Science teacher Christy Wood, of Selah, returned two weeks ago from a once-in-a-lifetime experience learning about space exploration in an up-close and personal way.

Pictures: Christy Wood completes an extra-vehicular-activity (EVA) in space (a space walk) during her week-long space academy in Huntsville, Alabama. Courtesy photo

The first annual giant pumpkin growing contest is about to get underway.

The Selah High School FFA has propagated Atlantic giant pumpkin plants in their greenhouse at Selah High School and will sell them for a contest to grow the biggest pumpkin.

Pictured: Selah High School FFA adviser, Ray Harris, holds one of the Atlantic Giant pumpkins propagated for the first annual giant pumpkin contest. The FFA are selling the pumpkins to interested contestants. Martha Goudey photo.

It took only three and a half days for seven trees, estimated to be 100 years old, to come down. The trees were removed last week and early this week to make way for the widening of Selah Loop Road from Goodlander Road to Gore Road.

Pictured:  Noah Peoples and Ernie Torres survey one of seven large trees, estimated to be 100 years old, they cut down this past week along Selah Loop Road to make way for widening the road. Martha Goudey photo.

The Selah Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee sent questionnaires to Selah businesses recently, and are hoping for a response.

Selah Police officers hosted an open house Thursday at the new Selah Police Department at 617 South First Street.

Pictured: Lt. Stacy Dwarshuis allows fourth-grader Chad Clark to sit in his chair at the new police station at the open house last Thursday. Chad has Aspergers Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism. “He came today because he has an interest in law enforcement,” said Sally Clark, Chad’s mother. Martha Goudey photo.

Allen Schmid

Allen Schmid did not receive the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service last week in Seattle.

But the former city councilman told the City Council Tuesday that he was honored to have been a nominee for the award.

Mayor Bob Jones nominated Schmid for the Jefferson Award because of his service to Selah.

“I want to thank Bob Jones for nominating me,” Schmid said.

Allen Schmid

Selah High School senior Johnny Martinez was chosen Mr. Selah High School Saturday night in a fun-filled, hilarious, and light-hearted competition. Carlos Torres was selected as runner-up.

Selah orchardists who have been needing frost control, will have another tool in their arsenal as of April 4, when Naches-Selah Irrigation District will have water flowing in the canals.

All water users are supposed to give 24 notice before water goes on or off.

The release of water was delayed slightly because of improvements to the lines in the 11,000 acre district.

District Manager, Justin Harter, said the district has been working on modernizing the 11,000 acre district that irrigates farms from Naches to Gleed to Selah to the west side of the Wenas.