Daily
Kennewick
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Friends are rallying to support beloved local volunteer Jimmy 'Woo Hoo' Butcher after an undetected water leak rendered his home uninhabitable. Community leaders are planning events and financial aid—currently, a fundraising campaign has raised $8,500 as of September 30—to help remove the condemned house and build a new one while he stays with family. Apple Valley News Now
- ➤ Ben Franklin Transit donated two retired vans through its Van Me Down program to local nonprofits Elijah Family Homes and Seasons Housing that help families in recovery and those rebuilding their lives. The vans will be put into service immediately to offer transportation for jobs, school, and medical appointments. Apple Valley News Now
- ➤ Kennewick will host the Mrs. Roper Romp event this Saturday, October 4th, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.—a fun nod to Three’s Company as costumed participants enjoy food, drinks, and discounts downtown—and every $10 ticket provides a strand of glam beads and a walking guide while raising funds for The Arc of Tri-Cities. KONA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lamb Weston, one of the Tri-Cities’ biggest employers, reported on Sept. 30 that net sales increased by $5.2 million and adjusted income grew 5% despite a weaker North American market — increased international demand helped offset the decline. Leaders project guarded optimism for fiscal 2026 with expected net sales between $6.35 billion and $6.55 billion and EBITDA of $1 to $1.2 billion. Tri-Cities Business News
- ➤ Labor and Industries announced on September 30 that Washington's minimum wage will increase from $16.66 to $17.13 per hour on January 1—local businesses may face worker hour consolidation and hiring freezes as a result. KONA
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Benton County Sheriff's Office is searching for Betty Kennard, 84, who has dementia and was last seen leaving her home on W 251 PR on September 30 between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.—she wore a green sweater and dark-colored pants while officials urge anyone with information to call non-emergency dispatch. NBC Tri-Cities
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Washington will raise the minimum wage by 2.8% in 2026 from $16.66 to $17.13 per hour—overtime exempt employees will earn at least $80,168.40 and workers aged 14 to 15 will receive 85% of the new wage, while rideshare drivers on apps like Uber and Lyft will see increased pay when the changes take effect on January 1. NBC Tri-Cities
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual math teacher at Pasco High, was named Washington State Teacher of the Year for 2026 by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction — she expanded access to advanced math for multilingual newcomer students through her Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program and became the first teacher in the district to win the honor since 2008. NBC Tri-Cities
- ➤ Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual math teacher at Pasco High, was named the 2026 Washington State Teacher of the Year on September 30th by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She earned the honor for expanding access to advanced math for multilingual newcomer students through the Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program—making her the first teacher from the district to win since 2008. FOX 41 Yakima
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local shoppers are urged by the USDA to check freezers for frozen meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's after a serious Listeria outbreak in Washington led to 19 hospitalizations and four deaths — the recalled items include Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce and Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo with different best if used by dates. KONA
- ➤ Celebrate Recovery is a free faith-based program that has helped people with substance abuse and mental health issues in the Tri-Cities for over 20 years and holds support meetings in Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. The group meets several nights a week with small group sessions, worship, dinner, and milestone celebrations—providing easy access to help for those facing hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Apple Valley News Now
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Tri-City Americans vs. Wenatchee Wild
6:05-7:35 p.m. — Toyota Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience the excitement of a WHL hockey matchup between local teams.
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Sunday Funday Music Bingo
3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free to play — Enjoy an all-ages Music Bingo event with sing-along hits and good vibes.
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Trot for TROT
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — TROT Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities — Entry fees vary — Participate in a 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run while enjoying family fun activities including raffles and a petting zoo.
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Sunday Funday Music Bingo
3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an all-ages Music Bingo event filled with sing-along hits and good vibes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If the path ahead of you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.
~ Joseph Campbell
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