Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

The Justice Department has announced it has reached a $25 billion dollar settlement in the mortgage lending scandals involving several U.S. Financial Institutions in which millions of families were affected.   It is being called the largest civil settlement in United States history.  

The State of Washington is expected to receive a share of approximately $648 million of the total $25 billion dollar settlement.   Of this $648 millions, $455 million will go to assist homeowners with loan modification assistance and $70 million to assist homeowners who are “upside down” on their mortgages.    additionally, families who lost their homes to foreclosure may be eligible for a one time payment and funds will go to a hotline to assist homeowners who are facing crisis. 

This settlement finally ends to the government lawsuits over servicing misconduct and faulty foreclosure practices.  Though a settlement has been reached, Federal and State authorities can still pursue charges with these institutions for mortgage fraud.   The banks named in the settlement included Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Ally Financial, (formerly known as GMAC).

Kennewick Police officers will be looking for motorcycle riders in August — but for a good time and to benefit the Special Olympics here in the Tri-Cities. Kennewick offiicers and officers from all over the state have set August 28th for the “Northwest Ride of Dreams”, which will feature 5 starting locations across the state with Rotary Park in Ellensburg the final meeting destination. Vendors, events, activities and entertainment will be available for riders when they gather in the park.

This ride is patterned after other events in other states but will be a first in Washington. Law enforcement officers across the state and nationally sponsor different events to raise funds for Special Olympics. The funds raised assist families of Special Olympians to attend events where their loved one’s participate. It is the goal of the organizers to attract 10,000 cyclists and cars in Ellensburg. A $30 ticket price could potentially raise $300,000 for Special Olympics, which would be a wonderful donation to make. 

Registration for the event can be completed at www.nwrideofdreams.org .  Additionally, if you don’t have a bike but have a classic car you’re also invited. There will be a show and shine at Rotary Park as well that day.   The Tri-Cities location for riders departing to Ellensburg will be at Full Throttle Motorcycle Accessories at 135 Vista Way in Kennewick. Registrations for the ride will also be taken there from 7am to 9am. This should be a wonderful ride for everyone and in the process, a wonderful opportunity to give to other folks who will appreciate your generosity!

Over the course of 24 years, the Ye Merry Greenwood Faire and its players have grown in dimension, numbers and types of performances. With their beginnings in 1986 having only 17 vendors to the present where they boast 70 vendors, 8 stages and 30 professional acts; the Greenwood Players have brought joy, merriment and a bit of fantasy to a generation of Tri-Citians.  There couldn’t be a more fitting venue for this Faire than Howard Amon Park in Richland with the beautiful shade trees, the sparkling waters of the Columbia River and the lush green grasses of the park. All this adds to the ‘feel’ of being in another space in time where fair ladies, court jesters, jousting knights and strolling musicians brought life to an otherwise dreary existence for the “common folk”.  The Greenwood storytellers are such fun to listen to as they entwine you into their tales with exceptional performance skills and antics. The merriment begins at 9:30 a.m. on June 26 and 27th and ends around 5:30 p.m.  For more information go to www.yemerriegreenwoodfaire.org.

Bogert Aviation is the new hero to four CBC students by donating $9,000 to help the students compete in a national Skills USA competition.  The competition is scheduled for June 20-26 and is geared towards automated manufacturing technology and its a teamwork project.

Owner Richard Bogert has hired several CBC students over the years and has been very pleased with the quality of his employees. He felt it was time to give back to the CBC program that gave him such qualified employees. 

Rob Walker, the instructor of CBC’s Machine Technology program indicates that a name change is due for the program, from Machine Technology to Manufacturing Technology because of the level of skills that consist in the program more accurately fit into the manufacuring fields.

On June 26th, the general public is invited to attend the Richland Fly-In at the Richland Airport. A variety of planes will be arriving Friday evening and several events are scheduled for Saturday.  A pancake breakfast for pilots and the public will kick-off Saturday mornings activities at 7 am until 11 am. “Young Eagles” (children ages 8-17) will be flown free from 9 am and 1 pm. Antique planes will be on display from 8 am until 3 pm. The Richland Airport is just off the Bypass Highway in Richland. Turn north at the light and head toward the control tower, where parking will be available.

The Mid-Columbia Ninety-Nines, an all women organization willl be there as well. This organization was chartered in 1929 with Amelia Earhart served as its first president.