Plans for Red Mountain wine processing facility underway

Aquilini Winery has submitted preliminary plans to build a 170,000-square-foot wine processing facility in Benton County.

The proposed plant would be south of Antinori Road and Highway 224 on Red Mountain, between West Richland and Benton City.

The company submitted preliminary plans to the Benton County Planning Department on Oct. 2.

Aquilini Vineyards of Vancouver, B.C., owns 1,500 acres of vineyards in the state, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, according to its job announcement for a grape sales manager posted in March.

Aquilini bought 670 acres for $8.2 million in a 2013 auction from the Kennewick Irrigation District.

Benton County planning officials said Aquilini Winery has not yet applied for conditional land use approval. It has applied for an environmental assessment.

The Red Mountain American Viticultural Area, or AVA, a status achieved in 2001, already is home to about 54 vineyards covering more than 2,300 acres, making it one of the most densely planted AVAs, with 57 percent of the AVA currently planted. Grapes from the AVA fetch about three times the state average, according to the Red Mountain AVA Alliance website.

Spokane credit union buys Richland property for next Tri-City branch

A Spokane-based credit poised to open its first branch in Kennewick later this month has bought property for a branch office in the Richland Queensgate area with plans to open in January.

STCU will renovate the building at 2590 Queensgate Drive, across from Panera Bread, that was once home to Yakima-based Solarity Credit Union, which opened there in 2017, and AmericanWest Bank. Public building records show STCU paid $2 million for the property.

The Queensgate Financial Center, led by Branch Manager Sabrina Barrera, will offer a full array of financial services. A ribbon-cutting is planned at 3 p.m. Jan. 7.

STCU plans to open its Southridge Financial and Home Loan Center with a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. Nov. 26. It’s the first Tri-City location for the credit union, a nonprofit financial cooperative with roots in education.

The Southridge Financial and Home Loan Center, 4704 W. Hildebrand Blvd. in Kennewick, will offer a full slate of services for consumers and businesses, including checking, savings and investment accounts; home, auto and personal loans; and credit cards. It will house STCU Home Loans offices, a drive-through and 24-hour ATMs.

STCU plans to open a Pasco branch in 2019.

Earlier this year, STCU bought land along Keene Road in Richland. Plans for that property aren’t finalized.

STCU membership is open to anyone in Washington.

A small group of educators started the Spokane-based credit union in 1934, with a shoebox for members’ cash. It has grown to more than 180,000 members, including 2,400 already living in the Tri-Cities. The Southridge location is No. 23 for the credit union.

Gesa Stadium to receive $2 million in upgrades

Pasco’s Gesa Stadium will receive $2 million in improvements and upgrades.

The Pasco City Council recently approved the allocation of 2019 lodging tax proceeds as recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

The action paves the way for the financing of $2 million. The cost of the improvements will be repaid with lodging tax proceeds of $160,000 annually over an estimated 20 years.

Lodging taxes are collected by local hotels on a per-night basis and re-distributed in the city it was collected to promote tourism.

The 23-year-old Gesa Stadium is owned by the city and hosts more than 100,000 guests per year for Tri-City Dust Devils baseball, Pasco’s Grand Old 4th of July Celebration, WIAA 3A and 4A State Baseball Championships and other events throughout the year.

“We look forward to working with the city of Pasco to identify improvements to Gesa Stadium that will allow the ballpark to continue to have a positive economic impact on the local economy and enhance the quality of life for all of us in the Tri-Cities,” said Dust Devils President Brent Miles in a news release.

‘Move Over’ Law now includes utility workers

Washington state law already requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped on the shoulder of the highway.

Motorists must do the same for utility vehicles, including line trucks from power utilities, or face a $1,000 fine, according to Franklin PUD.

Utility workers often have to work on powerlines along roadways in inclement weather conditions, at night or in emergency situations to restore power, which adds to the dangers associated with this work, the PUD said.

“Our linemen need to be able to concentrate on their work and not have to be concerned about vehicles speeding by the work area. Our goal every day is safety for our workers to ensure they go home to their families every night,” said Stephen Frost, utility safety coordinator for Benton PUD, Franklin PUD, Benton REA and Richland Energy Services. “This law supports the importance of drivers to move over or slow down when approaching any vehicle at the side of the road.”

The law requires drivers to vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles, such as police or tow trucks, if they are traveling in the same direction and it is safe to do so. If not, drivers are required to slow down within 200 feet before and after a stopped emergency vehicle that has its flashing lights activated.

A driver who violates these emergency zone driving restrictions is guilty of reckless endangerment of emergency zone workers and can be fined $1,000, receive a jail sentence and/or lose driving privileges.

Deadlines approaching for state solar incentive program

Deadlines have been set for a popular Washington renewable-energy incentive program that is nearing the maximum funding level and is expected to meet the incentive limit by June.

Customers installing residential scale solar projects have until Feb. 14 to apply for the state incentive program, according to a joint news release from Benton PUD and Franklin PUD.

After that date, customers will be put on a wait list and applications will only be processed if money is available.

This is due to the program nearing the state funding limit of $110 million, not each utility’s specific funding limit.

Last month, about $95 million had been reserved either through application reviews already underway, existing contracts or project certification or recertification. However, there is a strong possibility funds will be exhausted before the February deadline, the PUDs said.

Smaller projects, with capacities up to 12 kW (residential scale) or greater than 12 kW (commercial scale) must be installed and pass a final electrical inspection by Jan. 31 and then apply for incentive payments by Feb. 14.

SBA’s loan volume more than $905M in Washington, Idaho

The U.S. Small Business Administration district office serving Washington and northern Idaho recently announced fiscal year 2018 lending numbers showing that it guaranteed more than $905 million to small businesses that otherwise would not have had access to capital.

Nationally, SBA loan volume reached more than $30 billion. There were about 1,600 7(a) loans made in the SBA district and 60,353 nationally. The total dollar amount of 7(a) loans in the SBA district was $797.7 million and $25.37 billion nationally.

The 7(a) guarantees loans to small businesses up to $5 million on reasonable terms and conditions and are commonly used for acquiring land, buying equipment or working capital.

The SBA’s 504 loan program totaled 136 loans in the district for $107.7 million. Nationally, 5,874 loans equaled more than $4.75 billion.

The 504 loan program helps small businesses acquire fixed assets to promote economic development with long-term fixed rate financing.

In fiscal year 2018, there was significant growth in SBA’s smaller loans, including a record volume of dollars lent in the microloan and Community Advantage Programs.

Specifically, in the Washington-northern Idaho district, 60 loans were approved for more than $802,000 in the microloan program and 13 loans for more than $2 million in SBA’s Community Advantage program.

The SBA said it is working to provide more access to financing in rural communities across Washington and northern Idaho. Currently, the SBA offers fee relief on 7(a) loans up to $150,000 in rural counties as defined by the U.S. Census.

For more information about SBA’s loan programs and other services, visit sba.gov.

Mid-Columbia duck race raises more than $182K

The annual Mid-Columbia Rotary Duck Race sold more than 36,000 tickets and raised $182,125 for Tri-City Rotary clubs.

The Oct. 6 race at Columbia Park was the 30th annual event that Tri-City Rotary clubs have put on. This year’s grand prize, a 2018 Toyota RAV4, went to Brad Bell, and was provided by Toyota of Tri-Cities, the event’s premier sponsor. In addition, 47 other prizes were awarded that were donated by Mid-Columbia businesses.

Kennewick center opens for Exchange enrollment help

Kennewick is among the cities where six new in-person assistant sites have been created for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange open enrollment through Dec. 15.

Those who want help enrolling for health and dental insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may go to one of 10 locations for personal assistance.

Those who would like assistance locally can go to the Kennewick enrollment office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at The Advisor Benefits Group, 5101 W. Clearwater Ave., Ste. 100, or call 509-582-3074 or email kevin@advisorbenefits.com.

In addition to the Kennewick site, enrollment offices are in Federal Way, Spokane, Yakima, Bellingham, Olympia, Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver and Wenatchee.

For more information, call 855-923-4633 or go to wahealthplanfinder.org.

Hermiston seeks applicants to operate food pod program

The city of Hermiston is seeking applicants to operate a mobile vending food pod pilot program for one to two years on city-owned downtown property.

The program would operate on two city-owned lots. The operator will be able to use the land for free during the pilot period and can keep profits from space rentals.

The operator will be expected to recruit and retain at least five mobile food vendors; provide and maintain sanitary facilities such as portable toilets and hand-washing stations; ensure all vendors vacate the property at least once a week; keep the area clean; and allow the city to inspect bookkeeping records and sub-agreements.

City council will analyze the program and discuss a system that will work financially long-term and that does not require the use of subsidized public land permanently. The pilot project is intended to last between 12 and 24 months.

Proposals are due Dec. 3. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2Sxk65i.

Initiative to fill jobs with veterans surpasses its 3,000th hire since 2016

YesVets, a statewide initiative to recognize businesses that hire veterans, recently marked the hiring of the 3,000th individual through the program.

The program launched by the Washington Legislature in 2016 now has 700 business participants.

The program was recognized in 2017 with the Public Relations Society of America Puget Sound Totem Award for Community Relations.

Businesses that would like to participate in the program can go to esd.wa.gov/yesvets.

Columbia Industries’ fundraiser dinner is Dec. 6

Columbia Industries is planning a fundraiser dinner called Evening of Miracles.

Guests may enjoy a salmon and prime rib dinner, bid on silent auction items, browse an art gallery featuring pieces created by people with disabilities and hear how Columbia Industries’ programs are changing lives.

The event is at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at Canyon Lakes Clubhouse in Kennewick.

The suggested donation amount is $100 per guest.

To RSVP, call 509-582-4142, ext. 117, or visit https://columbiaindustries.com/evening-miracles.

Grant funds WSU Tri-Cities class on teaching K-12 computer science

Future teachers will better learn how to teach computer science in the K-12 classroom, thanks to a new course at Washington State University Tri-Cities.

A grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and matching funds from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory allowed the creation of a class that gives teacher candidates and current teachers a deeper focus on computational thinking, fundamentals of computers and basics of introductory programming.

“Computer science is a crucial component of a student’s education, which is why it is important to offer a program that will support the preparation for our schools’ teachers in this area,” said Jonah Firestone, education professor at WSU Tri-Cities.

Scratch, a program to develop basic computer code in a visual form, is being used in the class. Students also are learning how to write lesson plans for the material and how to break down these technical subjects into language that a young student can understand and retain.

The course also will be included in a series of courses for a proposed computer science education endorsement at WSU Tri-Cities.

Cheese Louise closes after owner’s death

The Richland Parkway’s Cheese Louise restaurant has permanently closed after the death of its owner, Tamara Krieger, 54.

A sign posted on the door of the restaurant announcing the closure thanked “this wonderful community for making this place special for the last 10 years.”

The cheese-and-wine shop that also served meals was owned by Krieger and her husband Bill. They opened the Richland store in October 2009 at 619 The Parkway. They also had operated a similar shop in Walla Walla.

Dental Health Services fined after missing deadline

A company once the largest dental insurer in the Washington Health Benefit Exchange faces a $200,000 fine for failing to substantially improve its process for identifying and responding to member grievances and consumer complaints.

Dental Health Services’ fine was issued by state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and came after a $300,000 fine in 2017, with $200,000 suspended if the company met a compliance plan.

Dental Health Services stopped selling dental plans in 2018 and 2019 as part of the 2017 deal.

Corps Industry Day draws more than 130 businesses

More than 130 business owners attended the Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District’s “Industry Day” in early October.

The Corps’ contracts total between $90 million and $130 million for construction projects, architect-engineering studies and supplies and services needed to operate its facilities.

The event provided information to those interested in learning about how to do business with the Corps, contract opportunities, compete for contracts as well as network with other businesses doing business with the Corps.

Fair sponsors downtown Kennewick art project

The Benton Franklin Fair is the sponsor of the newest traffic box art project in downtown Kennewick.

The project is the second in a planned series of traffic box mural installations.

The fair and rodeo-themed display at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Washington Street, across from the Red Apple market, is the work of Kody Flannery of Monarch Tattoo.

The fair worked with the Downtown Kennewick Historic Partnership on the project as part of the fair’s 70th anniversary celebration.

Traffic box wraps are a popular way for communities to turn unsightly but necessary utility boxes into works of public art.

The Kennewick Arts Commission is in the process of reviewing artists’ submissions to wrap an additional nine boxes in the year ahead, mostly with historic Kennewick themes.

The Benton Franklin Fair earned the 2014 Visual Arts Award from the commission for a mural at the fairgrounds painted by students from area alternative schools.

Benton County earmarks $79K for Chaplaincy program

The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved giving $79,340 from the public safety sales tax to Chaplaincy Health Care’s Step Up program.

The program assesses at-risk youth at intake for anti-social and criminal behaviors and who are then enrolled in the 11-week session. Adolescents and their families graduate after successfully completing the program.

This program works closely with Benton and Franklin Counties’ Juvenile Justice Center to get referrals, but also has a goal to reach youth and families before they enter the criminal justice system to prevent criminal behavior among at-risk youth.

The public sales tax money will go toward the program’s 2019-20 operating costs, including staff, training, outreach and supplies.

For more information, contact Tom Adams at toma@chaplaincyhealthcare.org.

Second Harvest seeks donations for turkey drive

Second Harvest is seeking donations for its third annual turkey drive, which will provide 2,600 Thanksgiving meal boxes for area families in need.

A donation of $30 will provide a complete holiday meal box including a turkey and all the sides. The first $10,000 in donations will be matched, thanks to the Exponential Ag LLC.

To donate, go to 2-harvest.org/turkey or contact Jean Tucker at 509-545-0787.

Zintel Creek Golf Club adds golf simulator for public use

Zintel Creek Golf Club in Kennewick has installed a state-of-the-art golf simulator for public rental.

It is the only public golf simulator of this type in the Tri-City area, according to Zintel Creek officials.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors during colder weather while golfing indoors on a virtual golf course. Top courses from around the world come to life with immaculate fairways, crosscut greens, swaying trees, water hazards and even wildlife.

Designed to deliver endless entertainment and exceptional golf training, the Full Swing V1 will appeal to anyone that wants to have fun while enjoying drinks and food at the Edge Sports Bar and Grill at Zintel Creek.

“The Full Swing simulator is the closest thing to being out on the course,” said Jordan Spieth, professional golfer, in a news release.

The simulator can be rented by the hour. The single player rate is $35 an hour; the two-player rate is $45 an hour; the three-player rate is $55 an hour. Season passes as well as punch cards also are available.

Reservations and fee schedules are available online at zintelcreek.com.

Benton Franklin Transit taxi services discontinued

The closure of a Richland-based taxi company providing contracted services to Ben Franklin Transit means night, Sunday and taxi feeder services have been discontinued.

A-1 Tri-City Taxi announced its closure Oct. 30 after 38 years in business, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The closure affects more than 60 staff.

The company has been worked with Ben Franklin Transit for 16 years.

“Of immediate concern to BFT is our customers who have scheduled reservations and who rely on the services Tri-City Taxi has been providing. These services will be discontinued until further notice,” Ben Franklin Transit said in a news release.

Ben Franklin Transit said it is working with schools, employers and other community partners to notify customers about the issue.

Agency officials said they also are working to find solutions.