Thursday, July 23, 2026
62.0°F

Potato farmers, scientists, pros gather in Kennewick

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | January 30, 2025 2:15 AM

KENNEWICK — The Washington and Oregon Potato Conference is happening this week at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick with farmers from throughout Eastern Washington visiting with academics, politicians, distributors and a variety of vendors to discuss all things potatoes. Full coverage of the event will be in the February edition of the Basin Business Journal, our sister publication. There’s still time to make it to the event for those interested. Visit potatoes.com/potatoconference for details on the event.


    The Washington and Oregon Potato Conference commenced for its second day Wednesday. The day included presentations from Washington State Potato Commission Executive Director Chris Voigt where he gave an update on the commission and potatoes in the state – which was overall positive. Other speakers filled the rest of the day including topics of pests, water and storage of potatoes.
 
 
    Two participants of the Washington and Oregon Potato Conference walked through exhibitors Wednesday. The conference had hundreds of booths filled both the Three-Rivers Convention Center and the Toyota Center. Vendors included technology companies, farmers, producers, pesticide management and more.
 
 
    On Wednesday during the Washington and Oregon Potato Conference people had the opportunity to eat at the annual potato bar. Participants were handed a baked potato which they could load with chili, beef stroganoff, bacon, cheese, onions, sour cream and more.
 
 


 

    The conference included a potato chip challenge. Participants tasted each chip and attempted to guess the flavor and manufacturer.
 
 


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
July 23, 2026 3:40 a.m.

Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting
July 23, 2026 3:05 a.m.

Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting

EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention
July 22, 2026 3 a.m.

Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention

EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.