By D. Patrick JonesManufacturing in the greater Tri-Cities is synonymous with agricultural processing. Out of the nearly 7,900 manufacturing workers in the two counties in 2017, more than 70 percent commuted daily to an agricultural processing facility. Unlike other EasternWashington metro areas, manufacturing doesn’t rank in the top five by...
By Marilou SheaWhat’s green andtypically soft, smells good and blankets you, your plate or room withswoon-worthy fragrance? Herbs.Marilou Shea,Food Truck AcademyI love herbs! Can’tget enough of them. Mostly because they’re often pretty, smell good and havelots of variety. Sounds like a good first date, right? And what appeals to thelogical...
By Don C. BrunellThere are some dams that should come down and those that shouldn’t.Hopefully, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts its review of the 14 federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers, that will become abundantly clear. That review is expected to be ready for public...
By Andy PerdueWhen a young grapevine begins growing in the sandy soils of Washington’s Columbia Valley, it takes a few years to establish itself and build a foundation of strong roots before producing fruit.After a period known as the juvenileyears, the vines mature, and with the right care and coaxing,...
By Andy PerdueWhile the Washington wine grape market booms, even approaching the state apple industry in size and economic importance, there’s another grape industry that tops the nation in size: juice grapes.Last year, Concord grape growers broughtin nearly 200,000 tons of fruit — 3 percent over the prior year, valued...
By Tyler RussellDon’t fall for the free durable medical equipment scam that’s making the rounds among senior citizens.Tyler RussellThe Better Business Bureau is hearing from consumers — more than 200 since the first of the year — who have been targeted by scammers offering “free” back or knee braces.Here’s how...
By Kris JohnsonWashington’s infrastructure is due for a major investment. Strong economies and livable communities are built on sound roads, bridges and highways, ports that move our goods efficiently to markets throughout the world, and access to safe water and reliable broadband internet in every corner of the state.A new...
By Brian VanceA sense of urgency is building at the Hanford site as we get closer to delivering on our commitment to safely, efficiently and effectively treat tank waste and close Hanford tanks; continue to remediate waste sites and facilities; and reduce risk to our employees, the public and the...
By Marilou SheaI’m often surprised at the number of people who don’t know what “hospitality” means, but I am always pleasantly surprised once I enlighten them. A happy face appears, as a warm memory traverses their heart to their head. It’s clear good hospitality leaves a lasting, memorable imprint.Hospitality shares...
By Beau RuffShould a person giftthe farm before death to avoid the complexity of probate and the estate tax?Probably not. The family farmoccupies a unique position in Washington state estate taxation. It is arguablyone of the best assets to own at death for a wealthy family. It has the benefitof...
