The City of Pasco is considering adjustments to its irrigation utility rates and introducing a new connection fee to maintain reliable service and support system upgrades. The irrigation system, serving over 9,000 residents, operates separately from the City's drinking water system and sources water from the Columbia River and 11 wells. Since 2017, the customer base has grown by 25%, necessitating system expansion to meet increasing demand.
The City is seeking feedback on the options to:
Potential adjustments include:
In conjunction with FCS Group, the City studied the irrigation system's financial needs. Preliminary recommendations suggest a connection fee of up to $1,468 per new customer. Implementing this fee would ensure that new users share the costs associated with growth rather than solely existing customers. Community input is vital to this process. Residents can share their feedback through the City's online comment form on the Irrigation Rate Update page. An online stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, at 3 p.m., and a community listening session will be scheduled soon. The timeline for the proposed changes is as follows:
Please visit the City's Irrigation Utility Rate Updates page for more information, including FAQs, a detailed cost breakdown, meeting schedules, and the online feedback form. The City of Pasco remains committed to providing affordable and reliable irrigation services, ensuring the system is well-prepared for future growth and community needs.
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Don’t miss out on the 9th annual “Richland’s Winter Wonderland”. Join us as we countdown to the lighting of John Dam Plaza and the HAPO Community Stage. Celebrate the magic of the season with holiday music, the “Lighted Vehicle Parade”, and a guest appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The festivities kick off Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at John Dam Plaza, located in the heart of Richland. The official countdown to lighting up the park will take place at 6:30 p.m. where thousands of lights will dance to holiday music. Also in the Plaza, enjoy fun holiday characters, and live reindeer!
At the Richland Community Center on Saturday, December 7th, Thrive Performing Arts Tri-Cities will perform Frozen from 5:15-6:30 p.m., followed by games and a costume contest. Then, join Music Together Tri-Cities for a holiday sing-along from 6:30-7:00 p.m. There are so many fun activities to experience. Be sure to check out the full schedule of events at www.ci.richland.wa.us/winterwonderland. The City of Pasco invites residents to embrace the season's magic at Pasco Winterfest, happening December 9-14. Winterfest brings even more fun this year with a week of family-friendly activities, festive entertainment, and a special guest—Pasco's very own Grinch, who's trying to "steal the holidays" but might just end up finding his holiday spirit!
Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt – December 9-12 Kick-off Winterfest with the Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt, happening December 9-12. Clues to candy cane locations will be posted daily at 8:00 a.m. on the Pasco Parks Facebook page (@pascoparks). Search for hidden candy canes across Pasco, scan the QR code at each location, and earn entries for a random prize drawing. This isn't a race, so take your time and enjoy the fun! Thanks to STCU, this year's prizes are bigger and better, with a Grand Prize winner announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Winners from the daily entries will be drawn live on Facebook at noon on Friday, December 13. Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the Grinch! He might be up to no good as he tries to "steal" the candy cane hints. Free Holiday Movies at Fairchild Cinemas – December 11 & 14 Enjoy holiday favorites at Fairchild Cinemas Pasco with free showings of:
Winterfest Celebration and Tree Lighting – December 14 The weeklong festivities culminate in the Winterfest Celebration and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 14, at Peanuts Park in Downtown Pasco.
Register online through the City's recreation website for those interested in hosting an activity booth. The Grinch Steals the Holidays – A Fun Twist on Winterfest The Grinch is back this year, trying to cancel Winterfest with his holiday hijinks—but Pasco is ready for him! Keep up with the Grinch's antics on social media with "Grinch Watch Alerts" and enjoy humorous reels, interactive challenges, and live updates featuring the Grinch around town. Follow @pascoparks and #PascoWinterfest for Grinch sightings, community challenges, and updates as the story unfolds. Sponsors This year's Winterfest is proudly sponsored by STCU, Amazon, and the City of Pasco, with additional support from Fairchild Cinemas Pasco, the Kiwanis Club of Pasco, and Apple Valley News ABC. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your family and neighbors. For more information, including event schedules and Grinch updates, visit the City of Pasco website or follow us on Facebook (@pascoparks). On Tuesday, December 3rd from noon – 1:30pm 500 community members will gather at the Three Rivers Convention Center for the Celebration of Philanthropy. At this annual event, 3 Rivers Community Foundation awards their 2024 grants to local nonprofits and thanks the donors who make this giving possible. In addition, 3RCF will celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
Each year 3RCF begins accepting applications at the end of July from 501c3 nonprofits serving Benton and Franklin Counties. This process is open to organizations across sectors, ranging from food and housing, to arts and history, to animals and mental health, and more. The 3RCF Board goes through an extensive review process to determine which grants to fund. 3RCF works with donors to build a permanent community endowment which is invested so that a portion of the growth each year supports grant giving. “We are so pleased that thanks to strong financial management, along with the investments of new and exiting donors, our grantmaking capacity has increased steadily in recent years. This year is a new high of $333,788,” says Abbey Cameron, CEO of 3RCF. This funding will support 67 grant awards, and each nonprofit receiving a grant receives two complimentary tickets to the event. “We want these hardworking nonprofit teams to come enjoy the event, network with their peers, and be celebrated by their community. Our sponsors make this possible, including premier sponsors Moon Security and Washington Trust Bank,” says Cameron. In addition to nonprofits, the event is also attended by donors, board members, and community members who come to celebrate philanthropy in action. Limited tickets ($40 per person) remain, please call 3RCF at 509-735-5559. 3RCF Board Members and staff, as well as nonprofits may be available for interviews before and after the luncheon on request. Please contact [email protected] for availability. Why It Matters 3RCF plays a key role in supporting our community through grant funds and scholarships, aiding a wide range of needs and initiatives. Grant funding plays a vital role in local nonprofits having enough funding to implement their projects and programs. Requests for funding exceed available grant dollars. In 2024 requests totaled $690,000 for $333,788 in available dollars. An increase in donations and endowments would help fund additional needs. Quote from 3 Rivers Community Foundation’s CEO, Abbey Cameron “As a grantor, 3RCF has worked behind the scenes for 25 years, supporting, and encouraging the work of our front-line nonprofit organizations. This work only happens with the support of donors who help build a community endowment that will support Tri-Cities now and into the next 25 years. 3RCF staff and board work diligently to provide the highest level of donor services, and to be a partner in local philanthropy.” Trios Health is pleased to announce that Bree Small, a Registered Nurse, has been named as a recipient for The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses by Trios Health. Bree has been an RN at Trios Health since 2018 and has always worked in the Birth Center. “We are honored to recognize Bree with the DAISY Award® for her exceptional dedication and compassionate care,” said Lori Katterhagen, Trios Chief Nursing Officer. “She is an exemplary nurse whose ability to connect with patients on a deeply personal level, while consistently delivering the highest quality of nursing care, truly embodies the spirit of this award.” Bree was nominated by a patient’s family member, who shared, “We are so thankful for Bree l for having a questioning attitude and potentially saving my daughter and granddaughters life. Bree happened to be the nurse to care for my daughter. She monitored her and found nothing but questioned that things didn't seem right with her pain, so instead of releasing her, she got doctors involved and ran bloodwork which was then discovered that my daughter had HELLP Syndrome. Trios then took quick action and both mom and baby were and continue to be fine. Bree is amazing, and we cannot express how grateful and thankful we are for her going above and beyond to care for her patient!" The DAISY Award® is an international program started in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, whose family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through clinical excellence and compassionate care. The family created The DAISY Award® to express gratitude to nurses and to enable other patients, families, and staff to thank and honor their special nurses. To nominate a nurse or to learn more about The DAISY Award®, visit TriosHealth.org/Daisy. Tri-Cities Afghan Food Joins the Pasco Specialty Kitchen, Grand Opening Set for November 1511/18/2024 The City of Pasco is excited to announce that Tri-Cities Afghan Food, a new culinary venture introducing authentic Afghan cuisine to the region, is joining the vibrant lineup of vendors at the Pasco Specialty Kitchen (PSK), located at 110 S. 4th Avenue in Downtown Pasco. To celebrate, Tri-Cities Afghan Food will host a grand opening event on Friday, November 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the PSK, inviting the community to experience a taste of Afghanistan. The Pasco Specialty Kitchen serves as a bustling center for culinary entrepreneurs, providing them with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and business support to help them grow and succeed. Tri-Cities Afghan Food is a welcome addition to the PSK, bringing a unique array of Afghan-inspired dishes like savory kebabs and spiced rice dishes, each prepared with authentic ingredients and traditional techniques. “We are thrilled to welcome Tri-Cities Afghan Food to the Pasco Specialty Kitchen,” said Jesse Rice, Parks & Recreation Director for the City. “Their unique and flavorful offerings highlight the diversity of our community and embody the PSK’s mission to foster local innovation and cross-cultural culinary experiences.” At the grand opening event, guests will have the chance to purchase and enjoy a variety of Afghan dishes. This event is open to all community members and promises to be a celebration of culture, food, and community. The Pasco Specialty Kitchen, part of the City of Pasco’s efforts to support small businesses and cultivate a thriving local food scene, has become a launching pad for numerous culinary entrepreneurs. With the addition of Tri-Cities Afghan Food, the PSK continues to expand its impact, bringing new flavors and exciting opportunities to the Pasco community. For more information on Tri-Cities Afghan Food, visit their Facebook page. For more information on the Pasco Specialty Kitchen, visit the City’s website or the PSK Facebook page. The City of Pasco is calling on artists from all backgrounds to submit their work for an upcoming art exhibition at Pasco City Hall. This three-month per artist showcase, set to begin in early 2025, will feature unique, vibrant pieces that inspire, tell stories, and capture imaginations.
Artists working in any visual medium, including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and digital art, are encouraged to apply. The City Hall exhibition is an opportunity for local and regional artists to share their creativity with the Pasco community and transform the public space with art that reflects the diverse and dynamic spirit of the city. Submissions are open until December 15, 2024. Interested artists should submit a portfolio showcasing their work. For more information, visit the City’s website or contact Assistant City Manager Angela Pashon at [email protected]. “We’re thrilled to invite artists to share their talents and bring new life to City Hall,” said Pashon. “This exhibition aims to be a celebration of creativity, community, and the stories that make Pasco unique.” Selected works will be on display for three months, giving artists a prominent platform to engage with residents and visitors alike. Don’t miss this chance to make your mark in Pasco City Hall. The City of Pasco is proud to announce the completion of its new Zone 3 Water Storage Reservoir, a $17 million infrastructure project designed to ensure a reliable drinking water supply for residents and support the City’s growing population. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 19, at 1:00 PM at 6701 Road 90.
The new reservoir, funded in part by a $10 million low-interest loan from the Public Works Board, will provide essential safe water storage to meet the community’s needs, from drinking to everyday use to fire protection, now and in the future. Maria Serra, Public Works Director, emphasized the project's significance: "The completion of the Zone 3 Reservoir is a pivotal step in ensuring that our community has a reliable and sustainable water supply. This reservoir not only addresses our current needs but also positions us to meet future demands as Pasco continues to grow effectively." Utilizing a Progressive Design-Build approach, this project brought together leading design and construction expertise to meet an accelerated timeline and optimize costs. It ensured the highest quality standards for Pasco’s future water needs. Residents and members of the media are invited to join City officials for this momentous occasion and view the new facility. For more information, please visit the City’s website at www.pasco-wa.gov. The City of Kennewick is honored to invite the public to a special Veterans Day celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Regional Veterans Memorial, located in Columbia Park. This commemorative event will take place on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., and will honor the service and sacrifice of veterans from across the Tri-Cities area. Standing proudly at 40 feet tall, the Regional Veterans Memorial is the tallest freestanding granite structure in the United States. Dedicated in 2004, this monument serves as a cherished symbol of respect and remembrance for the veterans of our community and region. The memorial is a place of reflection and gratitude, honoring all who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. The event will include the annual flag raising by the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard and Pasco American Legion Honor Guard, a 3-round rifle volley by the Kennewick VFW Post, and a bugler performing “To the Color.” Special speakers include Retired Army Lt Colonel, and current Port of Kennewick Commissioner, Skip Novakovich along with City of Kennewick Elected Officials. Richard Rogers, a dedicated veterans' advocate, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Event Details:
The City of Kennewick encourages everyone to join us in honoring our veterans and celebrating this important milestone for the Regional Veterans Memorial. Let us come together as a community to pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of our service men and women. Native American Art tells a story, and many of the best Native American Artists from the Northwest will gather to share their collections on Saturday, November 9 at Legends Casino Hotel. The art market open from 10am to 6pm in the Legends Event Center and features 20 storytellers, artists, and entertainers.
Cariboo Trail Studio of Coulee City offers the oil paintings of eastern Washington wildlife and landscapes by artist Don Nutt. Exquisite beadwork and expertly crafted baskets of all sizes will be available from Whitefoot Studios of Harrah. Find signature metal work pieces artists like J&J Metal Designs from Pendleton, and Copper Canoe Woman creates jewelry deeply connected to our culture. The Copper Canoe Woman jewelry has been featured in Vogue and New York Fashion Week. Complementing these artists, Yakama Nation member Lorelei Kruger owner of Lucky Arrow Creations focuses on wearable art including earrings and wants to see people wearing Yakama art. “November is Native American Heritage Month, and one of our goals is to highlight the incredible talent of our local and regional artists who are nationally recognized by inviting them to share their talents at our first Art Market,” explained Letisha Peterson, General Manager, “These artists create unique pieces rooted in our culture. Guests seeking a signature piece for home will find an array of options, and those who prefer high-end wearable art from traditional jewelry to regalia will not be disappointed.” Adding to the celebration of art, members of the Yakama Nation will treat guests to Native American Flute Playing throughout the day, and at 11am, Mary Looney will captivate guests as she tells the stories of the culture and legends of the Yakamas. Admission is free, and guests will find the full list of featured artists on the Legends Casino Hotel website or through features this week on our Instagram and Facebook feeds. |
Have News?Email your press release and a photo to Austin Regimbal, Marketing & Communications Director. Press releases are posted in their entirety. This is a free benefit for members of the Tri-City Regional Chamber at the Connect level and above. Archives
December 2024
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