Friday, Apr. 03, 2009

Herald creates a new kind of web service

By Ken Robertson, Herald Executive Editor

Newspaper reporters and editors live almost every workday in the express lane.

So when we realized the $1.96 billion in federal stimulus money allocated for Hanford cleanup was about to create an influx of jobseekers from across the nation, the Herald staff shifted into deadline mode.

In the space of a few days, reporters, editors, photographers and our entire tricityherald.com staff mobilized to build a new kind of website. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a veteran Tri-City resident, we think you’ll find it useful and maybe even a little bit fun.

The result is Your Guide to the Tri-Cities — a powerful collection of website links designed as the ultimate tour guide to the Tri-Cities. Whether you want to find a job or an apartment or just want to learn about the community’s entertainment options or business services, our guide likely has it. If we missed something, let us know.

I’m proud to say the key people who made it happen — especially Assistant Managing Editor Laurie Williams, Assistant City Editor Kristina Lord, Online Managing Editor Eric Degerman and online content developer Jeanie Jensen — created an amazing asset for the Herald’s website users.

Yes, you can get up to speed on Hanford — there’s a list of the primary contractors and links to other Hanford information.

And you can use the site as a resource to find a new job, home, apartment or car. But the site also provides answers to such questions as:

Where do I go to register to vote? Get a Washington driver’s license? Turn on my electricity or phone service? Find an RV park? Fill propane tanks? Locate a mover or self-storage facility? Find out what’s happening this weekend?

Or, visitors can find out which local schools have the best test scores or see the wide variety of recreation opportunities and libraries our area offers.

The site also features photo galleries that provide an idea of what the Mid-Columbia area looks like, with pictures of landscapes, man-made landmarks and a plethora of outdoor events.

The guide provides information about lots of ways to have fun — wine touring, golf, boating, skating and listings for gun, hiking/running and fishing clubs. A calendar of events and a dining guide also are available.

Those new to town could find themselves needing a "Tri-City translation dictionary." The site has that too, titled an “A to Z” Mid-Columbia guide that answers questions like these and more: What are The Ams? What’s the Bypass? The Fingernail? Who is Kennewick Man?

And much more.

Ken Robertson: 582-1520; krobertson@tricityherald.com

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