Tri-City Herald week in review

Rattlesnake encounters rise as Tri-Cities season begins

Faith Martin, a musician and former Golden Bachelor finalist from Benton City, Washington, encountered three rattlesnakes within seven minutes on a trail behind her home in April, prompting widespread concern about snake season in the Tri-Cities area. Western rattlesnakes emerge from their dens in April, and the Washington Poison Center received its first rattlesnake bite call of the spring this year. In 2024, the center handled 24 calls from medical providers treating bite patients, with most occurring between April and August. Despite social media speculation, wildlife biologist Jason Fidorra says the mild winter likely did not significantly increase snake numbers, as rattlesnakes are well-protected in their dens. Bites are rarely deadly but can cause serious health issues and high medical costs. The Poison Center advises victims to call immediately and go to a hospital, avoiding harmful remedies like sucking out venom or applying ice.

Reported by Annette Cary, published May 5

Hastings backs Boehnke in 4th District Congress race

Matt Boehnke, a three-term state lawmaker and cybersecurity professor, officially filed to run for Washington’s 4th Congressional District seat on May 4 at the Benton County Elections Center in Kennewick. Retired U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, 85, who represented Central Washington from 1995 to 2015, formally endorsed Boehnke and attended the filing. Boehnke, 58, is a U.S. Army veteran and helicopter pilot who says he wants to build on the legacies of Hastings and retiring Rep. Dan Newhouse. His primary opponent, Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney, holds endorsements from President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson and leads significantly in fundraising. The two top vote-getters in the Aug. 4 jungle primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

Reported by Eric Rosane, published May 4

Hanford completes retrieval from 23rd aging waste tank

Workers at the Hanford nuclear site in Eastern Washington have finished removing radioactive and hazardous chemical waste from Tank A-102, potentially making it the 23rd single-shell tank to be officially “emptied,” pending approval from state regulators. The Hanford site, which produced nearly two-thirds of the plutonium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program during World War II and the Cold War, still holds 56 million gallons of radioactive waste stored in underground tanks. Tank A-102 contained roughly 38,000 gallons of mostly salt cake, which workers broke up using conventional sluicing and high-pressure spray nozzles. About 15% of the salt cake remains, and Washington State Department of Ecology is still reviewing approval for this tank as well as the previously completed Tank A-101. A nearby tank, A-106, is also nearing completion and could become the 24th to be emptied. Workers had to cut into the top of that tank — only the third time in nearly two decades — to insert a pump due to extreme radioactivity levels in its access pit.

Reported by Annette Cary, published May 1

City cuts water to 12 Richland Airport hangars

The city of Richland has cut off and capped unauthorized water connections serving approximately 12 privately-owned airplane hangars at the Port of Benton-owned Richland Airport. The unauthorized hookups, discovered during fire hydrant testing in early 2025, connected to both fire hydrant supply lines and city water lines. No hangar owners complied with requests to apply for permits, according to city spokeswoman Hollie Alexander. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating whether any crimes were committed. Among the affected hangars is one owned by Scott Keller, a current port commissioner and former executive director, who purchased it in 2017 knowing the water connection was unmetered. The issue is among the factors driving recall efforts against Keller and fellow commissioners Bill O’Neil and Lori Stevens. The Washington State Supreme Court is currently considering the port commission’s request to block the recall.

Reported by Wendy Culverwell, published May 4

Pasco aquatic center, reopening June 13, reveals prices and hours

The Pasco Public Facilities District board has announced ticket prices and operating hours for the $41 million Pasco Aquatic Center, set to open June 13. Pasco residents will receive a 15% to 25% discount depending on ticket type. Daily rates for residents are $10 for youth, $9 for seniors, and $12 for adults. Non-residents pay $13, $11, and $15 respectively. The board also approved exploring the use of leftover funds to add a second water slide tower, likely ready for the 2027 season. The 47,000-square-foot facility features an indoor pool, slides, a ninja course, lazy river, splash pads, and a hot tub. General weekday hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with weekends running 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The center is funded by a voter-approved sales tax passed in 2022.

Reported by Cory McCoy, published April 30

Heritage University partners with Kennewick downtown

Heritage University and the city of Kennewick have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a branded “university district” anchored at the former Tri-City Herald building at 333 West Canal Drive. University President Christopher Gilmer and Mayor Jason McShane signed the agreement at an event May 1. The partnership aims to boost downtown economic activity, expand enrollment, and explore student housing and a business incubator. City Manager Erin Erdman called it an “exciting moment” for the community. Heritage currently serves 125 Tri-City students across two satellite campuses and offers six baccalaureate programs. Gilmer hopes to double local enrollment within two to three years. Success will be measured by enrollment growth, downtown foot traffic, business openings, and graduate placement rates.

Reported by Eric Rosane, published May 2

This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 8:34 AM with the headline "Tri-City Herald week in review."