Latest news with #Tri-CityHerald
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Investigation uncovers what led to brawl at Hanford, Pasco basketball game
High emotions, mass confusion and unfounded accusations of racial slurs were what likely led to a pair of fights at a February varsity basketball game between the Pasco Bulldogs and visiting Hanford Falcons. That's according to an investigation by the Pasco Police Department and its school resource officer obtained by the Tri-City Herald through the state Public Records Act. Several officers interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, parents and students in the days that followed the Feb. 4 incidents. Police also determined that a Hanford assistant coach tried to intervene between two fighting players but that allegations he choked a Pasco player were unsubstantiated. It was a 'split-second decision' to place his arms around a swinging Pasco player and likely 'the best option to de-escalate the situation,' said police. 'There were coaches up and down the court grabbing onto players to stop their aggressive movement toward players on the opposite team,' wrote Officer Joseph Wysock, a school resource officer at Pasco High School. 'Many of the events on Feb. 4, 2025, were unlawful and were against high school sports policies from both schools,' Wysock wrote. 'The game's coaching staff and school administrators handled the situations professionally to de-escalate many problems.' The firstfight occurred in the waning moments of the game, after a Pasco player going for a layup was pushed mid-air by a Hanford opponent. The hard foul led to a scrum between the two teams and the allegations involving Hanford's assistant coach. But a second fight after the game involved mostly enraged fans and parents. Several people walked away with bruises and scratches, and police identified one parent who may have instigated the fight. While Pasco police recommended third-degree assault charges for two parents and one student involved in the second incident, the city attorney chose to not file charges in the case, said Richland attorney Scott Johnson, who represents the assistant coach. The Herald is not naming those involved or the assistant coach since no charges were filed. The Hanford assistant coach remains on administrative leave from his part-time coaching job as the school investigation continues, but he has said he doesn't plan to return next season. Richland said in a statement to families days after the incident that the coach's actions 'do not reflect our commitment to safety' and would not be tolerated. Johnson argues the district should retract those statements in light of the Pasco police report. 'They made a snap judgment critical of their own coach before they knew any of the facts,' he wrote. 'The false statements the Richland School District made caused my client and his family to be subject to numerous threats, including threats of physical harm.' The Tri-City Herald has requested additional records about the Richland School District's internal investigation. A spokesperson for the district said it's standard practice for a staff member to be placed on leave when safety-related concerns are reported. 'This ensures a thorough, impartial review while prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. The RSD's investigation into any potential violations of district policies is ongoing,' Richland public information officer BJ Sorenson told the Herald. In the days and weeks since the fights, Pasco High School has reviewed and enhanced its safety protocols. That includes more supervision and safety staff at home athletic events. 'At the district level, we have worked closely with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to address broader concerns and reinforce clear expectations for behavior and sportsmanship,' a statement from the Pasco School District reads. 'As part of this effort, QR codes are now posted at home athletic events, providing spectators with a simple and immediate way to report concerns or inappropriate conduct during competitions,' the statement continues. It was alleged by some witnesses that the tussles were preceded by the use of racial slurs against Pasco players on the court, specifically during a foul in the third quarter. Wysock interviewed the game referee and two Pasco coaches. All three denied hearing anything racial, and police were unable to establish any probable cause that slurs had been used. The referee explained in an interview with Wysock that it's WIAA protocol to pause play, speak with coaches and warn the benches if slurs or disparaging remarks are heard during play. Police were unable to discern what was said by players during the third-quarter foul, but one juvenile witness claimed a Hanford player called someone an anti-Black epithet. The Hanford assistant coach and a younger student were accused of calling a Pasco player 'carrot top' and 'carrot cake.' 'Pasco has a red-haired Hispanic player,' Wysock wrote. 'I interviewed him and he was unaware of these comments being made, nor did he feel that they were racial. In fact, he thought about making them a nickname for himself.' The first fight at Pasco High School occurred with less than four seconds left on the clock of the game as the Falcons led the Bulldogs, 62-45, according to police reports. As Hanford was running out the clock, a Pasco player stole the ball and was pushed during a layup. He landed and hit the padded wall. 'This caused the Pasco players to get upset and act with instant retaliation,' Officer Wysock wrote. Then, coaches, parents and fans from both teams came onto the court from the bleachers. 'Pasco High School administrators and coaches from both teams were clearing the court and addressing concerns as best as they could. They established command and control of the incident for the time being. Parents grew concerned over the events that just took place, such as the hard foul and the Hanford coach grabbing a Pasco player. Parents started pointing fingers as possible instigators,' he continued. A frustrated Pasco mother was identified as a 'component of what instigated' later fights. She and her husband initially thought it was their son who had been grabbed by the coach. After the game, as parents were waiting for their kids to come out of the locker rooms, she pointed out to the district athletic director a 20-year-old Hanford fan whom she believed was involved in the altercation, and that was 'saying racial slurs throughout the game.' That fan reportedly got into an argument earlier that evening with a few of the Pasco fans in the locker room tunnels, and was asked to leave the tunnel. A Pasco student there to watch the game overheard the mother's discussion with the athletic director, and he confronted the Hanford fan. After the game, words were exchanged between the Hanford fan and Pasco student, according to the police report, and shortly after the fan was surrounded by three men. '(The fan) crosses his arms in a manner that portrays he is not going to leave or listen to the crowd yelling and pointing for him to leave,' the report reads. The Hanford fan's father tried to intervene and the Hanford fan gets into a wrestling match with one of the Pasco aggressors and punches began flying. Several spectators, parents and students rushed to try to break up the cluster, but others who rushed in tried joining in on the fight, the police report said. Reports said the fan was beat by 'around 5-6 adults,' and was even knocked unconscious by an aggravated Pasco student who rushed into the scrum to land a 'haymaker' punch that also knocked down another person. The school's vice principal, the athletic director, Hanford coaches and several 'good Samaritans' broke up the fight. Wysock's report was based on 'hours of video footage' — both closed circuit and submissions from the public — and several written statements and interviews. It led him to the conclusion that reactions from players, fans, parents and students resulted in 'multiple people breaking the law.' 'It is not uncommon for players' emotions to be elevated during games, and retaliation for a hard foul has become common in college and professional sports,' the school resource officer wrote. 'In the events of the game between Pasco High School and Hanford High School, the actions taken by some reached the criminal level.' In addition to the three individuals recommended on third-degree assault charges, Pasco police also listed the names of nine individuals who likely broke state law by disturbing a school activity. The misdemeanor comes with a simple penalty of up to $50.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Richland Council, leave trans student policy to the schools
The May 6 Richland City Council meeting included discussion of whether the mayor should sign a letter about trans participation in school sports. Although the City Council has absolutely no authority over education policies, they felt that addressing a matter outside the sway of city government was worthy of extended public comment and pontificating from the mayor. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the letter is immaterial; signing it is not good governance. Good governance is about competence, not ideology. Sitting on their platform expressing personal opinions about issues other than those directly impacted by their actions is simply an effort to impose values on our community. This is not a council member's job, and it is not a privilege of their job. But the Richland City Council is not alone; the Kennewick and Pasco councils have also wasted time and energy discussing and signing the letter. I am shocked at how easily our local officials can be manipulated. Watching them so eagerly jump to engage in useless performative governing over a 'dog-whistle' issue outside their control is disappointing and embarrassing. Council members, stick to your job. Marie Noorani, Richland First of all, a huge thank you to Jeff Morrow for acknowledging our Tri-Cities high school golfers. These athletes work so hard, and they love the recognition from the Tri-City Herald! We personally have printed off articles as a keepsake for both of our kids in past years. I noticed Joel Martinez with Chiawana was mentioned in the article, but Beyora King and Moira Laird with Chiawana were not mentioned. Like Joel Martinez, Moira and Beyora also qualified as individuals for the state tournament in DuPont, with Moira Laird shooting an 89 on day one, which qualified her for day two, where she shot a 91. After factoring in all of the tied scores, this placed Moira in a two-way tie for 21st in a field of 116 golfers across the state. Both of these Chiawana Lady Riverhawks have had outstanding seasons, with Beyora King (a senior) making the MCC All-Conference First Team, and Moira Laird (a junior) making MCC All-Conference Second Team. These golfers definitely deserve to be acknowledged along with their peers. Thank you for your time, and thank you again for acknowledging student-athletes. Ashley Laird, Pasco According to Morning Joe analyst Steve Rattner, the 'Big Beautiful Bill' passed by House Republicans will deliver a 3.7% increase in after-tax dollars to the top 10%. The average bottom 10% American will lose $800 because the tax relief is so small and the loss of safety net benefits so large. The 60% in the middle won't feel much difference either way. The cuts to Medicaid and food stamps in the bill are historically large, but it still would increase the deficit by $3.8 trillion. Rattner also says that if the 2017 tax cuts were allowed to expire only on those Americans making over $500,000 annually, it would save $1.1 trillion over 10 years. That would be enough to pay for the Medicaid and food stamps that the 'BBB' cuts. The GOP pretends that tax cuts that exclude the very wealthy are liberal extremism though. The bill was hastily passed in the wee hours without the normal process of evaluation. Rep. Dan Newhouse voted yes and claims to be proud of it, but really? The hot mess will next be considered by the Senate where even the Republicans reportedly think it stinks, but nobody's betting on their integrity. Greg Carl, Richland I was hopeful but not naïve about Rep. Dan Newhouse. But it still hurt when he lied outright to us about not cutting Medicaid. That was a lie. What made it worse than lying was that he exulted and reveled in the lie. He was untruthful with us before, but in a typical misleading way. This was not that. His trumpeting of the lie as something good and great made it so much worse and mean-spirited than anything before. That hurt. His vote was cruel but also wasteful. This budget bill does not reduce the deficit but gives more money to rich Americans by removing an estimated 9 million poorer Americans from insurance. Apparently, in Republican land, this is to be trumpeted as a great accomplishment. Cruelty and incompetence are celebrated. Poorer Americans are kicked to the curb, richer Americans are undertaxed and the deficit grows. To Newhouse, this is great news. In Republican-speak, the deficit is reduced and waste, fraud and abuse are addressed. None of which is true. But Republicans today, and now Newhouse, do not deal in truth. They deal in falsehoods, lies and cruelty. Never again, Newhouse. And shame on you. I am done with you. Chuck Henager, Kennewick
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Richland man sentenced for killing wife while speeding to pass a truck
A Richland man is headed to prison nearly four years after killing his wife in a dramatic south Richland wreck. Investigators believe Melvin D. Williams Jr., 65, was speeding up a hill on Leslie Road trying to get ahead of a merging truck when he lost control of the Saturn he was driving in June 2021. The car spun into the oncoming lane and crashed, killing his wife Victoria Deberry, 61. He was charged with vehicular homicide seven weeks after the crash and a lengthy hospital stay. On Tuesday, Williams entered an Alford plea to the charge. The plea means he doesn't admit to the crime, but believed the prosecutors could prove the charge if it went to trial. Williams faced between a year and three months and a year and eight months in prison.. Both sides agreed to a maximum sentence, and Judge Norma Rodriguez followed the recommendation. Deberry's family also asked for the judge to impose the maximum sentence, according to statements read into the record. William's attorney Deric Orr said his client took responsibility for his role, but the other driver remained free. 'Ultimately, while we firmly believe that (the other driver's) actions did contribute to Ms. Deberry's death, the prosecutor maintains the sole ability to charge someone with a crime. We are happy that Mr. Williams was able to put this behind him,' Orr told the Tri-City Herald. Williams told investigators that he was heading south on Leslie Road from Columbia Park Trail when he first tried to pass a Ford pickup. The two-lane section of Leslie Road goes uphill before narrowing from two lanes to one. Vehicles in the right lane have the right of way, while drivers in the left were instructed to 'merge right' with painted arrows on the road and signs. The pickup moved into the left lane in front of his Saturn and Williams moved into the right, he told investigators. The data recorder in the car showed he was going 76 mph with the gas pedal pushed nearly to the floor when the Saturn struck the right curb, court documents said. The posted speed limit was 40 mph. When he lost control, the car slid sideways in front of the truck. It kept skidding across the road and into oncoming traffic. It slammed into an SUV heading north. Deberry was killed in the crash and Williams was left in the hospital for weeks
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers stunned by signs of elusive species returning to unexpected forest habitat: 'More important ... than previously thought'
Wolverines, once hunted to local extinction in Finland's southern regions, are returning to their historic habitats after decades of absence, reports the Tri-City Herald. Researchers at Aalto University used satellite imagery combined with footprint tracking in snow to document wolverines moving back into southern Finnish forests. This tracking method created small land sections using transects that form triangles, which were then checked for wolverine footprints during winter months. The comeback demonstrates how protecting endangered species can restore balance to natural ecosystems. About 13% of the tracked areas showed wolverine presence, with many tracks appearing in mixed-tree forests in the southern part of the country. The study revealed these areas were typically away from human development and had less forest density with a more continuous landscape. For local communities, the return of wolverines helps maintain healthy forest ecosystems. These weasel family members play an important role in controlling prey populations, which can benefit the entire food web. When predators return to their native ranges, they create more stable and resilient environments that support human needs like clean water and healthy forests. You might never spot one of these elusive creatures yourself. Wolverines are known for being highly secretive, and even finding their tracks can be considered lucky. Their return demonstrates that even species pushed to the brink can recover with proper protection. "Research confirms that wolverines are returning to their old habitats further south," researchers noted in a statement from Aalto University. "The study also suggests that the typical deciduous mixed forests of the south may be a more important habitat for wolverines than previously thought." "In expanding wolf populations, individuals settle first in the highest-quality habitats. As population density increases, later dispersers are pushed into progressively lower-quality areas," explained the research team in their published study. "If wolverines follow a similar pattern ... our findings may reflect characteristics of those habitats." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tri-Cities Burger King worker trapped in freezer calls 911 after man breaks in
A 34-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday when he reportedly freaked out and began running into traffic at a busy Kennewick intersection and then broke into a closed Burger King. His alarming behavior scared a female employee who was alone inside the restaurant, forcing her to flee into a freezer to call 911, said police. The suspect, Stephen Zimmerle, however, already had called 911 himself. Kennewick Officer Zachary Cain told the Tri-City Herald that Zimmerle called for help about 6 a.m., telling emergency dispatchers that someone was trying to kill him and he was being chased near the Fairchild Cinemas at Southgate. He reportedly ran into traffic at the corner of 27th Avenue and South Quillan Street near the Wal-Mart, jumped on the back of a pickup truck and took off his shoes before climbing out. Witnesses told police Zimmerle allegedly ran in front of other passing cars and tried opening their doors. When he couldn't get inside one, he went to the nearby Burger King and smashed the window next to the front entrance and climbed in, said Cain. The restaurant hadn't opened for the day, but an employee was working inside. When the woman saw Zimmerle coming into the store, she ran into the walk-in freezer inside a refrigerator and called for help. When officers arrived they found Zimmerle inside the refrigerator trying to disassemble a ventilation fan by pulling out wires, said Cain. Officers used a Taser to shock him when he wouldn't follow their orders to surrender. As he was being arrested, he allegedly kicked an officer. Zimmerle was checked at Trios Southridge Hospital before being booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of commercial burglary, felony harassment, unlawful imprisonment, malicious mischief, third-degree assault, obstruction, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and vehicle prowling. Cain said there is no sign of anyone actually chasing Zimmerle.
