Natalie Anderson, center, tries to get around the block of Amelia Junt as they practice their blocking and jamming techniques during the first practice of the season for the Wine Country Crushers, Yakima’s roller derby team, Feb. 8, 2015 in Yakima,Wash. Anderson, 15, will be part of the Crushers’ youth team which is being formed this year. The Crushers are starting their third year of roller derby competition. (GORDON KINGYakima Herald-Republic)
Kevin Cook takes advantage of spring-like temperatures Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 to play a round of disc golf at Randall Park in Yakima, Wash. Temperatures reached the mid-50s on Thursday and are forecast to reach the mid-60s tomorrow. (GORDON KING/Yakima Herald-Republic)
John Lanik, 89, was not vaccinated against measles as a boy and nearly died as a result when he contracted the disease. He offers his story as a cautionary tale for those who would not get vaccinated; “I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I went through.” (GORDON KINGYakima Herald-Republic)
–Gordon
Children and families including Holly Ulici, 5, from left, Halle Emery, 5, and Khalen Brunk, 18 months, listen as Ellensburg Library’s children’s librarian Josephine Camarillo tells a story during the Kids Corral event at Hal Holmes Community Center during the annual Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering in downtown Ellensburg, Wash. on Feb. 14, 2015. Activities continue through Sunday including a gear and art show, concerts, cowboy church, and more. (KAITLYN BERNAUER/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Superintendent candidate Danna Diaz chats with students at Barge Lincoln Elementary during her tour of the school in Yakima, Wash. on Feb. 10, 2015. (KAITLYN BERNAUER/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Sue Montgomery shops for a backing for a quilt she made for her son at Craft Warehouse in Yakima, Wash. on Feb. 11, 2015. Many quilters are upset that Craft Warehouse is closing and some have gone so far as to lobby the corporate office. (KAITLYN BERNAUER/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Commissioner Robert Inouye applauds a client for their progress during Mental Health Court at the Yakima County Courthouse in Yakima, Wash. on Feb. 10, 2015. (KAITLYN BERNAUER/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Olga Sosa packs red delicious apples to be shipped to China at Valley Fruit in Wapato, Wash. on Feb. 12, 2015. (KAITLYN BERNAUER/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Wapato’s Alex Vaca, left, attempts to pin Clarkston’s Dalton Port , center, during the 106lbs weight class championship match up at the 2A Regional Wrestling Tournament at Ellensburg High School in Ellensburg, Wash. on Saturday, February 14, 2015. Vaca defeated Port 10 to 5. (MASON TRINCA/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Davis senior Max Jones flies through the air for an alley-oop during the basketball game against Eisenhower at Eisenhower High School in Yakima, Wash. February 13, 2015. Davis went on to defeat Eisenhower 79 to 58. (MASON TRINCA/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Youngsters from the Lighthouse Early Learning Day Care including Jemma Leach, 5, center, embrace members of the Yakima Valley of the Sun Barbershop Chorus, after the group performed their annual Singing Valentines to the day care in Selah, Wash., Friday, February 13, 2015. The singers are, left-right, Tim DePrey, Leon Kruger, David Ramsey Warner, and Ron Kruger. (MASON TRINCA/Yakima Herald-Republic)
Owners of Vela’s Western Wear, Jose Vela and Erica Vela pose for a portrait at their store in Wapato, Wash. February 12, 2015. (MASON TRINCA/Yakima Herald-Republic)
– Gordon, Kaitlyn, and Mason
