Daily editionFriday, August 15th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of August.
Community
Benton County Fairgrounds will greet fairgoers Tuesday with a new temporary entrance near the main parking lot — each parking row now has clear farm animal signs to help locate vehicles.
Officials advise visitors to take a photo of their parking sign and suggest using the Ben Franklin Bus as renovations upgrade the historic fairgrounds.
KONARead more
Benton County Fairgrounds will welcome fairgoers Tuesday with a new temporary entrance near the main parking lot marked by a giant inflatable cowboy—helping visitors use the updated entry.
Enhanced parking features signs with farm animals and row numbers—making it easier for visitors to find their vehicles and encouraging use of the Ben Franklin Bus.
The KEYRead more
Business
Entrepreneur Dustin DeCoria and his wife Andrea bought 2.8 acres at 1336 Spaulding Ave in Richland—where they plan to build The Pickleball Pen, a 50,000-square-foot indoor facility with at least 16 AI-assisted pickleball courts and extra amenities such as a cardio center and Kids Fun Pen. They expect groundbreaking within six months and aim to open the facility in March next year.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
Finance
Mortgage rates fell last week with the 30-year rate dropping to 6.66%—down 4 basis points—and the 15-year rate to 5.72% as experts expect a 25 basis point Fed cut next month that could lower payments for Kennewick home buyers.
FOX 41 YakimaRead more
Government
Washington now has over 713,000 concealed pistol licenses, up from 699,000 at the start of the year, after lawmakers passed a bill that will require safety training before purchasing a gun.
Kennewick residents can openly carry firearms if they hold a valid permit & must remove loaded magazines from vehicles & the new rule is expected to boost public safety.
The KEYRead more
Local leaders and veterans groups in TriCities have pushed for a new cemetery to honor local heroes, and the state budget included a $500,000 measure to study cost details—supporting careful planning for future sessions.
Officials plan to review land options in upcoming meetings to further the project.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Ben Franklin Transit is offering free rides for the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — the free rides run from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. at six pick-up locations listed on the BFT website.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Health
New U Women’s Clinic & Aesthetics opened its luxury facility at 10973 W. 10th Ave. in Kennewick in July to offer women's health, aesthetic medicine, weight loss and wellness services.
Local native Rachel Fidino and her husband Andrew Fidino built the 12,000-square-foot, two-story building featuring 15 treatment rooms and a grand staircase that shows health care can be more than a standard office visit.
Tri-Cities Business NewsRead more
Kennewick Events
Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo 2025
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 · 8 a.m. — Benton County Fairgrounds — Entry fee required — Celebrate community spirit with agricultural exhibits and entertainment at the annual fair.
Daughtry Concert
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 · 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Cost info not provided — Experience live rock music from one of the best-selling bands of the 21st century.
Banda Carnaval Live Performance
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 · 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Starting at $88 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Banda Carnaval at the fairgrounds.
PBR: Kennewick Challenger Series
Friday, September 5th, 2025 · 12:00 – 8:29 PM — Toyota Center — Tickets required for attendees 3 years and older — Experience thrilling professional bull riding action in Kennewick.
Columbia Crossing Swim
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 4-6 p.m. — Columbia River — Registration required — Challenge yourself with a 1.5 mile open water swim across the scenic Columbia River.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, September 7th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free to play — Wrap up your weekend with an all-ages Music Bingo event featuring sing-along hits.
WHL Preseason: Tri-City Americans vs. Spokane Chiefs
Friday, September 12th, 2025 · 3:30-7:30 p.m. — Toyota Center — Tickets available — Enjoy an exciting WHL preseason matchup between local teams.
Homebuyer 101 Workshop
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · Time not specified — CMG Home Loans — Free entry — Navigate the homebuying process with expert guidance in this informative workshop.
WHL Preseason: Tri-City Americans vs. Wenatchee Wild
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 2:00 – 3:30 PM — Toyota Center — Ticket required for ages 3 and up — Watch the WHL teams battle it out in an exciting preseason matchup.