After more than seven decades of manufacturing tanks, Greer Tank LLC is celebrating its first year in Pasco with an Anniversary Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2901 Rainier Place. Pasco, WA. 

The event will feature sandwiches, sweets, swag, tours and giveaways, giving customers, farmers, contractors, business owners and community members an opportunity to visit the facility and see Greer's growing selection of steel and polyethylene tanks.
While Greer is celebrating its first year in Pasco, the company has been manufacturing tanks since 1952, when founder Glenn Greer started the business in a one-car garage in Fairbanks, Alaska. Over the decades, Greer has grown into an American manufacturer serving customers throughout the Pacific Northwest and world wide.

The Pasco location was established to bring Greer's products and manufacturing expertise closer to customers in the Tri-Cities and surrounding agricultural, commercial and industrial communities.

Over the past year, the Pasco branch has continued to grow its local inventory. Double-wall steel tanks are now available locally in Pasco, giving customers another option for fuel storage without having to source these tanks from outside the area, saving our local businesses on shipping costs. Greer offers locally available single- and double-wall steel tanks, polyethylene water and septic tanks, transfer tanks, water wagons and other tank products.

"We're incredibly proud of what we've built in Pasco over the past year," said Jocelyn Giles, Branch Manager for Greer Tank's Pasco location. "Greer has been manufacturing tanks for more than 70 years but being here locally gives us the opportunity to build relationships face-to-face with the people and businesses that rely on our products. We're not just bringing tanks to the Tri-Cities. We're becoming part of the community."

One Year in Pasco
Greer invites customers, agricultural producers, contractors, business owners and community members to stop by and celebrate its first year in Pasco.

Greer Tank One-Year Anniversary Open House
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
2901 Rainier Place, Pasco, WA 99301

Guests can enjoy sandwiches, sweets, swag, tours and giveaways while learning more about Greer's products and local capabilities.
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"Simplifying Tank Supply — Poly and Steel, All in One Place."

Readiness for Small Business takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 27 on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in the Elson S. Floyd Building, Room 145.


The three-hour, in-person session will provide hands-on training in identifying what customer, financial and business information is safe to put into AI tools. Participants will also build a one-page AI policy for their team and develop an AI action plan to help their business adapt and stay ahead of competitors.


Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk Nassif emphasized the program’s role in helping local, small businesses move forward with confidence instead of confusion.


“AI is moving faster than most small business owners can track,” Hrycauk Nassif said. “This workshop cuts through the noise, showing Tri-Cities small business owners, managers and professionals exactly what is changing, what it means for their business and how they can adapt.”


Led by AI governance and strategy expert Neelam Chahlia, senior technical program manager in the cybersecurity team at T-Mobile, the workshop is designed to equip local professionals with the skills to harness artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively in their industries.


Chahlia views AI literacy as a core competency for the modern business owner.


“AI is no longer a future skill; it’s a now skill. The professionals and organizations who learn to integrate AI strategically and ethically will be the ones driving innovation in the coming decade,” Chahlia said. “My goal is to empower participants to not only understand the technology but to apply it in ways that create value, safeguard data and uphold the highest professional standards.”


The AI Readiness for Small Business workshop is open to business owners and managers across sectors, including retail, services and non-profits. The cost to attend is $99 and includes access to WSU computers for barrier-free learning. Register to attend at bit.ly/CTWORKSHOPS.

Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5785 awarded Port of Kennewick Commissioner Skip Novakovich a Quilt of Valor® during the port’s September 22 commission meeting.

A Quilt of Valor® award is presented to service members or veterans who have been touched by war for their service and sacrifice to defend our country’s freedoms. During the presentation, the quilt is wrapped over the shoulders of the recipient to represent comfort and healing.

The local VFW Post #5785 and Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® nominated Commissioner Novakovich for his service.
In presenting the award to Commissioner Novakovich, Joan Gribskov, Group Leader of Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® stated, “Though we may never know the extent of your sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you this Quilt of Valor® as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”

Commissioner Novakovich is the 12th community veteran nominated to receive a quilt this year by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5785. Nearly 1,000 Quilts of Valor® have been awarded to Washington state veterans so far in 2026. Nationwide, more than 457,000 quilts have been awarded since the organization was established in 2003.

“It’s an honor to be Skip’s friend and be able to be a part of this Quilt of Valor® presentation to a most deserving veteran and volunteer,” said Kevin Veleke, VFW Post #5785 member during the ceremony.

Commissioner Novakovich’s wife, Shannon, and son, Michael, attended the award ceremony.
“I’m really humbled by this and very honored, and it’s something I’ll remember all my life,” said Commissioner Novakovich after receiving the Quilt of Valor®.

Every Quilt of Valor® award is recorded with the National Quilts of Valor® Foundation. Learn more at QOVF.org.

About Novakovich’s Military Service
Novakovich enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in April 1969. He was assigned several duties, and at the discretion of the Army, he was transferred between the 385th Evacuation Hospital unit in Spokane and the 1st Battalion 2nd Brigade 104th Division 6th Army unit in Vancouver.

Novakovich was promoted quickly, receiving a divisional merit promotion to Staff Sergeant (E-6), as a Personnel Specialist (71H20 Military Operational Specialist), then to an Operations Sergeant (11F40 Military Operational Specialist).

In 1974, Novakovich received a direct appointment to First Lieutenant from the President of the United States, bypassing the first officer rank of Second Lieutenant, which was rare.

He continued serving in the 1st Battalion 2nd Brigade 104th Division Reserve Training Battalion as an Assistant Battalion S-3/Training Officer then as a Company Executive Officer/Supply Officer. In 1976, he was transferred back to the 385th Evacuation Hospital as a Training/Supply Officer.

In 1977, with no position in the Medical Service Corps for his rank, he was transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve where, because of his commission, he remained subject to active-duty recall at any time for an indefinite period.

In 1998, the Army reassigned him to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group (Reinforcement). Finally, in 2007 Novakovich was officially retired and credited with 7 years and 8 months of active duty.

Novakovich was promoted to Captain in 1977, to Major in 1984 and to Lieutenant Colonel in 1991 and the Army awarded him with a special Military Operational Specialist of 67H Medical Operations Economics Specialty.
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During his time-of-service, Novakovich graduated from several Army leadership schools including the Army Medical Officer Basic School, Army Medical Officer Advanced School, Army Command and General Staff College (where he was placed on the Commandant’s List), and Army Logistical Management College Logistics Executive Development course (also placed on the Commandant’s List).

Tri-Cities Animal Services (TCAS) is teaming up with local firefighters for the return of Felines & Firefighters, a community adoption event bringing together two things we can all get behind: finding homes for pets and the firefighters helping them do it. 
 
Saturday, September 26 
10:00AM–2:00PM 
Tri-Cities Animal Shelter 
1311 S. 18th Avenue, Pasco 
 
Stop by to meet adoptable cats and kittens, plus plenty of dogs looking for homes too, and visit with local firefighters while learning more about the work happening every day at TCAS. 
 
The event is free to attend, and if you meet your perfect match, you can adopt on the spot. Adoption fees are just $50 per pet, and all TCAS pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before heading home. 
 
Not ready to adopt? You can still make a difference. TCAS staff will be available to share information about volunteer and foster opportunities that help give shelter pets the care, attention and time they need while waiting for their new families. 
 
Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 26, for Felines & Firefighters and help us find loving homes for animals across the Tri-Cities. 
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Lourdes Health and Trios Health announced today that Jason Stanek has been named Market Assistant Chief Financial Officer, effective August 31, 2026.

“Jason brings a strong foundation in healthcare finance, accounting, budgeting and operational analysis to this role,” said Charlie Pearce, Market Chief Financial Officer. “His experience leading monthly close processes, audits, budget development, variance analysis and financial reporting will be a valuable asset as Lourdes Health and Trios Health continue working to support efficient operations and make communities healthier.”

Stanek is a well-trained business professional with more than 13 years of experience in accounting and finance, including healthcare finance leadership, budgeting, financial modeling, forecasting, audit preparation, cost reporting, variance analysis and financial statement preparation.

In his role as Market Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Stanek will work closely with leaders across Lourdes Health and Trios Health to strengthen financial planning, support strategic growth and help ensure both organizations are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of patients, employees and the community.

Stanek holds a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Portland State University.
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“I am honored to join Lourdes Health and Trios Health and contribute to organizations with such a strong commitment to serving the Tri-Cities community,” said Stanek. “I look forward to using my experience in finance, budgeting and operational analysis to support thoughtful decision-making and help strengthen the systems that allow our teams to continue providing high-quality care.”

Lourdes Health and Trios Health are pleased to announce that Costina Papatheodorou, DO, will join their medical teams to provide family medicine care for patients and families throughout the Tri-Cities region.

Dr. Papatheodorou provides care for patients of all ages, with services that include preventive health, annual, school and sports physicals, chronic and acute illness care, minor conditions and injuries, hypertension and diabetes care. Her clinical interests include obesity medicine, women’s health and mental health care.

Dr. Papatheodorou completed her family medicine residency with the Trios Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Kennewick, where she also served as Chief Resident. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University in Orange, California, where she graduated cum laude.

A member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Dr. Papatheodorou is committed to patient-centered care and building long-term relationships with patients and families.

As Chief Resident, Dr. Papatheodorou helped coordinate resident schedules, educational conferences and clinical rotations; served as a liaison between residents and faculty; mentored junior residents; and supported quality improvement and residency program development initiatives.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Papatheodorou to Lourdes Health and Trios Health,” said Emilia Keener, Senior Market Director, Medical Group Services, Lourdes Health and Trios Health. “Through her time in the Trios Family Medicine Residency Program and her service as Chief Resident, she has demonstrated strong leadership, clinical skill and a genuine commitment to patient-centered care. Her interest in family medicine, women’s health, mental health care and obesity medicine will help support the evolving needs of patients and families across our community.”
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Dr. Papatheodorou will serve patients at both Lourdes Family Medicine, located at 7425 Wrigley Drive, Suite 101, Pasco, WA 99301, and Trios Care Center Chavallo, located at 7211 W. Deschutes Ave., Suite B, Kennewick, WA 99336. To schedule an appointment at Lourdes Family Medicine, call 509.416.8888 or visit yourlourdes.com. To schedule an appointment at Trios Care Center Chavallo, call 509.221.6930 or visit TriosHealth.org.

HAPO Community Credit Union is deepening its investment in the future of our region by championing higher education through its annual scholarship program and continued partnership with Columbia Basin College (CBC). This year, HAPO awarded $70,000 in scholarships to outstanding students recognized for their academic achievement, community involvement, and dedication to personal growth. These scholarships reflect HAPO’s belief that when students succeed, communities thrive.

Beyond scholarships, HAPO is proud to continue its partnership with Columbia Basin College as a key supporter of the First-Year Introduction (FYI) Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. The FYI course is designed to help first-year students confidently transition into college life by equipping them with essential tools for success, including critical financial education skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Through HAPO’s support, the FYI program reached more than 2,100 incoming students this year, expanding access to vital coursework and helping students build a strong academic and personal foundation from day one.

“At HAPO, investing in local students means investing in the future of our entire community,” said Crystal Contreras, VP of Community Engagement for HAPO Community Credit Union. “Our partnership with Columbia Basin College allows us to walk alongside students as they begin their college journey, providing real-world financial knowledge and meaningful support at a pivotal time in their lives.”
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These initiatives reflect HAPO’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening local connections, and helping remove barriers to higher education. Through strategic scholarships and hands-on educational partnerships, HAPO continues to champion the next generation of leaders and professionals in our community.