Good morning, Richland.

Richland is hosting Winter Wonderland 2025 starting Friday, Dec.

5 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at John Dam Plaza, Howard Amon Park, and the Community Center with a lighted vehicle parade, dancing light show, Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances, food vendors, and holiday crafts continuing through Jan. 2.

Habitat for Humanity and Pronto Puppy Rescue held a holiday pet adoption event in Richland that transformed a Habitat store into a festive venue where families met puppies and learned about home support services, with Santa visiting and one family quickly adopting a caramel-furred puppy.

Westside Pizza opened today at 1759 George Washington Way in a busy plaza offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery; the local chain is famous for its generous pizzas, calzones, wings, salads + desserts and is owned by Sherrie and Alex Zollinger.

Tourism leaders met at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick — Kevin Lewis of Visit Tri-Cities said tourism supports nearly 5,900 local jobs and draws major events like Ironman 70.3, which generated $7 million in economic impact.

Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin and the Richland School District are partnering to help students tackle challenges beyond the classroom.

Student Support Coordinators bridge gaps between home + school so families access resources promptly and students can thrive.

Today, the Washington Department of Ecology and Grant PUD are addressing a 240-gallon mineral oil spill at Priest Rapids Dam on the Columbia River, prompting the closure of the Vernita Bridge boat launch and advising residents to avoid the river between the dam and Pasco.

Washington State Department of Transportation advises drivers to prepare for winter by checking batteries, fluids, tires, and wipers (including defrosters) and to carry tire chains and a winter kit before conditions worsen on Dec.

21.

Starting Dec. 17, Richland parks will close at 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. to help curb vandalism & lower repair costs, according to Parks Director Chris Waite.

The West Richland intersection at Ruppert Rd/Belmont Blvd and SR 224 will reopen on December 8 after new pavement and updated signage plus completed roundabout sidewalks; meanwhile, Paradise Blvd and parts of SR 224 will close to thru traffic with detours planned.

A health advisory explains that while hemorrhoids often cause rectal bleeding, continued symptoms may signal colorectal or anal cancer and require a doctor’s evaluation.

Early screening is crucial for treatment (Health advisory).

The FDA upgraded the recall of shredded cheese from Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. on Dec.

2 due to metal fragments, affecting items sold at Walmart and Target in Washington, Oregon + California. Consumers should not use the products and may return them where purchased.

Motley 2 Tribute Performance

7-11 p.m. — Rays Golden Lion — $12 pre-sale, $15 at the door — Experience the energy of the west coast's best Motley Crue tribute band live.

Pilates in the Vineyard

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — Complimentary wine included — Celebrate the season with Pilates, music, and holiday cheer in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Trivia Night at Barnard Griffin Winery

6:30-8 p.m. — Barnard Griffin Winery — No fee — Gather friends and test your knowledge over wine and fun trivia rounds.

New Year's Eve Bash

8:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Richland Riverfront Hotel and Conference Center — $30 admission — Celebrate the New Year with music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere.