Good morning, Pasco.

Ben Franklin Transit is restarting its free bus rides to the fair today through August 23 with special tour guides offering trivia and fair history.

The buses run every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to midnight—at Lampson stadium they run every 15 minutes starting at 4 p.m.

On September 13, 2025, Pasco will host its annual Fiery Foods Pepper Eating Contest at Peanuts Park downtown—competitors will face a challenge that starts with hot peppers and adds a new Cluckin’ Hot Wing Challenge, too.

Organizations must register by August 21 with Alexandrea Contreras to secure their spot.

The NAACP Tri-Cities Branch opened a new office in Pasco on Aug 18—strengthening local advocacy efforts.

Police arrested 43-year-old Jayson Castenada near Westgate Elementary School at 9:31 p.m. on Sunday on charges of domestic violence felonies—obstruction and resisting arrest—after an assault was reported from South Conway Place.

Kennewick police arrested Jayson Castaneda on August 17 for assault and violating a protective order after he fled officers and ran into a K-9 unit near Westgate Elementary School.

A man was arrested after he allegedly stole items from a metal scrapyard — police said he ran from officers and hid in a dumpster — and he now faces charges of burglary, trespassing, and obstructing a public servant.

Between June 1 and July 21, Pasco police conducted heightened DUI checks that resulted in 11 arrests, 192 tickets and 184 warnings and removed 105 impaired drivers from the roads + state reports show a 31% increase in DUI-related crimes.

Gesa Credit Union today announced new debit cards for Pasco’s new Sageview and Orion high schools and Gesa checking account customers will get a free card featuring a Lobo mascot or a four-propeller plane—each purchase will support student activities.

The program, which started in 2015 and has given over $2.2 million in total, will contribute $68,000 to Pasco School District as part of $440,000 donated to participating districts.

Sageview High, a new Pasco high school, opened its doors to students this morning after a two-year wait.

Principal Raquel Martinez said the school features a culinary kitchen, study lounges, a fully equipped weight and aerobic room, and an outside lunch area, and the first week begins August 26 with planned extracurricular events — academics, arts, athletics, and activities.

Columbia Crossing Swim

4-6 p.m. — Columbia River — Registration fee required — Compete in a thrilling 1.5 mile open water swim across the scenic Columbia River.