Nobody gives you more local news than we do.
K and D O news 23.
A murder suspect's confession was tossed out of court today.
Meanwhile, in California, firefighters get the upper hand on those remaining wildfires.
Good evening. Thanks for watching.
We're going to begin tonight with that confession of a murder suspect.
A Superior Court Judge has thrown out the confession of Miguel Gaitan,
who's accused of killing a Granger family of four.
Judge Heather Van Eyde says the confession cannot be used
because it was made after the teen asked for a lawyer.
Prosecutor Jeff Sullivan says he thinks they can still get a conviction.
The state will rely on the testimony of a prison guard,
who allegedly overheard Gaitan tell a cellmate about all the murders,
giving details that only the killer would know.
The prosecution will also call five other witnesses,
who Gaitan supposedly told about the killings.
However, the jury will not be allowed to know that Gaitan already confessed to the crime.
The teen is accused of killing Michael and Lynn Skelton and their 12 and 6 year old sons.
The prosecution says Gaitan and Joel Ramos, also 14, killed the family to impress gang members.
Ramos has already been sentenced to 80 years behind bars.
A formal disposal plan for waste at Yakima Meadows has been approved by the Yakima County Health District,
and the State Department of Ecology likes the idea too.
The agreement comes after months of debate between the Meadows owners and local health agencies.
The problems began when Longacre's track in Renton closed,
and over 1,000 horses were brought here for accommodations.
The overcrowding resulted in manure and urine contamination of the track soil.
The plan could go into effect during the next racing season.
The school voucher idea may be coming to Washington State.
Evergreen Freedom Foundation director Lynn Harsh in Olympia thinks a voucher initiative will be on the ballot within two years.
She says it's time to deregulate schools and allow parents to choose the best school for their children,
whether it's private or public.
A school voucher measure is on the California ballot, and that's going to happen next week.
Over the past few days now, KNDO News 23 has been looking at some of the statewide ballot issues here in our state.
There are three local school issues, a franchise proposition for the city,
and the West Valley Incorporation decision here in central Washington.
Tonight, News 23's Stephanie Fisher takes a closer look at these issues and finds out what they mean to us.
Three school issues are on this year's ballot.
The Granger School District is hoping for a levy to collect all excess property taxes to use in general operating expenses for their district.
A yes vote could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars poured back into the school,
but it will also mean a small tax hike for property owners.
The Wapato School District is presenting the same levy to raise upwards of $200,000.
And the Taupanet School District needs approval of a $400,000 bond to go towards improvements at their high school.
This bond will also raise property taxes.
Schools have a lot of lives in these particular areas, and they're aware of what are going on in their own district.
A couple of the districts have ran these propositions before, so they're familiar with what's happened in the past,
and it's before them again for another decision.
The Nauvill Water Association is asking for a franchise in this election.
If approved, a 25-year franchise will be given to them to provide a domestic water system to the city.
Of the five local issues on this year's ballot, the one that's drawing the most attention is the incorporation of West Valley.
But you can only vote on this hot topic if you live within West Valley's boundaries.
We've had a lot of questions about it, whether they live within the area, and if they're voting on it,
that particular proposition, because the lines don't follow precinct lines,
so people may be in a precinct that's part of it included in the district and part of it may not be.
So there's some question there, but it's getting people's attention.
West Valley residents want control over their area, but opponents are saying the incorporation is too costly.
All these issues need 60 percent of the votes to be yes in order to pass on Tuesday.
Reporting in Yakima, I'm Stephanie Fisher for KNDO News 23.
The elections managers say they're expecting a high voter turnout this year.
The auditor's office has already passed out 800 absentee ballots.
With the winter months just around the corner, many people in our valley will face hard times.
Those who are homeless or less fortunate will need shelter and clothes to fight the cold.
KNDO News 23's April Zepeda shows us how we can make a difference.
Go to any store and you'll see it's time to prepare for winter. It's also time to give.
During the summer, people stay in cars, tents, sleep out in the parks.
You know, they can pretty well make it.
But when you start getting this kind of weather, then it really gets, it's imperative that they have some shelter.
The Salvation Army is almost out of winter clothes already, and they, along with the Union Gospel Mission and other relief agencies, are asking for your help.
What they need most? Coats, gloves, socks, any winter clothing, and food.
Food banks continually face shortages and donations to help the less fortunate pay their utility bills, which will be getting much higher in the coming months.
We're seeing more families than ever before.
And this year, we expect to see a lot more families with the economics throughout the country.
It's pretty good here, but economics and people coming here to find jobs, we're going to have a lot more families to help.
More needy families mean more unfortunate children this year.
But with our help, it will be an easier winter. Reporting in Yakima, April Zepeda, KNDO News 23.
Today also kicks off the Coats for Kids campaign.
Collection bins are located in stores throughout the valley, including JCPenney, where members of the KNDO News team will be handing out coupons tomorrow for discounts on Penny's new coats.
Well, there's still plenty of news ahead on KNDO News 23 at 11.
Meteorologist Mike LaPoint and The Weekend Forecaster next. He says cool tonight, but okay tomorrow.
There's a reason this 94 Taurus comes with front-wheel drive, V6 power, anti-lock brakes.
There's a reason it gives you dual airbags and a reason it offers four-wheel independent suspension.
The reason is simple. The Taurus was built for the signs of our times.
The Ford Taurus, the best-selling car in America. Drive one today at your local Northwest Ford dealer.
Oh, yeah, I like that. Yeah. Oh, that's it. No, not that one. That one. Oh, look at that. Oh, yes. I don't think so.
Hmm. Double olive mustard seed downtown with free customer parking right next to the restaurant. That's what I want.
This week, the performance VW Audi Suzuki are most spectacular savings ever. Two million dollars of new and used vehicles. New vehicles and demos up to ten thousand dollars off. Vehicle up to six thousand dollars off.
The city office vehicle with just two ninety nine dollars. We met the spectacular savings through Sunday at Steve Hawn's performance VW Audi Suzuki.
It's time, time to celebrate, time to help your health and time to save money while doing it at the new General Nutrition Center's grand opening celebration.
This is like no other health store you've ever seen. They've got a huge selection of vitamins, minerals, herbs, but the complete line of sports nutrition products, health food and much more.
Visit the new GNC store today and get a free twenty four page vitamin and mineral health guide book free with any purchase. Help your health and save money.
Come celebrate General Nutrition Center's grand opening.
Michael LaPointe's weather forecast has been approved by the American Meteorological Society.
I call meteorologist Michael LaPointe our answer man. Not only does he have answers about things like is this time for the big time change, but he also has the scoop on the weekend forecast.
Thanks a lot Dave. A very nice evening outside. We don't have a full moon officially. That'll be tomorrow night, but it still looks awfully beautiful outside. Let's go to our current readings at this hour.
We have clear skies to report to you. Temperature thirty four degrees. Our winds are from the northwest at nine making it feel like twenty three degrees. Very cold.
Eighty nine percent humidity pressure is holding steady. Our high today sixty two, the low. That's our current reading. Thirty four degrees.
The satellite picture will show you mostly clear skies overhead. A very nice but cold evening overhead and that will mean some temperatures in the upper twenties.
So definitely some frost by tomorrow morning. Fog is starting to develop along the coast. I think we should see just a little bit of Apache fog I think in the lower valley, but we should remain mostly clear.
Here there's a little disturbance moving down off of the Gulf of Alaska. That could bring us some weather late tomorrow night, but it looks like tomorrow during the day should be mostly sunny throughout much of the daylight hours.
Thirty four degrees here, but our wind chill like we were talking is only twenty three forty one in Wenatchee. Thirty seven degrees in the Tri-Cities. It's thirty six in Spokane. Still down in Portland.
Look at this. Fifty nine degrees at this hour reporting with mostly clear skies. Now our weather map by tomorrow won't show you too much at the surface.
Matter of fact, we'll slice the U.S. in half and one half remain mostly dry. A few clouds up over this area as this front approaches, but the big story tomorrow will be the rain and the snow and sleet mixed in along
Chicago land, right along Lake Michigan. Michigan itself, Indiana and Ohio will see all kinds of snow. Snow advisers are already posted tomorrow for all these people and right along the Atlantic coast looks like there will be some more rain in the picture.
But for us tomorrow should be a fairly nice day and we advance the map to Halloween day. Notice how the front moves through, but by tomorrow evening and early on Sunday, look for some cloudy skies and a chance at some sprinkles.
But by the afternoon on Sunday, we'll see that front move through. Things will start to clear out and your Halloween looks like it'll be mostly clear at this time with that front passing well off to the east.
Warm conditions will be in the forecast for the south and western part of the United States. Really not too much rain to talk about. Just a little bit in the way of some lake effects flurries up over the northeast and the showers will start to push out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Don't forget, another reminder here that daylight savings time comes to an end very early Sunday morning at 2 o'clock, so please set your clocks back one hour. Here's the forecast for tonight.
It'll be mostly clear outside. We're expecting some very cold temperatures to be around. It'll be cold, 27 degrees for an overnight low, 30 in Ellensburg, 32 in the lower valley and light winds.
Tomorrow mostly sunny, some clouds in the afternoon, 63 degrees for a high, 58 in Ellensburg, 61 in the lower valley, light and variable winds. The outlook for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, partly cloudy on Sunday, 57 degrees.
But Sunday night, very cool. Look at this, 32 degrees for an overnight low. Monday and Tuesday, mostly sunny. Temperatures will be in the upper 40s for highs.
Overnight lows dipping into the mid to lower 20s as we go toward Tuesday. That's your forecast. Back to you.
Okay, thanks, Mike. Have a great weekend. And still ahead for you on K&DO News 23 at 11, firefighters in California. They've got the upper hand on those wildfires.
And also for you tonight, some Halloween safety tips that could save your life. Stay with us. There's more news straight ahead.
We'd like to compare the new 94 Nissan truck with the 94 Toyota. Both give you the great outdoors, but with the Nissan value package you get air conditioning, AMFM cassette stereo, power mirrors, and the chrome package for over $1,600 less than the comparably equipped Toyota.
So for $1,600 less, you not only get the great outdoors, you also get a great indoors. Nissan, it's time to expect more from a truck.
This isn't dinner at JB's. This isn't either, yet. This is JB's mouth-watering country dinner platters with all this, for just this.
Choose from delicious chicken fried steak, our new homestyle meatloaf, or any other country dinner platter for just $4.99. Or try our lunch versions for $3.99. What more could you want?
Nice try. JB's is a lot for a little. JB's is family.
Hi, I'm Carolyn from Total Care. Total Care is here. Total Care provides 24-hour care including nutrition, light housekeeping, laundry, personal grooming, transportation, critical care, nursing. It's no mystery. If you or a loved one need assistance, call Total Care today at 248-7846.
This is the Eagle Vision TSI with an 11-speaker spatial imaging sound system, even driver and front passenger airbags. Eagle Vision is the result of asking people what they wanted in a sports sedan. That's why we also included a 24-valve, 214-horsepower engine.
Those of you who asked for a simulated wood grain dashboard, we've got bad news for you.
See your local Jeep and Eagle dealer.
Tonight on Jay's show, Texas Governor Ann Richards and Jane.
You know, be sure to watch this and I'll explain the difference between a 29-year-old teenager on Beverly Hills 90210 and a 40-year-old 20-something kid on Melrose Place.
And on Conan's show, the cranberry.
I see what you're doing. But don't worry. It'll be our little secret.
Tonight.
Turning to news tonight from around the world, Southern California is still reeling from that firestorm that has now burned more than 140,000 acres and the wind is about to pick up again.
Meanwhile, the people have lost their homes and they've been trying to put their lives back together.
We get more on that from NBC's Larry Carroll.
Today, crews struggled to get the upper hand on blazes that remained after a second day of cool ocean breezes and moderate temperatures.
Four fires have been declared extinguished, leaving nine still burning.
With 144,000 acres now blackened, today's challenge was to douse remaining embers before Santa Ana winds kick up again as soon as tonight.
Late yesterday, a flare-up on a flank of the Thousand Oaks fire destroyed two more expensive homes.
The toll is now above 700 buildings damaged or destroyed.
This string of fires is by far the most destructive Southern California has ever seen.
Property loss here does not compare with the Oakland Hills fire two years ago.
More than 2,000 homes were lost there, but the experience is the same for people who now find themselves without.
This was to be a retirement home for Ira and Edith Brown.
They had built it by the book they thought they were safe.
We were sure because we had the town roof stuck old building and we do the weed abatement every year clear around the house.
For all their planning, much of their future now hinges on their insurance policy and the skill and sympathy of their adjuster.
At least part of their package is an assigned risk policy designed by the state for homes in fire-prone areas.
This was the first day Laguna Beach residents have been allowed back into the burn area.
We don't see the house burn through our rear view mirror as we were going down the hill.
For Tim and Ellen Brady, the experience was almost too much to take.
This is what you gave me for my birthday.
Next to City Hall, there's a mobile claim center, but it's too soon to tell how much insurance will cover.
Tomorrow, federal officials will join the effort as five disaster application centers open to process requests for aid.
Larry Carroll, NBC News, Los Angeles.
Back home, Martin Luther King Jr., Harry Houdini, and Abraham Lincoln were in Natchez today celebrating American history.
A group of fifth graders from Natchez Intermediate School used Halloween as an excuse to dress up like their favorite historical characters.
Each student had to choose their costume and write an essay about who they are and the impact they had on American history.
From Sally Ride, the first woman in space, to musician Louis Armstrong, everyone was eager to share their piece of history.
The electricity came through the tail and hit the key.
You see me holding it. Now you do. Now how's that do? Like a moon.
The teacher says the project gives students an insight into history and makes them proud of their country.
Sunday night, kids all around the country will head out onto the streets to go trick-or-treating,
but before you take your kids out, there are some safety tips we need to keep in mind every year.
KNDO News 23's Drew Mickelson has more.
Yakima Police Officer Tony Bennett and McGruff the Climbedog visited St. Joseph Marquette Elementary School this morning.
Their message? How to stay safe this Halloween. With so many kids walking around in the dark, there's a lot of potential for danger.
We're going to talk about stranger danger. I'll tell them to only accept candy from houses with lights on,
to not accept any candy or money from people in cars or people on the street.
Bennett also says young kids should make sure to trick-or-treat with an older person, a parent or a brother or sister.
And the police say some costumes are even safer than others.
Officer Bennett says masks like this can really be dangerous. Small eye holes can really restrict your child's vision.
He suggests wearing makeup or masks with bigger eye holes.
And what about all that candy? Well, kids should make sure not to eat any of it until they're at home and their parents have checked it all.
And any candy with rips or torn wrappers should be thrown away.
Halloween is a favorite night for kids, and as long as you take some simple precautions, there's no reason they all can't have fun.
In Yakima, Drew Mickelson, KNDO News 23.
The police also remind motorists to be on the watch for kids running across the street.
Well, you're seeing something that nobody got to see tonight. Ross Perich sitting still for a few seconds.
Yeah, that's for sure. Up next in sports, it's Friday. Loads of football, including two key prep classes, East Valley at White Swan and Hanford at Prosser.
The highlight zone is on the way.
One of the things that sets Mercury Village apart from the rest of the many-man crowd is its unique sliding rear seat.
On those occasions when you need more room, slide the seat forward.
More room? Slide it forward to the middle seat.
More room? Remove the middle seat and slide all the way up.
And if you still need more room, call Milo.
The Mercury Villager. All this and the quality of a Mercury.
Wow!
Yeah, you gotta know how to shop it.
Oh, come on.
There's nothing to stop it.
Oh, come on.
It's a nine-to-nine sale.
Well, all right. Now you got all the time you need to save 20 to 50 percent on practically everything your family or home needs.
It's the Vaudevall Chez nine-to-nine sale. Now through Election Day. Now that shopping.
Yeah!
What made my car buying experience different at Carries was the friendliness of all the people that I was working with.
I found everything I wanted. I sat down and made a list before I went out to get a car of what I wanted.
I even got the color I wanted. It was great.
Carries gave me a real good trade in value for the truck that I traded in.
I didn't have to fight them for anything.
I hope to be driving this car for a few years, but when I need a new car, Carries is the place I'm going.
The Caddyshack Golf Shop in Nanabio Plaza is teeing off on high prices with even bigger discounts on their already low prices.
For example, go for an additional 35 percent off name brand clothing.
Check out used and demo clubs at bargain prices. Assorted utility clubs start as low as $14.95.
Or go all the way with Caddyshack's precision custom fitted clubs.
For all your golfing needs, remember the Caddyshack Golf Shop.
Still locally owned and operated in the Nanabio Plaza.
Tonight's Highlight Zone is brought to you by Caddyshack Golf Shop in the Nanabio Plaza.
Welcome back for just another mellow Friday night.
You know, the Prosser Mustangs thought they might get a challenge from the Hanford Falcons tonight.
Number one against number six in the state.
The Prosser Mustangs got a challenge and much, much more.
An incredible game from Fiker Stadium. Off we go into the Highlight Zone.
Standing room hallway to watch Prosser and Hanford.
The Mustangs would take the opening kickoff and march for a touchdown.
Andy Harris starts a huge night. He had 122 yards on the ground with seven up and stings.
Hanford comes right back.
Everett Obrite finds daylight around the right side about a 24-yard scamper.
We were tied at seven.
And here comes Harris again.
The Falcons worried about Aaron Sonnickson through the air.
They forget about the ground.
Harris is in for another score. It was 14-7, Prosser.
Mustangs commit five first half turnovers. This one is terrible.
Kevin McClure with the fumbled punt in the end zone.
Hanford scores a touchdown.
The Falcons would lead 21-14, early third.
But then Sonnickson finds Chris Brown for the tying touchdown.
And Maui Partita adds two more fourth quarter scores as Prosser reels off 21 unanswered points
to remain undefeated and win the Mid-Valley League title for the seventh straight year final, 35-12.
Senior night, closer to home here in West Valley.
Pablo Huey just kind of hamming it up there for the cameras.
The Rams needing a win to set up next class, Thursday's class at Hanford.
First quarter, the Rams Brent Degrosilier pummeled by Sunnyside's Shane Hickenbottom.
And I think every day is Halloween in West Valley.
Ryan Neumeyer on a roll of white. This perfect pass to Chris McGruder.
It was 7-0 Rams early. And yes, West Valley would paint the Grizzlies into an early hole.
West Valley dominates here on defense too. Big Bill Anderson bursting up the middle to sack Seth Johnston.
West Valley's reserves would play most of the second half as the Rams coast to the Mid-Valley victory, 35-0.
Up north we take it to Ellensburg.
And this little water girl would have had a lot more business if she had hot chocolate tonight.
It was chilly. Graham, are you thinking upset against the Bulldogs?
First quarter, the Hounds, Eric Martinez pounds in.
It was 6-0, Greyhounds. But then John Hallids show begins.
The senior halfback scores here and he says, that was too easy. Let's do some pushups.
One, two, three, four to match his jersey number. It was 7-6 Ellensburg.
John decides, yeah, let's go again. 50-yard scamper right here.
That would lead to another Hallid touchdown as the Ellensburg Bulldogs took the lead 13-6.
And here comes Mr. Hallid one more time as he will dive over 321 yards on the night for Mr. Hallid
as Ellensburg rips Grandview 40-12.
Two other Mid-Valley scores look like this. It was Eastmont winning at home 24-6 over Sela.
And topping us with a big road victory at Othello 30-12.
A Valle A West Showdown, we take you down to White Swan. The Cougars looking to flex their muscle.
Holy cow, we're well into this. This is East Valley now on the run with a 3-0 lead.
And now they make it 10-0 as Ty Nunez hooks up with Ben Elliott.
Nunez on the receiving end. It was 10-0 East Valley. And happy Halloween to that little Cougar.
Second quarter, Elliott drives the alley up to Nunez and Ty will sky and pull it in again.
It was 17-0 Devils at the half. The Cougs say, big deal.
We'll just turn the other cheek and come back here in the second half.
Justin Cottrell, watch this. Kaboom!
Saying hello to Mr. Nunez. The Cougars make things happen indeed here on defense.
Elliott under pressure, picked off by White Swan's Andy Juarez.
And after another turnover deep in East Valley territory, Scott Henry keeps it and goes in.
But as you see, it's not enough as White Swan goes on to lose 17-8.
So that'll set up a three-way showdown between East Valley and Wapato and White Swan in about 10 days.
Zilla on the road tonight against a vastly improving Connell team.
The Leopards come out totally flat after last week's big win over Riverview.
Connell shuts down Eli Whitaker right there. Eagles led 14-0 in the first quarter.
Zilla finally puts it together in the second half. Tyler Widener back at quarterback for the first time in several weeks.
The perfect pass to Brian Reed. Widener would later find Whitaker for another touchdown.
But Zilla misses two, two-point conversions. Connell shocks the Leopards.
14-12. Leopards though can still win the East with a victory over Burbank next week.
Let's see the scores. Please, Royal annihilates Granger, 47-0.
Burbank picks up a win, as does Goldendale in a thriller, 8-7 over Cleolum.
What do you say? Let's turn on the lights and go to Zephyl Stadium.
The Cadets trying to silence the Kennewick Lions. A rematch of last year's state quarterfinal playoff.
Kennewick up 7-0 early. Cadets swarm on defense. That's Zach Gavin. How you doing?
Cadets make something happen again on D. Garrett White with the pick here in the second half.
And yes, past the earmuffs. It was a cold one tonight.
Here we go on the flea flicker. Dusty Edler to J.T. Statler. That sets up an Edler touchdown run right here.
The Cadets think a miracle comeback. It wouldn't happen.
Lions end a most disappointing season for the Cadets with a victory, 7-6.
Davis will play tomorrow night at Zephyl Stadium, 7-30 against Juanita.
Kamiakin wins the big nine title by crushing Moses Lake.
It was Richland pumbling Pascoe and Wenatchee 24, Walla Walla 21.
And finally, a non-leaguer will take it down to Finley.
The Highland Scotties were only in this one at Riverview from the opening coin flip.
The Panthers, irate after losing to Zillow last week, would take out their aggressions on the Scots.
Neal Mentor finds Jeremy Fast for 6, and Scottie fans, you don't want to see any more.
Riverview goes on to Hammer Highland 62-6.
Talking basketball now, the Sun Kings make a minor trade today.
They send that man, number 52, forward Sean Tyson to Oklahoma City for a seventh round draft choice.
This is the second time Yakima has traded Tyson, but I think this time for good.
Yakima coach Herman Cole said Tyson became expendable because of the excellent rookie crop the Sun Kings enjoy this season.
How about Friday night at the fights?
WBO Heavyweight Champion Tommy Morrison gets pummeled by Michael Bent.
Bent comes out from the opening bell and belts Morrison with a barrage of punches.
Morrison goes down three times in the first round.
The referee stops it. The TKO, Morrison loses, and he loses much more than that.
He was scheduled to make over 7 million bucks in a fight against Lennox Lewis.
Obviously, that won't happen, and you've got to wonder what Yakima Heavyweight Joe Hitt might be thinking.
He almost beat Morrison, and he was scheduled to fight Bent before getting injured.
So sooner or later, Joe Hitt is going to get his shot.
And finally, what do you say, a little Halloween fun?
A radio station in Green Bay is broadcasting from atop a billboard this weekend,
but the DJs are inviting Packer fans to throw pumpkins off the billboards.
It's all part of a very intelligent, I think, way to get pumped for the Packers game against the Chicago Bears this weekend.
As the pumpkins were smashed, they yelled, pummel the bears or bash the bears.
And indeed, that's the way she goes.
More Halloween fun at Mile High Stadium Sunday in Denver.
As if there's not enough orange there already, the Seahawks invade Mile High on Sunday on Halloween kickoff, 1 o'clock Sunday here on KNDO.
Right on this station.
Don't turn the dial.
Busy, busy night for you.
Yes, just another wild Friday.
Another wild Friday.
Your whole team ought to take the rest of the weekend.
OK, have a nice one.
And we've got some more coming up for you next.
Four-wheel fully independent suspension.
24 valves, 214 horses.
Speed proportional steering.
Four-wheel AVS and computerized traction control.
And cab forward design for greater stability.
At last, an American luxury car that can make these feel like invitations instead of warnings.
Presenting the Chrysler LHS.
See your local Northwest Chrysler Plymouth dealer.
Babies are full of little surprises like when they...