By Don C. BrunellIt is impossible to ignore Lampson International’s monstrous cranes in its Pasco assembly yard. Those gantries stand out like the Space Needle in Seattle and reach over 560 feet into the sky. Don C. BrunellLike the Space Needle, Lampson is built on a solid footing. Last month,...

By D. Patrick JonesDiversity comes in many dimensions — gender, sexual preference, racial/ethnic makeup, to name a few. This column takes up one — racial and ethnic diversity — in part because it tells such an interesting story for the two counties.First, let’s state the obvious: Benton and Franklin counties...

By David ForsythVerasion is the harvest wake-up call for wine-grape growers and winemakers. The sign to get the harvester ready and the vats empty for the coming harvest. Verasion is the point of development where the berry starts to soften and plump and the fruit is making the final lap...

By Don C. BrunellBelieve it or not, there is good news to report these days.According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, last year Americans donated more than $410 billion in cash to nonprofit organizations, which is up from $389 billion in 2016.  Additionally, giving by individuals represented more...

By Jennifer L. DreyA program linking foreign investors with cash-seeking U.S. developers has contributed millions of dollars of financing to Eastern Washington projects — including ones in Richland and Walla Walla — and created jobs throughout the state at venues including hotels, wineries and resorts.And for the investors, it has...

By Marilou Shea’Tis the season. You know the one I’m talking about. It involves lots of stove time, oodles of fresh, local produce, and those familiar-looking Kerr or Ball mason jars. No matter what berry or pickle you’re into, next to fresh, there is no substitute. Except one: canning or...

By C. Mark SmithThis year marks the 30th anniversary of the Mid-Columbia Duck Race and it is clear the annual fundraiser for six Tri-City Rotary clubs has been an unqualified success.The clubs estimate that over the past 30 years, almost $3 million has been donated by the local Rotary clubs...