| Together with: |
 |
|
Good morning, Tri Cities! In today’s edition: Ross Dress for Less opening, a needle felting workshop crafting a yeti, Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Neighborhood retail gets a boost: A new Ross Dress for Less is set to open in Pasco at former Rite Aid on 20th Avenue, adding a shopping option on the east side — get all the details.
Ensuring future waterfront safety: Repairs to Richland’s Columbia Point Marina viewing platform began Monday, January 5 in a $285,000 effort to stabilize the shoreline. The surrounding walking path will remain closed during construction — get all the details.
Peer support strengthens recovery: Benton County’s Veterans Treatment Court is partnering with a mentorship program pairing participants with veteran mentors who attend hearings, offer feedback and help keep recovery on track, officials say — see how mentors support veterans.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
Our New Year’s resolution? Eat & sip local
In partnership with Solar Spirits
If you’re looking for a resolution that’s actually enjoyable (and easy to stick with), this one’s a no-brainer: support local…starting with what’s in your glass.
Solar Spirits makes it simple to drink with intention without sacrificing flavor or fun. Their award-winning spirits are made right here in Richland using Washington-grown grain and fruit, powered by 100% renewable energy. That’s farm-to-bottle in the truest sense – and it tastes even better knowing your dollars stay local.
The tasting room is more than a quick stop for a flight. Settle in with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, pair it with a local beer, wine, or appetizer, and make an evening out of it.
This year, Solar Spirits is making it easy for you to create resolutions you’ll genuinely want to keep. Drink with intention, support your community, and enjoy something truly well-made while you’re at it.
Check out their menu and plan your visit now.
|
🫶 We got your back
Utility changes under review: Pasco will host two public meetings on proposed updates to monthly water and sewer rates and one-time connection fees. The first is for developers, followed by a community meeting on January 12. Staff will outline how the changes support infrastructure expansion. Get all the details.
Cider night, sorted: When your usual six-pack feels sleepy, Tri-Cities Cider House pours a rotating lineup of Northwest ciders, relaxed vibes, trivia nights, and dog-friendly energy. A spot to catch up with friends, try something new, and let the taps lead, no overthinking, just good sips.
Plants, pillows, espresso: Need a quick home refresh? Market North Co. stocks houseplants, furnishings, linens, and kitchen upgrades from local makers, plus a cozy coffee and tea bar so you can sip as you browse. A simple way to make your place feel like you again.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
|
📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🍞 Fresh Sourdough Bread Class @ Layered Cake Artistry | Tuesday (1/6) at 5:00 PM – Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread you made yourself, and the Layered Studio has you covered. Layered ladies walk you through sourdough from starter to slice, with hands-on tips, laughs, and zero ego. Leave with confidence, flour on your sleeves, and bragging rights.
💰 Learn About the Levies @ Kennewick School District | Wednesday (1/7) at 6:00 PM – Whether you geek out on budgets or just want to know where your tax dollars go, get the scoop on the Educational Programs and Operations Levy, and the Safety, Security, and Information Technology Levy before the 2026 vote. Fewer rumors, more answers, and sanity.
🐑 Needle Felting Workshop @ Nico’s on First Avenue | Wednesday (1/7) at 6:00 PM – Craving a low-key craft fix? Try a needle felting workshop where you sculpt a fuzzy Yeti from wool, no experience needed, pros welcome. It’s hands-on, oddly soothing, and you leave with a handmade creature, bragging rights, and a new party story.
This weekend
📚 Debbie Neuenschwander @ Columbia Center | Saturday (1/10) – Bookstore afternoons call for a low-key win. Barnes & Noble hosts children’s author-illustrator Debbie Neuenschwander for a signing of God Gave Me A Sister, The Two Angels, and more. Grab a latte, browse in peace, let the kids meet a real-live storyteller.
🗻 Winter Mt Series- Candy Mountain @ Candy Mountain | Saturday (1/10) at 8:00 AM – Power hike, jog, or humble shuffle, Candy Mountain’s Winter Mt Series offers short or long summit routes, hikers welcome. Winter training with actual views, not a treadmill, and solid Laliik prep. Register for Laliik, stack Saturdays to earn the shirt, or go full Iron Goat.
💍 Ever & After Wedding Expo @ HAPO Center | Sunday (1/11) at 11:00 AM – Think you’ve got your Pinterest board under control? Eastern Washington’s favorite wedding expo brings real vendors, runway fashion shows, and enough inspiration to make your aunt stop suggesting mason jars. One beautiful afternoon, one roof, zero stress, just solid ideas and local pros.
🧵 Tri-City Quilters’ Guild Reception @ Gallery at the Park | Sunday (1/11) at 1:00 PM – If your idea of high art includes perfect points and a wicked quarter-inch seam, this reception is your cup of tea. The Tri-City Quilters’ Guild takes over Gallery at the Park with intricate quilts, local makers, and stories stitched with coffee, patience, and pride.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Tri Cities report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 45°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 41%
A chance of rain after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 45. Southwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
—
Tomorrow – High: 47°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 28%
A chance of rain after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
This house is wild
An updated 1960 midcentury with 3,148 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 4 baths, it pairs Pella windows and recessed lighting with three heating options including heat pump HVAC and two fireplaces for easy comfort. The kitchen adds pull-out shelving, and the large laundry room brings a utility sink, folding counter, and understairs storage. Patio doors on both levels simplify furniture moves, and the recreation room adds a built-in bar.
Out back, a premium in-ground pool brings a diving board, automatic safety cover, and stay-cool decking. A robotic cleaner and in-ground spa keep things easy. A changing room, RV hook-up, and a garage with 50-amp EV charging round it out.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
