40 Under 40: Mackenzie ‘Kenzie’ Balentine
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 3 months AGO
Mackenzie Balentine
Mackenzie “Kenzie” Balentine opened The Busy Bean with one location about five years ago. Since then, her drive-thru coffee stand has grown to three locations and helps people start their days with a dash of caffeine and good service.
“(The growth) happened through customer service, getting to know the neighborhood and engaging with all people,” said Gary Balentine who nominated Kenzie.
Kenzie focused on customer service during the pandemic and pushed through to hire local people and give them the skills that help build their lives up. Gary said Kenzie not only wants to be a great businesswoman, but is looking to help others succeed as well.
Kenzie has done a great deal of work in the community, including helping to raise money for the K-9 programs around Grant County. She’s also worked to support programs for students at Soap Lake High School and with area nonprofits to help lift up the community.
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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.