All you wine lovers out there, check out the newest winery in Richland Washington, Hamilton Cellars. Join owners Russ and Stacie Hamilton as they end their long journey with the opening of their tasting room today, January 5. The winery will feature 2006, 2007, and 2008 vintages. The focus of the winery will be Malbec, a red grape commonly grown in Bordeaux region of France. Not many wineries are using the grape for anything other than a blending grape. Winemaker for the Hamiltons, Charlie Hoppes thinks there could be a lot of interest in it. Along with the wines featuring Malbec, Hamilton Cellar’s will also release a merlot, cabernet sauvignon and a white blend of viognier and semillon.

The tasting room will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from…

2247 Views, 2 Comments

Read Full Post

The real estate forecast is looking great for the Tri Cities Washington area according to Veros Real Estate Solutions, a Santa Ana, California based technology firm. Veros has predicted that 40% of the major metro areas across the nation are expected to see home prices going up.  This forecast issued by Veros utilizes over 50 factors to enable them to produce trustworthy predictions about market trends. Some of the factors used to predict these market trends include unemployment and housing inventory levels.

One of the projected top five strongest markets is our very own Tri Cities Washington. The Tri Cities – Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland – has been predicted to see a 3.4% increase in home prices. According to Eric Fox, Vero’s vice president of…

1730 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Start the year off right at Financial Peace University! Bethel Church in Richland Washington will be holding this 13 week course beginning Monday, January 24 from 6:30-9:30pm. The course costs $100 and covers the cost of all the course materials. Childcare will be available if you have children. If you think you might be interested in attending the course then check out one of the preview sessions before you commit. The preview sessions are January 9 at 4:00pm and January 10 at 7:00pm.

Financial Peace University was created by Dave Ramsey to help families and individuals take care of their debt and learn how to live smarter financially. During the 13 weeks of FPU those in attendance will learn about saving, communicating with your significant other…

7882 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Have you made your New Year’s Resolution yet? If your resolution has anything to do with living a healthier life style then check out the Tri City Health and Fitness Expo. The Expo will take place Friday, January 7 from 12:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday, January 8 from 10:00am-6:00pm at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick Washington.

The expo will feature dozens of Tri Cities Washington businesses covering all aspects of health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Vendors include representatives from many local businesses such as the Tri City Court Club, Gold’s Gym, Advocare, Costco, Lourdes Medical Center, Golf Universe, Super Supplements, Qliance Medical Group and so many others. There will also be numerous 45-minute seminars for you to attend…

2372 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

This weekend the Mid Columbia Mastersingers presents A Big Band Christmas performance. This musical performance will take place Saturday night, December 18, in the Chiawana High School auditorium, in Pasco Washington, beginning at 7:00pm. The performance will feature soprano Carisa Simpson, baritone Jeremy Irland, and the Columbia Basin Jazz Orchestra directed by Randy Hubbs. The Mid Columbia Mastersingers will also provide a special presentation of The Pacific Northwest Premiere of a Cantata.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, and the cost is $20 per adult, $15 for senior citizens and college students. There is no charge to attend for kindergarten through high school students.

For more information about this event or the Mid Columbia…

1844 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

This New Year’s Eve head over to the TRAC Arena in Pasco Washington for PBR Bull Riding! Doors will open at 6:00pm but the event will not get started until 7:00pm. This Bull Riding event is part of the PBR Pro Touring Division and is sponsored by local businesses and organizations such as 97Rock, Legacy Ford, KORD, Ranch and Home, and Budweiser.

Tickets can be purchased at several locations throughout the Tri Cities including the Kennewick Ranch and Home, Pasco Ranch and Home, and the TRAC. General admission tickets for adults is $20, reserved tickets for adults is $25, Gold reserved tickets are $30 and children ages 4-11 are $15.

For more information about the PBR Bull Riding event visit the TRAC website or call 509.543.2999.

Posted by Joe and…

2767 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

What follows is a letter submitted by the Tri Cities Home Builders Association's Reneé Dahlgren to the Pasco City Counsel and the Franklin County Commissioners in opposition to the proposed Pasco School District impact fees. We too are opposed to the idea and HBA's letter sums up our thoughts exactly.

On behalf of the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities (HBA), I would like to submit our opposition to proposed traffic impact fees suggested by the Pasco School District's Superintendent in the December 2nd article in the Tri-City Herald. First, we fully understand the need for the Pasco School District to find ways to fund their capital projects. Our members don't just build in this community – they live and play here too, and their children attend…

1918 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

On Friday, December 17, from 7:00-9:00pm the REACH Interpretive Center will be hosting the monthly 509Art Salon. The 509Art Salon is a place for local artists and art enthusiasts to get together to meet one another, it is also a place for them to discuss and experience art in Eastern Washington. During the December Salon come and hear about the REACH and the 2011 Mardis Gras event, discuss how to incorporate the Arts community into the event, and learn about Richland’s desire to add art along the Columbia River. The December 509Art Salon will take place at the REACH Interpretive Center in Richland Washington.

If you are planning on attending make sure to RSVP to 509.943.4100 so the REACH can plan for feeding everyone.

Mark your calendars for the…

1801 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

On December 17 come out to watch the Tri City Americans Hockey team and support a great cause. The Tri City Americans and the Washington State Potato Foundation are joining together for this game to recognize agriculture. The Tri City Americans will be playing the Vancouver Giants at 7:05 pm at the Toyota Center in Kennewick Washington. For AG Nights, ticket prices have been discounted, each ticket will cost $10; $3 of the proceeds will go to the Washington State Potato Foundation.

The purpose of the Washington State Potato Foundation is to provide scholarship money for students who desire to pursue a career in agriculture related areas. The scholarship is open to students in both Washington and Oregon who are in the process of obtaining a two or four…

1729 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

‘Tis the season to be giving! This afternoon, December 4 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Historic Downtown Kennewick will be holding Warm Hands, Warm Heart. At 3:00pm Santa will make a grand entrance into Flag Plaza in Kennewick Washington, Santa will be riding in style as he enters in on a vintage fire truck. After his grand entrance, Santa will be available for pictures with a small donation to Pet over Population. Throughout the afternoon several groups and individuals will provide music, they are: Miss Tri Cities, Finley 8th grade girls, and The Merrie Greenwood Players.

Merchants and vendors in historic downtown Kennewick will accept donations of hats and mittens throughout the afternoon, these donations will be given to Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery. Stores…

1778 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post