Latest news with #Pasco
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Investigation uncovers what led to brawl at Hanford, Pasco basketball game
High emotions, mass confusion and unfounded accusations of racial slurs were what likely led to a pair of fights at a February varsity basketball game between the Pasco Bulldogs and visiting Hanford Falcons. That's according to an investigation by the Pasco Police Department and its school resource officer obtained by the Tri-City Herald through the state Public Records Act. Several officers interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, parents and students in the days that followed the Feb. 4 incidents. Police also determined that a Hanford assistant coach tried to intervene between two fighting players but that allegations he choked a Pasco player were unsubstantiated. It was a 'split-second decision' to place his arms around a swinging Pasco player and likely 'the best option to de-escalate the situation,' said police. 'There were coaches up and down the court grabbing onto players to stop their aggressive movement toward players on the opposite team,' wrote Officer Joseph Wysock, a school resource officer at Pasco High School. 'Many of the events on Feb. 4, 2025, were unlawful and were against high school sports policies from both schools,' Wysock wrote. 'The game's coaching staff and school administrators handled the situations professionally to de-escalate many problems.' The firstfight occurred in the waning moments of the game, after a Pasco player going for a layup was pushed mid-air by a Hanford opponent. The hard foul led to a scrum between the two teams and the allegations involving Hanford's assistant coach. But a second fight after the game involved mostly enraged fans and parents. Several people walked away with bruises and scratches, and police identified one parent who may have instigated the fight. While Pasco police recommended third-degree assault charges for two parents and one student involved in the second incident, the city attorney chose to not file charges in the case, said Richland attorney Scott Johnson, who represents the assistant coach. The Herald is not naming those involved or the assistant coach since no charges were filed. The Hanford assistant coach remains on administrative leave from his part-time coaching job as the school investigation continues, but he has said he doesn't plan to return next season. Richland said in a statement to families days after the incident that the coach's actions 'do not reflect our commitment to safety' and would not be tolerated. Johnson argues the district should retract those statements in light of the Pasco police report. 'They made a snap judgment critical of their own coach before they knew any of the facts,' he wrote. 'The false statements the Richland School District made caused my client and his family to be subject to numerous threats, including threats of physical harm.' The Tri-City Herald has requested additional records about the Richland School District's internal investigation. A spokesperson for the district said it's standard practice for a staff member to be placed on leave when safety-related concerns are reported. 'This ensures a thorough, impartial review while prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. The RSD's investigation into any potential violations of district policies is ongoing,' Richland public information officer BJ Sorenson told the Herald. In the days and weeks since the fights, Pasco High School has reviewed and enhanced its safety protocols. That includes more supervision and safety staff at home athletic events. 'At the district level, we have worked closely with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to address broader concerns and reinforce clear expectations for behavior and sportsmanship,' a statement from the Pasco School District reads. 'As part of this effort, QR codes are now posted at home athletic events, providing spectators with a simple and immediate way to report concerns or inappropriate conduct during competitions,' the statement continues. It was alleged by some witnesses that the tussles were preceded by the use of racial slurs against Pasco players on the court, specifically during a foul in the third quarter. Wysock interviewed the game referee and two Pasco coaches. All three denied hearing anything racial, and police were unable to establish any probable cause that slurs had been used. The referee explained in an interview with Wysock that it's WIAA protocol to pause play, speak with coaches and warn the benches if slurs or disparaging remarks are heard during play. Police were unable to discern what was said by players during the third-quarter foul, but one juvenile witness claimed a Hanford player called someone an anti-Black epithet. The Hanford assistant coach and a younger student were accused of calling a Pasco player 'carrot top' and 'carrot cake.' 'Pasco has a red-haired Hispanic player,' Wysock wrote. 'I interviewed him and he was unaware of these comments being made, nor did he feel that they were racial. In fact, he thought about making them a nickname for himself.' The first fight at Pasco High School occurred with less than four seconds left on the clock of the game as the Falcons led the Bulldogs, 62-45, according to police reports. As Hanford was running out the clock, a Pasco player stole the ball and was pushed during a layup. He landed and hit the padded wall. 'This caused the Pasco players to get upset and act with instant retaliation,' Officer Wysock wrote. Then, coaches, parents and fans from both teams came onto the court from the bleachers. 'Pasco High School administrators and coaches from both teams were clearing the court and addressing concerns as best as they could. They established command and control of the incident for the time being. Parents grew concerned over the events that just took place, such as the hard foul and the Hanford coach grabbing a Pasco player. Parents started pointing fingers as possible instigators,' he continued. A frustrated Pasco mother was identified as a 'component of what instigated' later fights. She and her husband initially thought it was their son who had been grabbed by the coach. After the game, as parents were waiting for their kids to come out of the locker rooms, she pointed out to the district athletic director a 20-year-old Hanford fan whom she believed was involved in the altercation, and that was 'saying racial slurs throughout the game.' That fan reportedly got into an argument earlier that evening with a few of the Pasco fans in the locker room tunnels, and was asked to leave the tunnel. A Pasco student there to watch the game overheard the mother's discussion with the athletic director, and he confronted the Hanford fan. After the game, words were exchanged between the Hanford fan and Pasco student, according to the police report, and shortly after the fan was surrounded by three men. '(The fan) crosses his arms in a manner that portrays he is not going to leave or listen to the crowd yelling and pointing for him to leave,' the report reads. The Hanford fan's father tried to intervene and the Hanford fan gets into a wrestling match with one of the Pasco aggressors and punches began flying. Several spectators, parents and students rushed to try to break up the cluster, but others who rushed in tried joining in on the fight, the police report said. Reports said the fan was beat by 'around 5-6 adults,' and was even knocked unconscious by an aggravated Pasco student who rushed into the scrum to land a 'haymaker' punch that also knocked down another person. The school's vice principal, the athletic director, Hanford coaches and several 'good Samaritans' broke up the fight. Wysock's report was based on 'hours of video footage' — both closed circuit and submissions from the public — and several written statements and interviews. It led him to the conclusion that reactions from players, fans, parents and students resulted in 'multiple people breaking the law.' 'It is not uncommon for players' emotions to be elevated during games, and retaliation for a hard foul has become common in college and professional sports,' the school resource officer wrote. 'In the events of the game between Pasco High School and Hanford High School, the actions taken by some reached the criminal level.' In addition to the three individuals recommended on third-degree assault charges, Pasco police also listed the names of nine individuals who likely broke state law by disturbing a school activity. The misdemeanor comes with a simple penalty of up to $50.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Openings: Waterside event center in Pasco + Kennewick's Slurpee King reimagined
An intriguing building perched above the Columbia River at the Port of Pasco's barge dock is now available for private gatherings. Wheelhouse Event Center, a partnership between Corina Manzano and Joey Jordan, renovated the vacant restaurant at 1350 S.E. Road 20 E., off Dock Street. Wheelhouse offers about 1,700-square feet and deck space next to the Columbia River for groups of up to 70 people. Manzano said it's already hosted a memorial service, small quinceanera celebration and has booked birthday parties, retirement gatherings and other groups. Manzano and Jordan will celebrate their new business with the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which will hold a ribbon cutting and opening celebration from 3-6 pm., June 19. Manzano and Jordan both are Pasco natives and had long been intrigued by the deteriorating building that's practically over the water. It once housed a restaurant serving the marina area, but had fallen into disrepair. In it, they spied an opportunity to bring something fun to Pasco's east side that would complement the eventual development of homes and businesses at Osprey Pointe, which is nearby. They contacted the Port of Pasco, which owns it, about doing something. In time, the port advertised for contractors to repair the vacant structure. Manzano and Jordan both are general contractors. They submitted the lowest bid and jumped into the project. The building needed everything but a roof, Manzano said. They replaced floors, rebuilt walls, replaced the electrical and HVAC systems. The tore out the old restaurant kitchen, including walk-in refrigerator. They rebuilt bathrooms, constructed a kitchenette and repainted everything. They hope to eventually replace the aging docks. For now, they're in precarious condition and are off limits to guests. Follow Wheelhouse on Facebook @ A long-closed 7-Eleven once crowned the 'Slurpee King of the World' is reopening as Slushee King . The new business is owned by Gurjeet Bimal, a Walla Walla vape and convenience store operator. Bimal acquired the 2,500-square-foot former convenience at 3606 W. Clearwater Ave., under the name Bimal13 LLC. Property records indicate the $765,000 sale closed in 2023, about two years after 7-Eleven closed Building permits indicate Slushee King is giving the property a modest makeover with new kitchen, fire and other systems. A sign was posted at the store this spring. The former 7-Eleven was crowned 'Slurpee King of the World' in 2007 after beating out competitors in Detroit, Mich., and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, for the title, according to a report citing an industry publication. In addition to icy drinks, Slushee King will sell beer, deli items and tobacco and vape products. There is no business by that name listed in state corporation databases 'Slurpee' is a trademark owned by 7-Eleven Inc. Cafe Magnolia, the European style cafe, will leave its prominent spot at the Cynergy Centre in Kennewick for a newly-built space around the corner. Cafe Magnolia will move to 2403 S. Quillan St., it said on a Facebook post. Owner Nena Cosic aid they were planning to expand their current spot, 4309 W. 27th Place, Kennewick. They were concerned Cafe Magnolia would outgrow it. The new space will have almost 5,000 square feet, which will accommodate both a cafe and an event venue and catering. it is expected to open this fall.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Unmatched' passion. Tri-Cities Crystal Apple winner named ESD 123 Teacher of the Year
A proud product of the Pasco community, who has dedicated her teaching career to expanding access and opportunities for the region's multi-lingual learners, has been recognized as the 2026 Educational Service District 123 Teacher of the Year. The accolade also automatically puts Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual mathematics teacher at Pasco High School, in the running for Washington Teacher of the Year. The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, OSPI, selects that winner in late summer. Whitemarsh said she was 'surprised' with the recognition last week at a staff meeting. Superintendent Michelle Whitney and executive staff from ESD 123 presented her a certificate. 'I was humbled, very honored,' Whitemarsh told the Tri-City Herald. But teaching isn't conducted in a silo, she says, paying credit to her colleagues, administrators, students and families for the honor. 'There are so many people who have helped me along the way,' Whitemarsh said. 'That's not just my own merit, it comes from a whole group of people — both in my personal and professional life — and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them.' She was also among nine educators earlier this year who took home the 2025 Tri-City Crystal Apple Awards for Excellence in Education. Whitemarsh called teaching the 'greatest career ever,' and says it's a privilege to play a role in building up the next generation of leaders. 'It's very personal, and I don't take it for granted at all,' she said. Pasco High Principal Veronica Machado in a letter of recommendation described Whitemarsh as an individual who cares about 'innovation, equity, collaboration and excellence in education for every student.' 'Her passion and dedication are unmatched, and she has left an indelible impact on her students, her colleagues, and Pasco High School,' Machado wrote. ESD 123 Superintendent Steve McCullough said in a statement that Whitemarsh's passion, creativity and dedication to educational equity embodied what it means to be a leader in the profession. 'We are honored to have Gabriela represent our region and know she will continue to make an extraordinary impact,' he said. Whitemarsh is completing her ninth year as a public school teacher. Prior to coming to Pasco High, she worked nine years at Columbia Basin College as a program director, most notably for the Math Engineering Science Achievement. She also taught mathematics as an adjunct professor. She is founder the Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program (HiCap L1 Math) at Pasco High School, an initiative that opens the door to college-level mathematics for newcomer students who previously lacked access. Whitemarsh says she saw the need herself back when she was attending the school. She was often one of only a handful of Hispanic students who were in advanced courses. 'There are so many who are capable, why aren't there more of us who are taking these courses and being rigorously prepared for college?' she said. Since the program took off in 2018, about 92 students have completed advanced math courses, and 41 have earned between 5 and 20 college math credits — all while they continued to build a foundation in the English language arts. Whitemarsh says it's her students and the stories of their families who drive her to continue teaching. Many come to her with varying backgrounds, education levels and at different ages — but each strives to learn and help one another. 'Education is at the heart of what we do. It opens doors and opportunities — and there's a ripple effect,' she said. Learning is also at the heart of her family. Her husband also works as a math teacher, but at Stevens Middle School. Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico, constantly instilled in her the value of education. In addition to her teaching duties, Whitemarsh also chairs Pasco High's multilingual department, serves as a bilingual facilitator, and regularly provides professional development to her colleagues on culturally responsive teaching and equitable practices. She's also been previously recognized for dedicating countless hours toward tutoring students one-on-one during the COVID pandemic and for being a mentor to her colleagues. Whitemarsh has also previously been involved in leadership positions with the regional Hispanic Academic Achievers Program — a program she benefited from — which has awarded scholarships to youth in the Hispanic community since 1991.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ambitious Tri-Cities convention hotel throws out old plans. New upscale vision begins
The Tri-Cities' largest hotel is now under construction at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. The latest project by A-1 Hospitality Group, which broke ground this week, has changed dramatically since it was first announced to the public nearly two years ago. After years of review and planning, it's no longer slated to open as a Marriott Aloft. It won't have a popular Walla Walla Steak. Co. restaurant on its roof. And it won't be funded by wealthy immigrants via the federal EB-5 green cards for jobs program.. Vijay Patel, founder and president of the Pasco hotel group along with supporters celebrated the start of a $47 million project with toasts and speeches on Tuesday. The 3.6-acre site is on Grandridge Boulevard. Patel said planning and review process was extensive. The result is a better project, he promised. Instead of opening as an 'Aloft,' it will open with Marriott International's 'AC' brand, named for its creator, Antonio Catalan. AC was the preferred brand for the Patels, who see it as a sophisticated hotel brand catering to business and leisure travelers with minimal frills. Aloft is a more youthful brand focused on design and catering to tech-savvy travelers. Instead of opening with the steak restaurant, it will open with a different but undisclosed operator. Walla Walla Steak Co. confirmed it has no plans to open in Tri-Cities. And it will be funded by equity from local supporters and a loan from a credit union, Idaho Central Credit Union, aiming to make a splash as it enters the market. The 162-room AC Marriott is being built in tandem with a $71.3 million convention center expansion that began in April. The two buildings will connect, fulfilling a longstanding dream of expanding the Three Rivers Convention Campus to attract more and bigger gatherings that currently bypass Kennewick for larger venues in the region. The convention center expansion is a public undertaking by the Kennewick Public Facilities District. It is being being financed with bonds backed by convention center earnings and a sales tax rebate from the state. Kennewick voters rejected a local sales tax increase for the project three times and the project was reinvented without it. The vision shifted to public-private partnership in 2018, after the final ballot box failure. A-1 Hospitality signed on as the private partner, having previously built the SpringHill Suites hotel that connects to the original center. Local investors provided $15 million in equity. Idaho Central Credit Union is providing a $32 million construction loan. ICCU is larger, state-chartered, federally insured credit union based near Pocatello. It is building branches in Kennewick, Pasco and Richland. The AC Marriott loan helps introduce it to the Tri-Cities. 'We're here to make a big splash,' said Jose Giron, commercial loan officer, at the ground breaking. The credit union followed it up with a statement that it's Kennewick branch should open by the end of the year. 'ICCU is excited to enter the Tri-Cities market and to support development at the Three Rivers Convention Center,' it told the Tri-City Herald. Fowler Construction is the contractor. The hotel will take 18-20 months to build. The rooftop restaurant is still part of the design. Patel promised the hotel will open with an active rooftop bar and restaurant to take in the sweeping five-story views. Patel was particularly pleased to swap out the Aloft brand for AC, a mid-level Marriott brand reserved for larger cities. Patel thought it would work well in Kennewick but Marriott disagreed. Kennewick would get the more youthful Aloft, it said. The pandemic changed much about the project, including Marriott's thinking. Patel said he asked the company to reconsider. It sent an eight-person team to Kennewick, then agreed to make the change as a result of their review. A-1 Hospitality is one of the Tri-Cities busier developers. It has two projects in the works at the entrance to the Tri-Cities Airport and is preparing to expand its Columbia Gorge Hotel in Oregon. Its $9.5 million Home2 Suites hotel will add 107 rooms to the east of its Courtyard by Marriott, on West Argent Street. Both hotels occupy land A-1 leases from the Port of Pasco. It is also building a retail complex on North 20th Avenue.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pasco's 1st Latina mayor calling it quits + Ex-Richland mayor won't run again
The first Latina council member ever elected to serve as Pasco mayor says she will not seek reelection this year. Blanche Barajas confirmed to the Tri-City Herald on Thursday her plans to step away from the city council after serving two four-year terms. She's instead recommending a former Pasco High School teacher and Latino voter organizer, Mark Figueroa, to seek her seat. District 1 includes several neighborhoods south of Interstate 182, stretching from North Road 44 to Ochoa Middle School. 'We did many great things for Pasco and accomplished so much while we had a diverse and inclusive team,' Barajas wrote in a text message. 'Pasco has been an example to other cities, even taking us to Dallas, Texas, as one of five cities across the U.S.A. chosen to speak on the progress to address homelessness, housing issues and other projects that addressed our disenfranchised communities,' she wrote. She's stepping away to focus on personal matters, she said. Barajas currently works as executive director of the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. Filing week ends Friday, May 9, for 2025 elections in Washington state. There are more than 100 nonpartisan seats up for election this year in the Tri-Cities — from city councils and school boards, to port commissions and regional fire departments. Seats that attract more than two candidates will appear in the primary election. The top-two vote recipients will then advance to the general election. Seats with two or fewer registered candidates will appear only on the general election ballot. On Wednesday and Thursday, a flurry of challengers registered to run for public office with hopes of unseating incumbents. Case manager and prior council hopeful Calixto Hernandez will challenge Melissa Blasdel, who is seeking election after her 2023 appointment to the District 6 seat. She represents the city's downtown and parts of east Pasco. Leo Perales, who's seeking a second full term on Pasco City Council, will be challenged by regional real estate broker Bryan Verhei. The Kennewick School Board's top two leaders, both seeking second terms, are also being challenged. President Gabe Galbraith has attracted a challenge from Nicolas Uhnak, a radiochemist who works at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Vice President Micah Valentine is being challenged by WSU assistant professor of history and prominent Hanford historian Robert Franklin. At least one Pasco School Board member confirmed Thursday she will not be seeking reelection. Amy Phillips, who served four terms, says she will not seek reelection. Another candidate, Heather Kubalek, has filed to fill her District 4 seat. It's unclear if Pasco School Board member Steve Simmons plans to run for reelection. No one had filed for his at-large seat as of early Thursday afternoon, and he had yet to responded to an email inquiry. On the Richland City Council, all four seats are being challenged by newcomers. Ryan Whitten, the U.S. Navy veteran and Energy Northwest technician, appointed to Position 7 in 2023, has attracted a challenge from Colin Michael. Sandra Kent, who first won election to the council in 2009, will run for another term and is being challenged by Pat Holten. Former Richland Mayor Ryan Lukson does not plan to run for a third term on council. Donald Landsman, a retired pavement manager, has filed to run for his seat and is currently unopposed. Kurt Maier, the newest Richland city councilman, will face a challenge from Kyle Saltz, former commander of the local VFW. Both are veterans. Former Washington Rep. Brad Klippert is no longer the only candidate filed to run for the Kennewick City Council's lone at-large seat. Danielle Schuster, a Kennewick native, has thrown her hat in the ring. The seat is being vacated by Council member Jason McShane, who is instead running for the ward seat held by Mayor Gretl Crawford, who is not seeking re-election. On Thursday, May Hays, who serves on the West Richland City Council, filed for mayor. She'll challenge Mayor Pro Tem and fellow Council member Fred Brink for the full-time seat. Longtime Mayor Brent Gerry says he recently began mentoring Brink to learn the role. Port of Benton, District 1: Incumbent Rory Keck and challenger William O'Neil. Port of Kennewick, District 2: Raul Contreras Gonzalez and Tammy Kenfield. Grandview School Board, District 5: Amanda Rodriguez and Cecilia Lamas Noriega. Connell City Mayor: Shelly Harper and Patricia Barrera. Connell City Council, Pos. 2: Terri Cerna and Patrice Hebel. Connell City Council, Pos. 4: incumbent Joe Escalera and Duey Dixon. Kennewick Public Hospital District, Pos. 4: incumbent Spencer Harris. Kennewick Public Hospital District, Pos. 5: incumbent Wanda Briggs. Kennewick Public Hospital District, Pos. 6: Rick Reil. Prosser Public Hospital District:, Pos. 4: incumbent Brandon Bowden. Prosser Public Hospital District, Pos. 5: incumbent Glenn Bestebreur. Prosser Public Hospital District, Pos. 6: incumbent Stephen Kenny. West Richland City Council, Pos. 2: incumbent Ken Stoker. West Richland City Council, Pos. 4: incumbent Richard Bloom. Prosser City Council, Pos. 1: Bill Jenkin. Prosser City Council, Pos. 2: Jackie Kimble. Prosser City Council, Pos. 3: Harold Lewis. Kennewick City Council, Ward 1: Jason McShane. Kennewick City Council, Ward 2: incumbent Loren Anderson. Kennewick City Council, Ward 3: incumbent John Trumbo. Benton City City Council, Pos. 1: Gerry Hill. Grandview School Board, District 1: John Greene. Ki-Be School Board, District 2: Mike Peterson. Finley School Board, District 2: Rory Bush. Finley School Board, At-Large: Chris Knighten. Prosser School Board, District 3: Eric Larez. Prosser School Board, District 4: incumbent Jason Rainier. Richland School Board, Director 1: incumbent Bonnie Mitchell. Richland School Board, Director 2: incumbent Rick Jansons. Benton County Fire District #2, Pos. 2: incumbent Steve Rouse. Benton County Fire District #4, Pos. 2: incumbent Garrett Goodwin. West Benton Regional Fire Authority, Pos. 1: incumbent Randy Cobble. Port of Kahlotus, District 1: incumbent Richard Halverson. Port of Pasco, District 2: Matt Watkins. Port of Pasco, District 3: incumbent Hans-Joachim Engelke. Kahlotus School District, Pos. 3: incumbent Kelly Cochrane. North Franklin School Board, Pos. 4: Gabe Martinez. North Franklin School Board, Pos. 5: incumbent Hannah Shaw. Pasco School Board, District 3: incumbent Amanda Brown. Star School District, Pos. 4: incumbent Richard Wiswall. Connell City Council, Pos. 3: Michelle Welch. Kahlotus City Mayor: incumbent Michael Robitaille. Kahlotus City Council, Pos. 2: Jonathan Seibert. Kahlotus City Council, Pos. 3: incumbent Perrie Robitaille. Mesa City Council, Pos. 2: Wyatt Harrington. Pasco City Council, District 4: incumbent Pete Serrano. Franklin County Fire District 2, Pos. 4: incumbent Joe Roach. Franklin County Fire District 3, Pos. 2: incumbent Gary Larsen. Franklin County Fire District 4, Pos. 3: incumbent Kim Pauley. Franklin County Hospital District 1, Pos. 2: incumbent Lori Hayles. Basin City Water-Sewer District, Pos. 1: incumbent Robert Andrews. Basin City Water-Sewer District, Pos. 2: Matthew Naef. For a full list of elected positions on the 2025 ballot, check out the Tri-City Herald's coverage. Paperwork and registration payments must be made out to the Washington Secretary of State's Office by 5 p.m. May 9. To be eligible to run for public office, a candidate must be a registered voter within the district in which they're seeking office. Most seats are at-large, meaning they span the entirety of the district. Other seats may have specific residency requirements and require candidates to live in certain neighborhoods.
