By Andy PerdueWhen a young grapevine begins growing in the sandy soils of Washington’s Columbia Valley, it takes a few years to establish itself and build a foundation of strong roots before producing fruit.After a period known as the juvenileyears, the vines mature, and with the right care and coaxing,...
By Andy PerdueWhile the Washington wine grape market booms, even approaching the state apple industry in size and economic importance, there’s another grape industry that tops the nation in size: juice grapes.Last year, Concord grape growers broughtin nearly 200,000 tons of fruit — 3 percent over the prior year, valued...
By Tyler RussellDon’t fall for the free durable medical equipment scam that’s making the rounds among senior citizens.Tyler RussellThe Better Business Bureau is hearing from consumers — more than 200 since the first of the year — who have been targeted by scammers offering “free” back or knee braces.Here’s how...
By Kris JohnsonWashington’s infrastructure is due for a major investment. Strong economies and livable communities are built on sound roads, bridges and highways, ports that move our goods efficiently to markets throughout the world, and access to safe water and reliable broadband internet in every corner of the state.A new...
By Brian VanceA sense of urgency is building at the Hanford site as we get closer to delivering on our commitment to safely, efficiently and effectively treat tank waste and close Hanford tanks; continue to remediate waste sites and facilities; and reduce risk to our employees, the public and the...
By Marilou SheaI’m often surprised at the number of people who don’t know what “hospitality” means, but I am always pleasantly surprised once I enlighten them. A happy face appears, as a warm memory traverses their heart to their head. It’s clear good hospitality leaves a lasting, memorable imprint.Hospitality shares...
By Beau RuffShould a person giftthe farm before death to avoid the complexity of probate and the estate tax?Probably not. The family farmoccupies a unique position in Washington state estate taxation. It is arguablyone of the best assets to own at death for a wealthy family. It has the benefitof...
By Andy PerdueOne of the most important vineyards on Red Mountain has been sold.Artz Vineyard, planted in 1997, was bought this spring by Scott Williams, second-generation winemaker of Kiona Vineyards & Winery. Williams and his wife Vicky already own several top vineyards on the ridge that many winemakers consider the...
By D. Patrick JonesThe area’s artscalendar is full, as a glance at any Tri-City events calendar makes instantlyclear. Consider music. Thearea is home to classical organizations such as the Mid-Columbia Symphony,Camerata Musica, Mid-Columbia Mastersingers. Festivals pop up in venues in thearea, especially in spring and summer, such as the Mariachi...
By Tyler RussellEmployment scamswere the riskiest con of 2018, according to the latest report from the BetterBusiness Bureau. Tyler Russell, Better Business BureauThese scams toppedthe list for men and women, three of BBB’s six age brackets, and for bothstudents and veterans, according to data from the BBB Scam Tracker Risk...
