Second Chance Spirits vice-president Brian Morton looks over the hand-hammered still that will be used to produce the Prosser company’s line of products, called Blue Flame Spirits.  The product line will include whiskey, vodka, gin, and specialty liqueurs. The still was manufactured in Germany and took about a year to complete. Richard Burger Photo

By RICHARD BURGER

Brian Morton is a man on a mission, and one that might come as a bit of a surprise in the lower valley community touted as the birthplace of the Washington wine industry.

Morton is one of two principals in Second Chance Spirits, Inc. a Prosser firm that will shortly begin producing whiskey, vodka, gin, and specialty liqueurs under the Blue Flame label. The firm also has a local silent partner.

Tammy Everts, New Vision business development director, is working to identify potential candidates for the new Yakima Grows program, an initiative to help companies and entrepreneurs develop new products. Denise Keller photo

By DENISE KELLER

If someone in Yakima County has an idea for the next best thing since sliced bread, New Vision, Yakima County Development Association has a plan to assist that entrepreneur in taking the innovation to market. 

New Vision is putting together a program to encourage small businesses and individual entrepreneurs to develop or expand product lines or new inventions. The group is calling the program “Yakima Grows.”

Windy Point Winery in Wapato. Submitted photos

By ELENA OLMSTEAD

When Windy Point Vineyard’s 2005 Cabernet Franc was awarded a gold medal at the Washington State Wine Competition last June, winery owners Mike and Liz Stepniewski, were extremely proud. 

But things only got better. 

The Funky Monkey arcade is ready for customers during its grand opening in Selah in November. Staff photo

By JERYN GONZALEZ

In the expanding town of Selah there is a new attraction that’s keeping more local business in town.

“It’s about time,” said Selah resident Shane Brussman, a regular to one of the many new businesses of Selah, Funky Monkey Arcade.

Large sections of the sheet metal covering of the back wall of the grandstands at the Toppenish Rodeo grounds lie on the ground after being blown down by heavy winds in December. Staff Photo

JOURNAL STAFF

Plans for the return of the Toppenish July 4 rodeo next year are moving ahead, despite some uncertainties and setbacks.

Rodeo Board president Barb Moses said last week that the event is planned for July 2 and 3, and the board will be seeking Professional Western Rodeo Association sanctioning.

The first phase of construction on the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser was recently completed. The first phase included bringing utilities out to the site, putting in lighting, limited landscaping and paving the parking lot.

By ELENA OLMSTEAD

What once stood as a simple piece of land overlooking the Yakima River in Prosser is slowly turning into something iconic. 

For the past several years work has been going on behind the scenes to create the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center, a facility that will celebrate the area’s winemaking history. But in the last year the site has started to undergo a physical transformation. 

Over the summer the first phase of development started at the site said Robin Struyvenberg, an Issaquah-based consultant working on the Walter Clore Center project. 

Restaurateurs Ernesto and Nubia Delgado pose for a picture while cooking arroz con pollo in the kitchen at Taqueria La Plazita. Denise Keller photo

By DENISE KELLER

The opening of Selah’s newest Mexican restaurant was a dream come true for owners Ernesto and Nubia Delgado. The couple opened Taqueria La Plazita at First Street and Fremont Avenue in July.

Mike Olson Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge has acquired franchises for the Chrysler and Jeep brands.

By DENISE KELLER

Consumers in the market for a new set of wheels can now test drive Chrysler and Jeep vehicles at the newly renamed Mike Olson Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. 

Chrysler Corporation has awarded Chrysler and Jeep franchises to Mike Olson after terminating franchise agreements with almost 800 dealers across the country, including two Yakima dealerships, this summer. 

Many credit unions including Catholic Credit Union (CCU) are experiencing higher than usual spikes in membership. 

By DENISE KELLER

Washington credit unions started the year with a record number of people opening new accounts. In the first quarter of 2009, twice as many people as usual joined credit unions. 

Representatives of the groups receiving support from the Zonta Club of Yakima show off their checks.

Grants of financial support were recently awarded by the Zonta Club of Yakima Valley. Programs supported by Zonta service grants are selected to meet specific community needs, with a focus on improving the social, economic and political status of women in the Yakima Valley.