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Vicki Hillhouse

Stories by Vicki

Entrepreneurs develop nutrition firm at former photo studio location

An Isaacs Avenue building previously home to a photography studio and, most recently, a clothing retailer, is being made over into a nutrition business.

Den closure leaves lion's share of Garden City Plaza vacant

The Den Downtown Pizzeria closed its doors this month.

Walla Walla air tower to stay open

For now, anyway, air traffic control will remain in operation locally.

The air-traffic control tower at the Walla Walla Regional Airport has been cleared for continued operation by the Federal Aviation Administration — at least for the time being. The local tower was one of 16 spared by the agency’s sweeping sequestration implementation plan announced Friday. That was not the case for 149 other contract towers announced for closure. The reason for Walla Walla’s reprieve: federal funds for the cost-share contract towers, such as Walla Walla’s, are subject to the 5 percent cuts affecting towers across the country, but they will not result in tower closures, the FAA said Friday.

Downtown food festival seeks volunteers

A glut of volunteers is needed to help set up for the 2013 Feast Walla Walla.

Milton-Freewater firms, groups to show off wares, services from 5-7 p.m. today

More than 40 businesses and community organizations will display their goods and services this evening for the Business & Community Showcase in Milton-Freewater.

ReSupply redefines recycling, readies re-opening reception

The Sustainable Living Center’s Builders ReSupply Store will host what’s billed as a grand re-opening celebration Saturday.

New Milton-Freewater business offers customized playbooks for customers' lives

A new life coach service has started in Milton-Freewater.

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Burners fire up for Feast Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Feast Walla Walla, the community’s food and drink festival, is serving up a bigger helping of events this year.

Perfect brackets will make Liberty Tax pay

Liberty Tax Service is getting in on March Madness.

Small-town Walla Walla is a big deal

Fodor’s, the Random House division that publishes travel and tourism information, has listed Walla Walla as one of the 10 Best Small Towns in America.

Smith Frozen Foods promotes Crowder to president

The longtime chief financial officer for Weston’s Smith Frozen Foods Inc. has been named the company’s new president.

Columbia Bank poised to acquire West Coast Bancorp

Columbia Banking System, the Tacoma company that operates Walla Walla’s Columbia Bank branch, has approved its merger with West Coast Bancorp.

Downtown parking will not have a lot going for it

A portion of parking in the lot behind Valley Vision will be fenced off and closed to vehicles and pedestrians, the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation has said.

Red Reina introduces free downtown delivery

Red Reina Cuisine is making downtown deliveries.

Easter activities in season at Harvest Foods

Walla Walla’s Harvest Foods is hopping with Easter plans.

Bankruptcy may sink golf course operator

The city says Veterans Memorial Golf Course will continue to putter along.

Downtown Farmers Market manager chosen

Cheryl Thyken was chosen to run the market that runs behind City Hall.

WALLA WALLA — The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation has picked a new manager for the Downtown Farmers Market.

Port OKs boost in airport parking

WALLA WALLA — Port of Walla Walla commissioners gave the green light to additional parking at the Walla Walla Regional Airport.

Stone Hut to rock with variety of St. Patrick's Day events

The Stone Hut Bar & Grill is planning its St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Reviews are in for Cameo Heights

The reviews are in for Cameo Heights.

Chamber: Don't get stuck by magnet scam

The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce is warning the business public about a phone solicitation scam.

It's always Sunny in Walla Walla

Marilyn is set to become an honorary Walla Wallan.

Red Monkey to explode with St. Patrick's festivities

The Red Monkey is going for a record this weekend.

Museum's new program manager exhibits aptitude for curation

Fort Walla Walla Museum is saying goodbye to longtime volunteer, staff member and Program Manager Anne Stotler.

Port of Walla Walla eyes increased airport parking

WALLA WALLA — Plans for more parking at the Walla Walla Regional Airport are moving forward.

Downtown 'pup' crawl planned for St. Patrick's Day

Downtown ‘pup’ crawl planned for St. Patrick’s Day

Digital imaging firm gets new focus

A Walla Walla business known for scanning, printing and art reproduction is getting into video, too.

Wineries brew up St. Patrick's event

A handful of downtown Walla Walla wineries is offering an alternative to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

California winery blends new variety from local grapes

Another Napa Valley winery is spreading its roots in Walla Walla.

The show can go on for Whitehouse-Crawford diners

The Whitehouse-Crawford is bringing a special menu center stage for theater-goers.

Dental office greenlights grand opening celebration

The grand opening of a new dental service will have a little St. Patrick’s Day flair.

Drive-in to open April 5

Movie-lovers can begin the countdown to the season-opening of the Milton-Freewater Drive-In.

Owner of Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen nominated for 'Best Chefs America'

Chef Chris Ainsworth has made the who’s who of American chefs.

Free weekend Jazzercise classes offered this month

Weekend warriors can work up a sweat at free Jazzercise classes this month.

Jabamo Capelli stylist Linda Morris expands hours

One of the stylists at Jabamo Capelli is spending more time behind the chair.

Liberty Tax Srvice collects school supplies for teachers, coats for kids

Liberty Tax Service office is taking up a classroom collection.

Milton-Freewater Business & Community Shocase to take place this month

Nearly 30 vendors are gearing up for the Milton-Freewater Business & Community Showcase this month.

April to bring expanded hours for South Fork Grill

Walla Walla’s Southgate restaurant South Fork Grill will be serving up a new schedule.

Downtown cafe to connect with weekend brunch-seekers

Coffee Connection Café is adding a weekend breakfast buffet.

Man's discovery of e-cigarettes sparks business venture

If growth is any indication of success, Walla Walla’s electronic cigarette shop is an ever increasing draw for those interested in an alternative to traditional cigarettes.

Sweets’ new play-by-play voice may have familiar ring

Howard Hoffman, whose voice has been on the airwaves and in commercials for decades, will take over play-by-play.

WALLA WALLA — The voice of the Walla Walla Sweets may be new this year. But chances are you’ve probably heard it.

Actor's love for local wine is no illusion

Sleight of Hand Cellars may be known for the alchemy in its bottles. But another kind of magic took place for the winery Wednesday courtesy of a celebrity endorsement.

New owner steers Stateline Polaris

The Milton-Freewater Area Chamber of Commerce is revving up for a celebration at Stateline Polaris.

Banner Corp. leader to speak at industry symposium

The American Banker’s symposium is tapping the president and chief executive officer of Banner Corp. as a keynote speaker for its upcoming symposium.

College Place a good fit for workout franchise

A pair of fitness fanatics has brought CrossFit to College Place.

Personal chef concocts fresh menus, services

The owner of What’s Cooking? Personal Chef Service has whipped up a few changes to the business.

Easter brunch to hit the Marc

You won’t have to do much hunting if you’re looking for a place to have Easter brunch.

Tease photo

First Walla Walla, then the world, clamor for new cleaner

Wine Away continues to see expanded demand for the top-rated multi-stain remover.

Recently opened sports shop is ready for action

A businessman with a taste for adventure is behind the new “action-sports store” on East Alder Street.

AK-47 contest champ will get to eat and run

If the prize for eating a quarter-pound hot dog the fastest is one quarter-pound hot dog a month for a year, it doesn’t hurt to add in a membership to a gym.