Articles by Elsie Puig
‘Weirdo’ publication gets new owners, publishers as it enters third year
The Tri-Cities’ self-proclaimed “local liberal rag” has new owners and publishers dedicated to keeping the scrappy two-year-old independent paper in print. Adam Brault, owner of &yet, and Sarah Bray, &yet’s chief of strategy, bought Tumbleweird — an eclectic alternative community zine (that’s short for “magazine”) in October. The 10-year-old Richland-based &yet is a design and…
Restaurateurs take baby steps toward brick-and-mortar ventures
Notice more food trucks opening brick-and-mortar locations? It’s a growing trend in the Tri-City food scene, accelerated in part by incubators like the Pasco Specialty Kitchen. Once mobile food vendors like Fresh Out The Box, Hot Tamales, Foodies and Mercy’s Pizza Taco have graduated from food truck to sit-down restaurants. And more hope to follow…
Employers preparing for state’s new paid family, medical leave program
In January, employers will begin collecting premiums for the state’s paid family and medical leave insurance program passed into law last year. Although benefits won’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2020, this statewide benefits program will allow workers to take up to 12 weeks of guaranteed paid time off — 18 weeks in limited special…
Washington L&I considers salary revision for exempt employees
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries could soon be proposing new wage requirements for salaried executive, administrative and professional employees. The wage requirements would be tied to the state’s minimum wage, which is set to go up $1.50 every year through 2020 with the passage of Initiative 1433. The current proposal would increase…
Community First Bank launches rebrand, new website
Community First Bank recently underwent a rebranding to modernize its curb appeal and to unify its different business lines, which now include wealth management, trust services and home mortgages. Formed in 1997, Community First Bank, headquartered in Kennewick with branches in Richland, Pasco and Connell, is the longest running community bank in the area, according…
Award-winning Moses Lake dance studio expands to Pasco
When Danielle Andre opened Today’s Generation Dance Co. in Pasco, she hoped to continue a legacy of award-winning dance instruction that her mother Lori Baker and co-founders Peggy Earl and Janet Bergeson started 19 years ago in Moses Lake. Andre and her husband moved around the U.S. while he finished his medical degree. This allowed…
Residential growth: climbing costs hinder homebuyers
A competitive sellers’ market in the Tri-Cities is creating bidding wars and raising prices of not only resale homes, but also the price of lots for new construction. Dave Retter, owner of Retter & Co. Sotheby’s International in Kennewick, said it’s not rare for a house to be listed at $190,000 and sell for $200,000…
City of Kennewick: Southridge shows no signs of slowing
Commercial and residential growth remains strong in Kennewick, especially in the Southridge area, but city officials say its other areas also are seeing their fair share of activity. “The growth in Kennewick has been pretty strong in the last few years,” said Wes Romine, development services manager for the city of Kennewick. Commercial development is…
Investors plan to build four-story building in downtown Kennewick
A new high-end mixed-use building will be under construction next year in downtown Kennewick. The new 12,000-square-foot building will house retail and restaurant space on the first floor, built-to-suit office spaces on the second floor, and 33 one- to two-bedroom luxury apartments on the third and fourth floors. The rooftop deck will feature a common…
Ben Franklin Transit debuts comprehensive service plan changes
Ben Franklin Transit has rolled out comprehensive service changes, including free Wi-Fi on buses and text alerts, more direct and frequent connections, and extended operating hours. The changes were needed as the Tri-City area has grown and developed, said Daniel Elliott, marketing coordinator for Ben Franklin Transit. “We realigned routes to be more direct. Now…
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