Good morning, Pasco.

This afternoon crews from Benton County Fire District 1 responded to a brush fire near S.

Meals Rd. and S. Ayers Rd. south of Finley— the fire was contained and no homes were threatened.

HAPO Credit Union completed its acquisition of Community First Bank and will build a new office complex on 7 acres near Clearwater and Uah Street — about a mile west of its current business center — with an 18,000-square-foot commercial center and a 10,000-square-foot call center.

Permits have been approved and all 21 branches plus the five Community First locations will remain open during construction.

JCPenney announced that it is selling its Kennewick store as part of a nationwide sell-off of 119 locations—its $947 million deal will close by September 8 with Boston-based private equity firm Onyx Partners, Ltd.

Operations at the Kennewick store will continue as normal, allowing customers to shop without interruption.

A study by Ohio State University shows that guests at short-term rentals waste over $2.3 billion in food each year, effectively adding an unseen extra 5% cost to their stays.

The research finds that families and younger travelers waste more and that hosts can help reduce waste by offering clear food disposal guidelines + donation options.

Preliminary results for the 2025 primary election in Benton County show that Fire District #1 Proposition No. 1 passed with 59.31% of the vote while Brad Klippert won City of Kennewick Council Position 4 with 68.13%, and contests in Richland, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties also reported early figures — all based on preliminary counts. Officials will update the community when final results become available.

Washington State will change its clocks on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 a.m.—most clocks will change automatically while some devices need to be set manually.

Pasco residents should note the state still follows the federally mandated Daylight Saving Time schedule because a 2019 vote to end the practice awaits an act of Congress.

Eerkes Memorial Auction & Golf Tournament

Various times — CBC Student Recreation Center — Email for sponsorship — A premier fundraising event supporting local youth with exciting auctions and golf tournaments.

Conscious Living Expo

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. — HAPO Center — Check the event page for pricing — Explore holistic living and connect with like-minded individuals in a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

Tri-Cities Powerhouse Comic Con 2025

10 AM - 5 PM — Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center — Tickets available — The ultimate multi-genre pop culture and comic convention uniting all fandoms in Tri-Cities.

Benton Franklin County Fair

Aug 18 - Aug 23 — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Entry fee varies — Celebrate agriculture with rides, exhibits, and family-friendly activities at this local fair.