Andrew Kirk

Andrew Kirk is a stay-at-home dad pursuing a second master’s degree to become a middle school history teacher. He previously worked seven years as a digital media editor for a cluster of radio stations and thee years as a business section editor at a newspaper. He graduated from the University of Utah with a master’s in mass communication in 2007. He has five children and enjoys jogging on Columbia River trails.

Richland bridal shop finds new ways to dress wedding parties

August 11, 2021

Andrew Kirk

One new Richland business knew brides would “say yes to the dress” if they could. RoseLily Bridal is doing whatever it takes to allow them their moment, even in a pandemic.RoseLily, formerly Amy’s Bridal, is under new ownership after longtime employee Elaina Morrow bought the store from her mentor, Amy...

Pasco produce store opens amid shutdown, nears first anniversary

May 12, 2021

Andrew Kirk

As a teenager Veronica Delgado worked in the Pasco Specialty Kitchen with a woman who made her own jams and sold them at the farmers market.After graduating, she worked in a grocery store selling produce.Later she began selling produce from her uncle’s Pasco farm off Road 100 at the Pasco...

City of Kennewick: Tax dollars keep hammers swinging

October 15, 2020

Andrew Kirk

Government-funded projects are keeping construction workers busy in Kennewick despite the recession.Multiple commercial and residential projects are underway in every area of the city, and the largest are funded by the city, Benton County, Kennewick School District and Port of Kennewick, said Evelyn Lusignan, the city of Kennewick’s spokeswoman.“Development activity...

City of Pasco: Affordability still key to record growth

October 15, 2020

Andrew Kirk

Construction is booming in Pasco.It’s because the city is an incredible value for builders, said Rick White, Pasco’s director of community and economic development.Whether residential, commercial or industrial, Pasco is less expensive to develop than Richland and Kennewick and it promises population growth, he said.With 77,100 residents, the Franklin County...

Cherry picked: Growers worry about finding enough workers

June 15, 2020

Andrew Kirk

Covid-19 could hurt southeast Washington’s cherry crop by limiting the number of fruit pickers allowed in orchards.The fickle crop is healthy, delicious and highly profitable, but a litany of factors can threaten its success. If weather cooperates and diseases are kept at bay, the fruit must be picked, packed, shipped,...

Hired help: Pandemic exacerbates ag labor shortage

June 15, 2020

Andrew Kirk

The state of Washington is under pressure to enforce social distancing guidelines at farms and orchards, but farmers say they can’t find enough agricultural workers to hire, and social distancing requirements interfere with plans currently in place.“We might force people into housing conditions that are less safe. If someone comes...

Surplus spuds: Coronavirus upends potato industry

June 15, 2020

Andrew Kirk

Demand for Mid-Columbia potatoes was growing every year — until coronavirus.Area potato growers specialize in varieties that taste great after freezing, while most Idaho potatoes wind up in the grocery store produce section. Southeast Washington potatoes head to processing facilities like those owned by Lamb Weston or the J.R. Simplot...