center High School
has led Poetry Out Loud at her school for the past 16 years
encouraging the attendance of more than 1,000 students at each year’s competition and incorporating the program into the cultural fabric of the campus
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation and administered statewide by the California Arts Council, Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization
Participants gain proficiency in public speaking
and learn about literary history and contemporary life
California’s Poetry Out Loud is the largest event of its kind in the U.S
and has grown steadily since its inception
The 2025 competition series encompasses 49 counties
reaching more than 17,300 students statewide
The California Poetry Out Loud State Finals is the culminating competition between county winners who have shown their merit in the classroom
and county (a pyramid competition structure similar to the spelling bee)
The state champion receives $200 and a trip to Washington
to compete in the national Poetry Out Loud finals
paid for by the National Endowment from the Arts
The winner’s school will also receive $500 for library materials
The State Finals runner-up will receive a $100 cash prize
with $200 awarded to their school for book purchases
Competing at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals presents the opportunity for approximately $50,000 in scholarship funds and related winnings
Finalists from the following counties competed at the 2025 California Poetry Out Loud State Finals: Alameda
Media Inquiries Only: Kimberly Brown Public Affairs Specialist kimberly.brown@arts.ca.gov
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and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all
It supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants
The California Arts Council envisions a California where all people flourish with universal access to and participation in the arts
Members of the California Arts Council include: Roxanne Messina Captor, Chair; Leah Goodwin, Vice Chair; Gerald Clarke; Caleb Duarte; Vicki Estrada; Roy Hirabayashi; Alex Israel; Dorka Keehn; Phil Mercado; Nicola Miner. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov
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— A man and three juveniles have been arrested regarding a drive-by shooting in Selah
a Selah Police Officer pulled a car over for not stopping at a stop sign
reports of shots fired in Selah came from local dispatch
along with a description of a car and person that matched one of the people in the car during the traffic stop
The officer called for additional officers to be at the scene
and the four people in the car were arrested
Police did see what they think is the handle of a firearm in the vehicle
however they are unable to confirm that until they get a search warrant
Carter has advanced to the quarterfinals after successfully making it through the wild card round
with the quarterfinals ending on April 17th
We’ll keep following her progress and wish her the best of luck
a kindergarten teacher at Robert Lince Elementary in Selah
has been nominated for the prestigious America’s Favorite Teacher contest
an honor that highlights outstanding educators across the country
has faced incredible personal challenges but continues to make a lasting impact in her community
just one month after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of 26
Carter decided to continue teaching despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation
this contest is amazing because this past year has been so hard
and I still taught through all of it—the chemo
“I feel like I went above and beyond for my kids
I had something that brought me so much joy
Carter’s journey into teaching began when she started as a student assistant in kindergarten before being hired as a full-time teacher
She has always had a passion for working with young children
especially with reading,” Carter explained
“The teachers who went the extra mile really made a difference in my life
Carter’s unwavering dedication to her students earned her a spot in the wild card round of the national contest
Carter is vying for the grand prize: $25,000
and the opportunity to meet Bill Nye the Science Guy at a school assembly
Carter plans to use the prize money to pay off medical bills and advocate for younger women facing breast cancer
She hopes to provide support for others like herself
as she found little advocacy for younger breast cancer patients in the Yakima Valley
“I was definitely the youngest person by at least 20 years
so I didn’t really have someone to connect with,” Carter said
“I want to create that connection for younger women here in the Yakima Valley.”
Carter acknowledges the ongoing challenges of life after cancer and is determined to keep moving forward
She encourages aspiring educators to stay true to their passion
You’ve got to love what you do and love the kids.”
Carter is currently in the wild card round of voting
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals
Voting is open once a day, and supporters can help Carter secure this well-deserved honor by casting their vote.
America’s Favorite Teacher Contest Voting Schedule:
— The Selah Police Department has found probable cause to charge a man for animal cruelty and viewing and possession of child sexually explicit material
an SPD detective received a cyber tip from the Yakima Police Department of CSAM materials on snapchat
The man was identified and arrested in Selah
— On Sunday afternoon a car crash happened involving one of Selah’s vice principals
KIMA Action News received a tip from a viewer about an incident involving Selah Elementary School's Vice Principal Cesar Ortiz
According to court documents and our viewer
Amy and his daughter were driving their Toyota Tundra to Wilco when Amy saw Ortiz’s GMC Yukon driving straight towards them
She tried to move towards the curb as much as possible to avoid the vehicle but still ended up getting hit
The driver of the other vehicle was vice principal Cesar Ortiz
Ortiz refused to do any sobriety tests on scene and was arrested under the suspicion of dui
And once at the station Ortiz did the breathalyzer test where he blew a .17 over 2 times the legal limit
"We are a selah family and I have 3 little kids that reside within the district
or we don’t participate in selah school that this might be swept under the rug
that’s a little concerning and how can I send my children to school and ask them to respect and listen to the guidance of their principal who they watched get arrested for drunk driving and almost killed their mom and sister," said Roman
We have reached out to Selah’s school district on the matter to learn if Mr
Ortz would be facing any repercussions and they responded that this is a personnel matter
and they will not be commenting on the incident
The mural was commissioned as part of a settlement between the city and the Selah Alliance for Equality
The mural's design features a group of Selah residents
standing in front of a scene with fish forming the word friends in different languages
The Selah Alliance for Equality told action news what they want the public to take away from the mural
but it was also very symbolic of everybody belonging in Selah
Not just one demographic belonging in Selah
everybody belonging in Selah," said Anita Callahan
The 300 ft mural on north first street’s retention wall was unveiled Saturday November 16th
the Mayor of Selah will be taking over the duties of the City Administrator
we had a city administrator for just over a year
Rich Huebner," said Selah Mayor and Interim City Administrator Rodger Bell
"We came to a mutual agreement that it was time to make a change in partnership in that
I am filling in as the city administrator.”
The change was not too big for Rodger Bell
as he is retired and spends a majority of his time serving the people of Selah
“Most mayors work just a few hours a day," Bell said
"I happen to believe if you are mayor
so I’ve been around pretty much 40 hours or more per week since I’ve been the mayor.”
While the City Administrator being the city's Mayor is an uncommon occurrence
matter of fact there are several cities around this state
Mount Vernon is an excellent example," Bell said
Taking two roles means two separate jobs to be completed for the city
Bell is confident that he can step up to the tasks
The mayor and the city administrator give reports to the council
it’s the council’s meeting," Bell said
"The mayor runs the meeting on behalf of the council.”
Selah’s city council is meeting meeting on Tuesday night
and their meeting on March 11th is Bell’s first meeting as the Mayor and Interim Administrator
Selah defeated East Valley 5-4 in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday
Selah’s Lucas Williams celebrates hitting a two-run home run against East Valley in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday
Joseph Bivins celebrates with his teammates during a doubleheader against Selah on Saturday
Selah’s Rowdy Mullins pitches against East Valley in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday
East Valley’s Braden Albrecht throws a runner out at first base during the first game of a doubleheader against Selah Saturday
East Valley’s Joey Bivins makes a diving catch against Selah in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday
Selah’s Dylan Kingston slides safe into third base in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday
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the impact she made in her short life resonated deeply with her family and loved ones who will cherish her memory forever
who lovingly embraced her during her precious moments
She was surrounded by a caring and supportive extended family
further exemplified the love that enveloped Selah
The lineage continues with her paternal great-grandparents: Ken and Patsy Brown along with her paternal great-grandmother Joan Smith
and her maternal great-grandfather Jerry Penland
Selah is also remembered fondly by her uncles – Steven Penland (Ashley)
and Robert Patton – as well as her loving aunt
The visitation will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Marion
followed by a funeral service at the same location at 2:00 PM
Eric Grindstaff will officiate the service
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— A Selah man has been sentenced to a year in prison for a drunk-driving incident that injured two people back in 2023
Kenneth Murphy was jailed earlier this month for a crash near north Wenas and Nagler roads
a Nissan Altima had broken down on the side of the road and another driver was trying to jump start it
That’s when Murphy's vehicle struck the Altima
pushing it into a ditch before hitting the other driver's vehicle
Murphy was found at the scene reportedly smelling of alcohol with bloodshot eyes and slurred speech
he was then taken into custody after deputies found a can of beer on his dashboard
The other drivers received non-fatal injuries in the crash
HUDSONVILLE, MI — Women battling addiction in West Michigan have a unique new option for treatment. Last week, Selah House Recovery opened its doors in Ottawa County
You may have seen statistics or reports about widespread addiction issues impacting Americans
According to the 2023 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health; 48.5 million Americans— nearly 17% of Americans aged 12 and older— battled a substance use disorder in the past year
Part of the problem is a lack of access to affordable
Selah House Recovery is a forty-day
residents transition to 10 days of recovery coaching sessions
The Selah House Recovery program is faith-based; using a bibically-based recovery curriculum based on the Fruit of the Spirit
Click here for a 3-D Tour of Selah House Recovery
Read more stories from the FOX 17 Morning News team
Do you have an idea for the Morning News team or maybe an idea for a guest segment or something for the gang to come out and try? Send them an email at mornings@fox17online.com or call 616-447-5252 and leave a message
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Prosecutors will not file charges at this time against four men accused of participating in a Selah drive-by shooting
In papers filed in Yakima County Superior Court and Yakima County Juvenile Court
prosecutors cited insufficient evidence to bring a case to trial
Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Brusic said his office will ask Selah police to continue to investigate the case and seek additional evidence
The four — a 20-year-old Selah man and three 17-year-old males — were arrested Jan. 31 in connection with a drive-by shooting in the area of Riverview Avenue
A police officer patrolling the 500 block of South Third Street around 3:40 p.m
saw a car run a stop sign at the intersection of Riverview Avenue and South Third Street
told the officer he heard a shot and thought someone was shooting
The Owensboro Times
infant daughter of Allen and Allie McManaway Zamora
2025 and passed on to be with Jesus on April 3
Jeremy and Carrie McManaway; paternal grandparents
uncles and cousins that loved her very much
Services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday
2025 at Patesville Baptist Church with burial following in Serenity Hills
Visitation will be held from 1 pm until 2 pm at the church on Wednesday
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Selah defeated Ellensburg 5-2 in game one of a doubleheader Tuesday
Selah’s Avery Brewer pitches against Ellensburg in game one of a doubleheader Tuesday
Selah’s Taylee Gonzalez fields the ball during game one of a doubleheader against Ellensburg Tuesday
Selah’s KylieAnne Colton hits a double against Ellensburg during game one of a doubleheader Tuesday
Ellensburg’s Miley Porter pitches against Selah in game one of a doubleheader Tuesday
(SELAH) - Selah's city council has approved plans for a new mural that will promote racial and ethnic equality
The mural is part of a settlement between the city and the Selah Alliance for Equality
With the city's permission volunteers cleaned and primed the North First Street retaining wall where the 300-foot mural will be painted
The mural's design features a group of diverse people
standing before a scene with fish bearing the word friends in more than three hundred languages
Below is a rendering of what a portion of the design will look like
As of right now there is no word of when the mural will be unveiled
A man from Yakima died early Wednesday morning following a drunk driving incident near Selah
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene after an iPhone crash alert came in around 12:30 a.m
They found that 22-year-old Francisco Mendoza-Rodriguez had been ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries
An autopsy was conducted Thursday morning to confirm the cause of death
The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the crash but has confirmed that alcohol was a factor
Details about any other occupants in the vehicle have not been released at this time
A 17-year-old Selah girl suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian-car crash on Friday night near the Selah High School football stadium
The Washington State Patrol reported that Chloey Perkins was crossing North First Street in Selah at 7:11 p.m.
just after the scheduled kickoff of the East Valley-Selah football game at nearby Karl Graf Stadium
WSP reported that Perkins crossed First Street at its intersection with Wernex Loop Road and was struck by a southbound 2016 Honda Accord driven by Dario Rubin Lopez
Perkins was transported to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital
then flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with her injuries
Trooper Trevor Downey with the WSP Yakima detachment said there is no crosswalk across First Street in that area
Downey responded to the accident and said he spoke with multiple witnesses
one of whom saw the Accord approaching but was unable to stop Perkins from crossing
Lopez was wearing a seat belt and was not injured
Drugs or alcohol were not involved in the accident
An investigation showed that Lopez was driving at or below the speed limit at the time of the collision
Contact Joel Donofrio at jdonofrio@yakimaherald.com
Prosser defeated Selah 67-61 in the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
Prosser defeated Selah in the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
Selah's Jackson Pepper dribbles as Prosser's Landon Bailey defends during the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
dribbles around Selah’s Rylan Tilley in the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
Prosser’s Landon Bailey scores against Selah in the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
Prosser’s Koby McClure shoots the ball against Selah in the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
react to a Prosser basket and foul called on Selah in the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
Selah’s Jackson Pepper makes a 3-pointer against Prosser in the 2A boys state basketball semifinals Friday
A Prosser team fully capable of lighting up the scoreboard from outside focused on a differe…
a longstanding internet service provider in Washington
has announced plans to launch fiber infrastructure projects in Ellensburg and Selah
promising internet speeds up to 100 times faster than current offerings
"We'll be coming in and upgrading significant parts of our network with fiber optics
connecting homes and businesses with the fastest internet that's available today," said Anand Vadapalli
"We felt that these markets were pretty underserved with high-speed internet
and we felt that there was a real opportunity for us to come in and upgrade the network to fiber optics," Vadapalli said
Lightcurve emphasized its commitment to the communities it serves
"We also are very invested in the communities where we have businesses
and so it's important to us to bring those types of services
in these rural communities where it's really needed," said Lorie Hills
the marketing communications manager for Lightcurve
They hope for construction to begin after January 1
Lightcurve has organized community outreach events in Selah and Ellensburg to discuss the projects
"These events that we are hosting in the first week of December is really to talk more about these projects
so folks who are there can look at a map and say
and this is kind of how it fits in,'" Vadapalli said
"We would like to be able to engage with the community
The events will take place at the Selah Springs Brewing Company on Tuesday 12/3 and the Ellensburg Pasta Company on Thursday 12/5
Here is the full press release by Lightcurve:
WA— Lightcurve announced the launch of significant fiber infrastructure projects in
Washington with the goal of bringing high-speed
Following the recent acquisition of Consolidated Communications’ Washington assets
Lightcurve is undertaking an extensive upgrade of legacy copper facilities to cutting-edge fiber
Lightcurve’s fiber product will offer speeds up to 50 - 100 times faster than the speeds
customers may be experiencing on legacy technologies
Pre-construction work is underway in both communities
Residents in Ellensburg and Selah can expect to see Lightcurve trucks and crews active in
construction work preparing the communities for a better digital future
high-speed fiber internet of up to 2Gbps symmetrical service
Symmetric high-speed service is available only on fiber networks and not from
Lightcurve will host “Investing in the Community” events
leaders and community members are invited to join Lightcurve for groundbreaking ceremonies
Lightcurve will discuss the impact on local growth
and how this network will empower residents
connecting its first customers to the new fiber network later this winter
high-speed fiber access to communities like Ellensburg and Selah is a core part
of Lightcurve’s mission to connect people and their families with a better digital future,” said Anand
“We look forward to building on our long history of serving
these communities by offering advanced solutions for years and decades to come.”
Lightcurve is a local leader in delivering high-speed internet and digital connectivity solutions to
With a commitment to provide innovative and reliable
broadband services delivered with a focus on excellent customer service
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
British-Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Gabriel Moses is set to unveil his largest exhibition yet
the show will present over 70 photographs and 20 films from the self-taught
showcasing new works alongside his impressive oeuvre in arenas of art
Unfolding across two floors of 180 Studios, which also hosted his debut exhibition
Selah culls a constellation of works from Moses’ career
including music videos like “FE!N” by Travis Scott and Playboi Carti
and “Lost Times” by Schoolboy Q
— A local teenager's dream of owning a bakery has become a reality
and she's thriving in her new role as a young entrepreneur
has been passionate about owning a small business since her childhood days spent at her parents' shaved ice shop
I started kind of playing around the kitchen with desserts
and then the first thing I made was a scone actually
and then I started playing around with different scone flavors eventually made my own scone recipe and then after that
the process of actually making my own scone recipe over time
Her parents supported her ambition by investing in her dream and helping her establish the bakery
"I really like the idea of like opening up my own bakery and then my mom and dad decided to invest in my dream and built out the store brought for me
and then um and then I got it dual I put it in a lot of input where I wanted things what kind of equipment I wanted and then um so essentially
my mom and dad actually owned the building I'm in at this time," said Gordon
98942 Desserts offers a variety of desserts
I usually like to make them really big and then um as you could see
um some lots of them have frosting all of them
Um then I'm going to be switching out flavors there
and there may have glazed hand pies and then like cinnamon rolls," she said
Gordon is thrilled with her accomplishments
starting my own unique business has always been had always been a dream in both my so I wanted to enjoy my job and make money doing something and I absolutely love
I love working hard and using my skills and creativity to make extraordinary things that bring happiness to others
starting my own unique business has given me the freedom to be creative and innovative of my products and use my dreams
and values to build a business that reflects my personality," said Gordon
98942 Desserts is currently open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m
Selah Brace is a sophomore journalism student at Michigan State University from Dearborn
She is interested in political and pop culture reporting and hopes to carry over her knowledge of musical theater and culture into her career
East Lansing record stores are preparing for Record Store Day on Saturday
This annual event celebrates independent music shops with exclusive vinyl and CD releases
Michigan State University students will have access to a variety of events and activities in the coming month in preparation and celebration of Earth Day and Earth Month
– High school students will soon have the opportunity to explore video game development
as the school board has approved a new video game design course set to launch next school year
which emerged from a student interest survey
a current applied technology teacher in the technology department
it will be offered in two semester-long parts and will not require any prerequisite courses
making it accessible to students in grades 9-12
The course description is as follows.
“The CodeHS video game design curriculum teaches the foundations of creating video
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Prosser’s Landon Bailey shoots and scores against Selah Tuesday
Selah’s Jaiden Alexander blocks a shot by Prosser’s Koby McClure Tuesday
Selah’s Oliver Peppers makes a 3-pointer against Prosser Tuesday
Selah’s Jackson Pepper dunks during a 65-44 victory against Prosser Tuesday
SELAH — Scoring’s rarely a problem for a Selah team full of shooters
Christian singer-songwriter Joel Ansett led a unique concert of quiet reflection in Hughes Auditorium at Asbury University
Whether through its monthly Worship Him at Midnight events or the various other musical artists that have hosted concerts on campus
Asbury University has always placed great value on the power of Christian music
Yet while its previous events tended to offer a more upbeat and exciting environment for students to attend
organizers Ellie Haseloff and Emelia Conley purposefully centered this particular night around a more quiet sense of self-examination
“This is a Joel Ansett concert and also a night of reflection and worship,” said Haseloff
“We really wanted to be able to give students a time of personal reflection with their relationship with God
and we thought that Joel Ansett specifically… would be able to carry that space in a way that Asbury hasn’t really seen in other ways.”
After seeing a concert of Ansett’s together last semester
Haseloff and Conley worked hard to bring him to campus
driven to foster a space where students could stop and take time to focus for a moment on their own inner worlds
“A lot of campus is outward facing,” said Conley
“Even in our worship spaces… but this is a time for students to focus on themselves and their own personal relationship with God.”
students attending the event were offered small journals and pencils along with printouts of song lyrics and devotional questions to better furnish their own experience during the event
The concert itself began with an opening from Asbury student Lauren Wilding and her band
featuring the original song “You are the Lord” along with “It is Finished,” “Nearness” and “There is None Like You.” After they had finished
Joel Ansett began his set by expressing his hope for the time together
high-tech medicine,” said Ansett before beginning his set
“It can hit a lot of different pain points for different people at the same time.”
Rather than writing music to be played in traditional church worship services
Ansett describes his genre as an interpretation of ‘selah,’ a word found in Psalms
Though the exact translation of the word is still unknown
Centered around the theme of unseen relational barriers in his 2023 album
“Layers,” the set included featured songs such as “Lost for Now,” “It Takes a Long Time to Wait” and “Plead.” Together
these songs and his devotional reflections helped guide students through a night of quiet self-examination
but it was also not a showy concert in some ways,” said senior Joy Hibshman
present person… and what he said about being grateful and being in the moment just kind of struck me
It was something I appreciated that he talked about.”Joel Ansett’s “Layers” is available for streaming now on all major music services
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