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The Benton County Auditor’s Office is continuing an outreach effort to encourage voters to Act Early, Vote Safely as the November 3rd General Election gets closer.

Ballots for the election are mailed October 14th, while ballots for Military and Overseas voters have already gone out in the mail on Friday, September 18th.

Citizens are encouraged to check their status early to ensure they are currently registered and/or their information is up to date and correct. Voters can register to vote, check their status, and make necessary updates at www.votewa.gov.

Auditor Brenda Chilton states: “The Auditor’s Office is taking a number of measures to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 for Benton County voters. The most important thing citizens can do right now to vote safely is check their status. Making sure you are registered and that your record is up-to-date is key to ensuring your ballot is mailed to you timely and to the correct address.”

​Benton PUD recently paid out $1.2 million in state-sponsored incentives to customers who invested in their own solar power systems and to participants in Benton PUD’s two community solar projects.  More than half of these payments mark the end of the generous Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Program (RECRIP) offered through Washington State. These incentives include final payments to  community solar participants who have previously recouped their original investment.  

In 2015, Benton PUD heard and responded to customer interest in solar power by launching the Solar Connections program and installing the first of two community solar projects.  The second project was installed in 2016.  At the time, Washington State had a very generous incentive program in place, and community solar projects were one way to unlock the benefits for  customers.  Benton PUD had 112 customers enroll in the Ely Community Solar Project located at Benton PUD headquarters in Kennewick and 42 enroll in the Old Inland Empire Community Solar Project located at the Benton PUD Prosser facility.  Participants in the community solar projects received $1.08 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of generated electricity through June 30, 2020 and will continue to receive energy credits on their power bills for the life of the projects.  Those who installed their own solar systems were initially eligible for up to $0.54 per kWh, depending on the equipment installed.  As a point of reference, Benton PUD residential electricity rates have averaged about $0.07 per kWh for the last five years, which illustrates why the Washington State RECRIP represented one of the most generous programs in the country. Participants in RECRIP were eligible to receive a combined maximum incentive payment of $5,000 per household annually, in addition to a monthly offset to their energy bill based on the energy production of their solar power system.

As a follow on to RECRIP, the Renewable Energy System Incentive Program (RESIP) was adopted by Washington state in 2017 with a $110 million  program cap, which was exceeded within the first two years of the four-year program.  Benton PUD continues to assist customers installing solar on their home or property; however, there are currently no state incentives available for new systems.  

Although Benton PUD makes direct payments to its customers participating in the state-sponsored solar incentive programs, the incentive payments are ultimately funded by the state through a credit on Benton PUD’s public utility tax, which is budgeted to be $5.5 million in 2020. The result is zero direct cost to Benton PUD customers and a decrease in annual tax revenue for the state. The last state-sponsored solar incentive program payments made by Benton PUD are scheduled to occur in 2027 unless a new program is initiated. Individual customer-related incentive programs may have ended, but the state does offer sales tax exemptions for the development of specific renewable generating facilities, including solar, that meet certain requirements. The new exemptions were part of the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) legislation that passed in April 2019. The newly established exemptions run through 2029.

Overall, Benton PUD has 452 customers with their own solar systems representing a combined capacity of 4,407 kilowatts.  The maximum combined and concurrent solar power generation from customer-owned systems reached 3,162 kilowatts in June of this year with annual energy production of 591 average kilowatts.  To put this in perspective, Benton PUD’s total demand for electricity reached a level of 437,000 kilowatts in July of this year and our total annual average energy consumption is about 210,000 average kilowatts.

For more information on our Solar Connections program, please call (509) 582-1234.

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation is proud to announce that the Cancer Crushing Challenge will be held October 1st thru October 9th. The Cancer Crushing Challenge is a 1 mile walk or 5K, 10K run that can be completed in your own neighborhood, at a local park, or even the treadmill. Sign up and then decide on a route and start the Cancer Crushing Challenge anytime during October 1st thru October 9th – you choose the place and time. Run or walk from anywhere.

Those interested in participating can visit cancercrushingchallenge.org and register for $35. Participants will then celebrate by picking up their “Lederhosen T-Shirt or Beer Stein” SWAG along with a finisher ribbon at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center in Kennewick on Saturday, October 10th from 10AM to 1PM.

Dates: October 1st – 9th, 2020
Time: Anytime that works with your schedule
Location: Anywhere you choose

Funds raised by the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation stay local and are used to help cancer patients and provide free resources to the community.

Help is here!

The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council (BFWDC) is committed to contributing to solutions related to the COVID-19 disaster and address the impacts of widespread unemployment by obtaining resources that support getting people back to work. In collaboration with the Washington Workforce Association (WWA), Employment Security Department (ESD), and other stakeholders, the BFWDC secured more than $1 million through two National Dislocated Worker Grants from the U.S. Department of Labor.
 
The Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant will help aid the Benton and Franklin community by providing temporary employment opportunities to workers who are laid-off as a result of the pandemic. These job opportunities will respond to or mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 disaster by offering temporary employment in positions within sanitation and clean-up, delivery services, food bank support, childcare workers, and other humanitarian aid positions.  The grant will also assist laid-off workers with:

• Job search and placement into jobs on the state’s COVID-19 essential jobs list and other high demand occupations.
• Short-term job readiness training.
• Long-term training to help people enter secure careers as the economy recovers.

 
The Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant will provide re-employment assistance and short-term or longer-term training opportunities to help permanently laid-off workers. Eligible individuals will gain the skills and education needed to be prepared for economic recovery and obtain family-sustaining employment into in-demand occupations.

To access these resources, please contact us!
WorkSource Columbia Basin
​main line: (509) 734-5900 and press 7
Programs’ Contact: (509) 734-5919

Heritage University is grateful to announce it is a recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Yakima Valley Resilience and Response Fund that is the result of a funding partnership with United Way of Central Washington, the Latino Community Fund, and the Yakima Valley Community Foundation. The grant will provide emergency funding for non-Title 4 eligible students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-Title 4 students, primarily DACA students, are not eligible to receive Federal CARES Act Funding for hardships resultant from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The grant from the Yakima Valley Resilience and Response Fund supports charitable organizations and agencies working to address COVID-19’s impact on the Yakima Valley, focusing on its most vulnerable populations. Andrew Sund, Ph.D., president of Heritage University, expressed his gratitude to YVCF and its partners for awarding the grant to Heritage. “While the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been instrumental in assisting many of our students, our non-Title 4 students are often the students most in need of emergency relief funding,” said Dr. Sund. “This grant will help ensure that all of our students facing COVID-19 related crises will be able to afford necessities such as food and housing until the economy begins to find its footing.”

Sharon Miracle, YVCF President and CEO said she is pleased to award the $50,000 grant to Heritage University. “We appreciate Heritage’s commitment to all of the amazing students that are such an important part of the Yakima Valley community,” said Miracle. “The educational opportunities Heritage provides is critical to our Valley, and we are honored to support them during this pandemic.”
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For more information, contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

As part of an overall strategy plan to both meet social distancing requirements during the covid-19 pandemic and to improve overall traffic flow around the lodge area for years to come, two new structures are being built at Bluewood Ski Resort.

The largest of the two is a 1,956-square-foot Sprung building, which is being constructed at the upper corner of the parking lot and to the left of the lodge. Engineered to withstand extreme weather and shed heavy snow loads, “The Hub” will house both the Rentals and SnowSports departments.

“The Hub will give guests a designated spot with more space to pick up rental gear and sign up for lessons, while also eliminating long waiting lines in the lower level of the lodge,” says Kim Clark, general manager of Bluewood.

The second structure underway is a 450-square-foot yurt, which will be located at the base area near where the ski racks have typically stood. Similar in design to the yurt at the summit, the new structure will be where guests go to pick up reserved and prepurchased tickets, and will help alleviate long lines at the lodge ticket windows.
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With Rentals, SnowSports and ticket pickup areas moving to the new outbuildings, the vacated space leaves roughly 1,200 square feet available in the lodge. That space, near the Pub, is being converted to another dining area, with tables, chairs and a snack station where the SnowSports desk has been.

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) raised over $100,000 on Friday September 11th 2020 at their fundraiser Books and Vines, held as a virtual live auction.
 
The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia’s 13th annual fundraiser, Books and Vines, was held virtually this year due to COVID restrictions. With over 300 people participating from across the country through Facebook Live, $107,580 was raised Friday night. All proceeds from this event will go to fund and support the mission of the foundation by providing books, tools, and resources to our most vulnerable children and families across Benton and Franklin Counties. “With schools and libraries closed, our mission is more important now than it has ever been.” Said Elizabeth Barnes, Executive Director. The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia has distributed thousands of books into the community since the onset of COVID through partnerships with local community groups and schools.
 
CRFMC would like to thank all of their sponsors and donors who helped raise these funds. Especially our event sponsors that include Numerica Credit Union, Bechtel, Amentum, Gesa Credit Union, Sun Pacific Energy, Focal Point Marketing, Copiers Northwest, and Bookwalter Winery. “This event is only made possible through the commitment and dedication that our sponsors and donors have to our mission” said Leanne Purcell, committee chair and board member.
 
CRFMC has already set the date for the 14th annual fundraiser Books and Vines for September 10th, 2021 to be held at Bookwalter winery. To become a sponsor for next year’s event contact elizabeth@read20minutes.com.

Gesa Credit Union has partnered with the American Red Cross to accept donations now through the end of October at all Gesa branches. All donations collected benefit the Red Cross Washington Wildfire fund, to aid those in need. Gesa will match all donations up to $10,000.

The Red Cross Washington Wildfire fund is helping residents prepare for, respond to, and helps those affected recover from these disasters. Gesa Credit Union members and non-members can visit any Gesa branch to make a donation. “Our thoughts are with those impacted by and helping to fight these devastating wildfires,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “Gesa will continue to support the American Red Cross in their efforts to aid our communities during this time. We encourage you to stand with us and donate to the American Red Cross to support volunteers and the services they are providing to those in need.”

Beginning with the Evans Canyon fire outside of Naches and extending to dozens of fires across the state in just a few weeks, the American Red Cross has mobilized volunteers to respond to the immediate disaster-caused needs of communities by providing emergency shelter, food, replacement of medical items, and mental health support. American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided at no cost, and as a nonprofit, the organization relies on the generosity of our communities to make this assistance possible. For more information about the American Red Cross and Wildfire relief efforts, visit redcross.org.
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Gesa members who have been impacted by the Northwest Wildfires are encouraged to visit a local Gesa branch or call 888.946.4372 to inquire about specific programs designated to help. To learn more about Gesa Credit Union’s commitment to the community, visit www.gesa.com/community.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) nationwide on September 16, 2020 are celebrating the contracting success of our small business clients with the first annual National PTAC Day.   National PTAC Day will unite the ninety Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) across the country and the tens of thousands of clients they serve by sharing small business success stories and notable economic impact that PTAC clients have created within their communities. 

Join us in celebrating National PTAC Day by attending our special PTAC Day webinar:
2020 National PTAC Day Webinar
September 16th at 11:00 AM Pacific Time
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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Businesses are invited to join government marketplace experts from around the country for a fun, interactive, and enlightening event!  Hosted by the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, participants will have a chance to test their knowledge of the federal government marketplace while hearing top tips from PTAC counselors across the country.  Businesses with all levels of government contracting experience are welcome to participate in this free event. 
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If you can't make it, please show your support by tweeting or posting on other social media about your contracting success or how PTACs have helped your business by using the #PTACDay.  

​Lourdes Health today announced that CEO Rob Monical will step down from his role, effective September 22, 2020. Monical, who has been with Lourdes Health since April 2019, will be relocating with his family for another career opportunity. 

“The decision to leave my role at Lourdes Health was a very difficult one, but the right one for me and my family,” Monical said. “I am honored to have been a part of Lourdes Health and the Tri-Cities area. We have a wonderful team of dedicated employees, physicians and volunteers with a genuine commitment to advancing the health of their communities. I am proud to have been able to call myself one of them and confident that they will continue to flourish and thrive long after my departure.”

Rob’s time at Lourdes Health has been marked by many great successes. 

“Rob’s departure is a bittersweet one,” said Sandy Podley, Western Division President for LifePoint Health, of which Lourdes Health is a part. “He invested time and energy into people with a strong focus on employee culture and engagement. During his tenure, Lourdes Health has continued to be recognized as a top orthopedics hospital in the state of Washington. And with the support of the entire staff, he saw Lourdes through the initial months of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic – a crisis the team continues to navigate tirelessly to meet the needs of the community.”

To ensure a seamless transition, Chad Pew has been selected as interim CEO. Pew joins Lourdes Health from Trios Health, where he has served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) since March 2019. 

“Chad is an experienced hospital executive with a strong understanding of the Tri-Cities healthcare landscape,” Podley said. “I have a tremendous amount of confidence in Chad’s ability to lead, and the Lourdes Health team will continue to provide great service to the community under his leadership.”

Before joining LifePoint, Pew served as Sr. Vice President and COO at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, WY, and Chief Operating Officer at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.