The Tri-Cities is often celebrated for its sun-drenched vineyards, the mighty Columbia River’s serene beauty, and its legacy as a hub of scientific innovation. Yet, beneath its sprawling skies and atomic-age history lies a quieter force shaping its legacy — its people. From groundbreaking researchers and visionary entrepreneurs to star-studded talents who’ve sprinted onto the world stage, Tri-Cities has cultivated a roster of celebrities whose contributions ripple far beyond Washington’s wine country!
Kristine Weitz Does it All as a Pasco Born Dancer, Singer and Multi-Instrumentalist
Famously known by her stage name Kristine W, Kristine Elizabeth Weitz is a renowned figure in the dance music scene who first captured attention through her pageant successes, including winning Miss Tri-Cities and Miss Washington, along with competing in the Miss America pageant. With a musical upbringing influenced by her jazz singer mother and classically trained grandmother, Kristine’s passion for music was evident early on. She mastered multiple instruments and won numerous awards in talent shows throughout her youth.
Weitz’s journey took her to Las Vegas, where she became a beloved performer and earned the title “Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year” several times. Kristine’s debut single, “Feel What You Want,” marked the beginning of a remarkable career, with 17 #1 hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Today, she is celebrated not only for her musical achievements but also for her outspoken support of LGBT+ rights, making her an enduring icon in the dance music world.
Kennewick Native Adelle August Becomes a 1950s Hollywood Starlet
In 1952, fresh out of Highline High School, Adelle August, born Adelle M. Slaybough, was crowned Miss Washington USA. This early success led her to Hollywood, where she signed with Columbia Pictures and embarked on a brief but memorable acting career. Between 1955 and 1956, Adelle appeared in films such as “Apache Ambush” and “Women’s Prison,” and made a notable appearance in the TV western “Cheyenne.”
Slaybough’s talents extended beyond the screen, dazzling audiences as a showgirl at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. In 1959, she married Leonard Rogers, marking a new chapter in her life. Though her time in the spotlight was short, Adelle’s legacy continues to shine through her performances.
Richland’s Kathryn H. Ruemmler Goes From Washington State to Washington, D. C.
An alumna of Richland High School, Kathryn H. Ruemmler has built a prominent legal career, including serving as White House Counsel to President Barack Obama. She graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Georgetown Law Journal.
Ruemmler’s career includes clerking for a federal judge, prosecuting high-profile cases as a federal prosecutor, and leading the Enron Task Force’s efforts. At the White House, she was instrumental in key legal strategies and policy initiatives. After public service, she returned to private practice before joining Goldman Sachs, where she ascended to the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel role. Her diverse experience showcases her expertise and leadership in government and corporate law.
Rock Out with Foo Fighters’ Nate Mendel From Richland
Nate Mendel’s story is a testament to Tri-Cities’ quiet role in shaping rock history. Growing up in Richland, he found his calling at 13 when a friend handed him a bass and introduced him to punk’s frenetic energy. Local bands like Scream became his classroom, and by college, he was touring nationally with Diddly Squat.
Mendel’s big break came with Sunny Day Real Estate, whose emotive post-hardcore sound redefined ’90s alternative rock. But it was joining Foo Fighters, where he’s now the second-longest-serving member, that cemented his legacy. From headlining Glastonbury to scoring film roles, Mendel’s career spans genres and decades, proving that even the smallest local scenes, like that of Tri-Cities’, can birth global rock legends.
Pasco-Born John R. Meyer’s Legacy Transports Him Through History
John R. Meyer, a pioneering economist and educator, is credited with creating the field of transport economics and was one of the early proponents of cliometrics. His academic journey took him from Pacific University to Harvard, where he earned his doctorate and later became a professor.
Meyer’s influential works, such as “The Economics of Competition in the Transportation Industries” and “The Urban Transportation Problem,” reshaped the understanding of transportation’s economic dynamics. As a pioneer of cliometrics, he also made significant contributions to the study of American slavery when he and fellow Harvard professor Alfred H. Conrad published “The Economics of Slavery in the Antebellum South.” Using rigorous statistics, the authors caused controversy upon their concluded view that slavery in the United States would not have naturally disappeared over time in the absence of the American Civil War, as claimed by other authors and historians such as Charles W. Ramsdell and Ulrich Bonnell Phillips.
The Race is on with Kennewick-Born Damon Lusk Behind the Wheel
With a career spanning over a decade, Damon Lusk has left an indelible mark on professional stock car racing. Known for his achievements in the ARCA Re/Max Series, where he secured two victories in 53 starts, Lusk also competed part-time in the NASCAR Busch Series, showcasing his adaptability and talent. His 2003 season with Tommy Baldwin Racing saw him participating in eleven races, underlining his commitment to the sport.
Lusk’s early racing years included impressive performances in the NASCAR Northwest and Southwest Series, as well as a standout debut in the Truck Series at Texas Motor Speedway. Throughout his career, Lusk navigated the challenges of sponsorship and team changes, consistently proving his mettle on the track. His legacy in the racing community is marked by perseverance and a passion for the sport.
The essence of the Tri-Cities is beautifully captured by its remarkable residents. For generations, this region has been home to numerous musicians, artists, athletes and innovators who have made significant contributions to the world. Their accomplishments continue to inspire and fill the Tri-Cities with pride.
