By Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash. Jul. 31--While the Tri-Cities continues to wait for its Cadillac aquatic center, Benton City officials have made an offer to buy nearly six acres for a water park of their own. Good for them.

By Michelle Dupler, Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash. Jul. 15--Firefighters on Saturday contained most of the scores of lightning-sparked fires that erupted around the Mid-Columbia a day earlier, including a 6,400-acre fire that threatened homes near Benton City.

By Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash. May 24--Mid-Columbia happenings for the week of Friday, May 25, 2007 Friday, May 25 Nightlife metal bands, 9 p.m., Ray's Golden Lion, off George Washington Way, Richland. Cover: $7. Bluezette, 6 p.m., Bookwalter Winery, off Tulip Lane, Richland. No cover.

By Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash. May 3--Mid-Columbia happenings for the week of Friday, May 4, 2007 Friday, May 4 Music performs a concert, 7 p.m., Battelle Auditorium, on Battelle Boulevard off George Washington Way, Richland. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

By Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash. Apr. 12--Mid-Columbia happenings for the week of Friday, April 13, 2007 Friday, April 13 Festivals , noon, Benton County Fairgrounds. Cost: $20 at the gate. Two-day pass is $50 at the gate (includes Saturday admission). Schedule: www.cowboygettogether.com.