Local News
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit shutters doors in Tri-Cities
The three Dickey’s Barbecue Pit restaurants in the Tri-Cities closed on June 13. Local owner Dan Pelfrey said the closures are the result of a combination of factors, including higher employee wages and severe winter weather. “Winter didn’t help us out at all. It hurt us bad and put us backward in lot of areas…
Community Health Plan of Washington opens Pasco office
Community Health Plan of Washington has opened an office in Pasco. The not-for-profit managed care plan’s Pasco office will provide area residents with a place to seek help finding answers to pressing Medicare and Medicaid questions. The agency celebrated the grand opening of its Greater Columbia regional office May 31 in Pasco. The office is…
State pitches new pay rules
Proposal would up minimum salary for exempt eligibility Hundreds of thousands of workers could earn overtime pay under a new proposal from the state Department of Labor and Industries. The proposed changes would significantly increase the minimum amount employees must earn before they can be exempt from receiving overtime pay and could impact more than…
High-end living near Vista Field on the way
Developers planning luxury apartments with an ‘edge’ Longtime Tri-City commercial developers are planning their most ambitious project to date: a luxury apartment complex on 8.25 acres adjacent to Vista Field, across from Lawrence Scott Park in Kennewick. Although the project is in its very early stages — the Chavallo family currently is looking for an…
Construction companies face shortage of skilled workers
Tri-City construction companies must try harder than ever to recruit skilled workers. Amos Construction recently stationed an employee holding a “now hiring” sign on a busy street in Kennewick. “I’ve run radio ads, placed ads on Craigslist in three cities, done the signage, done logos, I’ve Facebook advertised, and I still can’t find enough employees,”…
Kennewick entrepreneur files for bankruptcy
I-3 Global president faces nearly $2M in lawsuits Multiple agencies, companies and former employees are trying to figure out “where all the money went,” and whether they’ll ever get paid by a Kennewick businessman who has filed for bankruptcy after three lawsuits were filed against him and his company i3 Global. “If you figure out…
Port of Benton executive director retires
Commissioners created process to find successor, search firm will be hired The Port of Benton’s longtime executive director has retired, effective June 1. Scott D. Keller started working at the port 30 years ago as the airport director and assistant executive director before being promoted to executive director 17 years ago. “I’ve done everything I…
Paterson farmer making water from wine
Sandpiper Farms creates Water from Wine nonprofit to fund clean water work By Arielle Dreher In a way, the family behind the local nonprofit Water from Wine is bringing the first miracle of Jesus turning water into a wine into a modern-day context, leveraging the rich wine-growing potential in the vineyard at Sandpiper Farms with…
Chiropractor moving to metal manipulation
Practitioner to retire, return to first career as welder When Bob Tollison, a Tri-City chiropractor, wants a workout, he doesn’t head to the gym. Instead, his preferred fitness routine is a visit to the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 598 in Pasco, where he dons his gear and perfects his welding skills. The skills needed…
Humane Society teams with investment advisor to create pet care plan
Forever Friends plan aids pets after their owners die Many seniors’ wills include provisions for who gets their dog, cat, horse, guinea pig or other furry or feathered friend when they die. But what if the appointed guardian for the surviving pets can’t or won’t take them? What if the pets unintentionally end up at…
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