Energy Northwest and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) are taking a significant step toward strengthening the Pacific Northwest’s supply of affordable, reliable and secure energy. On May 20, BPA approved implementation of an Extended Power Uprate (EPU) project that increases the output of Columbia Generating Station, which is the region’s third largest generating resource and only operating nuclear energy plant. The EPU is an approximately $700 million project that will increase the station’s electrical output by 162 megawatts by 2031.

Following 18 months of in-depth analysis, BPA’s approval allows the project to move into its next phase. Over the next six years, Energy Northwest and BPA will collaborate on planning and implementation. Once completed, the additional 162 megawatts of firm capacity could power approximately 125,000 homes, strengthening the Pacific Northwest’s energy portfolio.

“We applaud BPA for its decision to approve this project and for its strategic vision in advancing our region’s future with additional, reliable capacity that nuclear energy can provide," said Bob Schuetz, Energy Northwest, CEO. "Their leadership in supporting this initiative underscores a commitment to affordable and carbon-free electricity for the Northwest region, including our public power member utilities and their customers."

“This is a great value for ratepayers in the Pacific Northwest,” said BPA Administrator and CEO John Hairston. “Upgrading an existing resource to provide additional reliable energy will help BPA keep pace with its customers’ growing electricity needs and keep rates low.”

“President Trump and Secretary Wright have made it clear: expanding America’s nuclear energy capacity will be essential for meeting growing demand for affordable, reliable and secure energy,” said Department of Energy Acting Undersecretary for Infrastructure Michael Goff. “This project exemplifies the energy vision for America by unleashing new power generation for the people of the Pacific Northwest without raising costs.”

Columbia Generating Station, a 1,207-megawatt nuclear energy facility near Richland, Washington, is owned and operated by Energy Northwest. The EPU will increase electrical output by upgrading and replacing equipment — including turbines, heat exchangers, and the generator — while maintaining high safety standards and improving reliability. Nuclear energy facilities have successfully implemented uprates since the 1970s to boost clean energy generation from existing plants.

The project will involve approximately 30 individual upgrades, primarily focused on increasing the size of pumps and motors. These enhancements coincide with biennial refueling outages, creating new job opportunities for skilled workers.

Additionally, 24 megawatts of energy-efficiency upgrades will be incorporated during the next three refueling outages in 2027, 2029 and 2031, bringing the total increase to 186 megawatts. This expanded capacity will be added to BPA’s federal system power, serving consumer-owned utilities across six Northwest states.

The EPU project marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Energy Northwest and BPA, showcasing their shared commitment to advancing reliable energy solutions.

By increasing the capacity of Columbia Generating Station, they are enhancing the reliability of the region's power supply and contributing to a sustainable future. The combined efforts of both organizations will ensure that the Pacific Northwest continues to benefit from affordable and secure electricity, supporting the needs of regional customers.

Energy Northwest intends to submit a license amendment request for EPU to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2028. 

The Richland Fire Department will be conducting controlled burns on the WSU Tri-Cities campus this Friday, May 23, as part of their Wildfire Training Academy. These burns are weather permitting and are an important part of preparing our crews for wildfire season. 

Burns will take place in the vegetated areas next to the Wine Science Center, near the intersection of Crimson Way and 1st Street. Fire crews will arrive at 8:00 AM to assess weather and fuel conditions, with burning scheduled between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Please don’t be alarmed if you see smoke in the area. Thank you for your support as we work to keep our community safe. 

*Interesting Note: WSU-TC Wine Science Students will be collecting the smoke to use in their research on how smoke impacts wine grapes.

Central Richland will be buzzing with excitement this weekend as 24 high school teams from across Washington state converge on Columbia Playfields for the WIAA State Fastpitch Softball Playoffs.

Tournament play begins today, Thursday at 3:00 p.m. with 1A division matchups. The action continues Friday starting at 9:00 a.m., featuring both 1A and 4A teams, and culminates with the championship rounds on Saturday evening.

Columbia Playfields is located at 1500 Mansfield Street, Richland, just off Stevens Drive.

Traffic & Parking Alert:
Expect significant traffic delays on Stevens Drive, as road construction is ongoing near the Mansfield Street entrance to the Playfields.  Visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid construction on Stevens Drive by using George Washington Way and Swift Boulevard for easier access.  In addition, parking immediately adjacent to the Columbia Playfield will be limited.

Parking Options:

• Overflow parking is available at:
  • Fran Rish Stadium
  • Richland High School

​Join us in cheering on Washington’s top high school athletes as they compete for the state title!

The City of Pasco invites the community to attend its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at City View Cemetery, located at 1300 North Oregon Avenue.

This meaningful event will commemorate the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. The ceremony will feature special guest speaker Sergeant Major Walter Castilleja Jr., as well as remarks from Mayor Pete Serrano and Mayor Pro Tem David Milne, and ceremonial contributions from the American Legion Post 34 Honor Guard and the Tri-Cities Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.
​
This event is free and open to the public. Residents, families, and veterans are encouraged to gather and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The Falls on 24th, Kennewick’s most anticipated new apartment community, is proud to announce its official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 11am, an event that will feature a taco lunch, tours of the stunning new residences, and a chance to explore the very first true mixed-use development built and permitted in the City of Kennewick.

The Falls on 24th marks a major milestone in the growth and sophistication of the city, setting a new standard in design, function, and community living. Crafted by Elite Construction and Development—one of the Tri-Cities’ most respected local companies—the building showcases exceptional craftsmanship, deep industry knowledge, and forward-thinking innovation. This powerhouse development team has not only delivered superior quality but has elevated the landscape of Kennewick’s urban development.

“At Elite Construction and Development, we bring over two decades of expertise in delivering premium multifamily communities to the Tri-Cities that blend timeless design with enduring quality,” says Trini Garibay, CEO of Elite Construction and Development. “With The Falls on 24th, we’ve created more than just luxury apartments — we’ve crafted an elevated living experience.”

What makes The Falls on 24th stand out? Beyond beautifully designed studio, one-, and two-bedroom residences with open, light-filled floorplans, the community includes modern features and amenities tailored to today’s lifestyles, including: secured digital building access, elevator service, valet trash service, refrigerated parcel lockers for grocery delivery, Lyft/Uber Lounge, gorgeous views and water features, lush courtyard with BBQ and firepit, a pet-friendly community with dedicated dog and pet relief areas, Fiber wi-fi included in the utility package, EV charging coming soon, and so much more!
​
Looking for storage? The Falls also offers temperature-controlled, digitally secured public storage units with 24-hour camera-monitored access, starting at just $65/month.

Trios Health recently announced that Corrin Veiga has been recognized as the facility’s 2025 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Trios Health, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Corrin Veiga, is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said David Elgarico, Market President & CEO of Trios Health and Interim CEO of Lourdes Health. “We are so proud to recognize her many contributions to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community. I’m grateful for Corrin’s positive influence and the example she sets for all of us.”

Corrin has been working in Trios’ Therapy Services department as a Pelvic Floor Therapist since 2020.  She is recognized not only for the compassionate care she provides, but for her contributions in our community. Her nomination reads as follows:
“Corrin has the rare ability to make any person who comes into her treatment room feel safe.  A true safety. A trusting safety. The definition of do no harm. This week, like any other week, a woman went out of her way to express, with tears streaming down her face that Corrin's empathy and expertise allowed her to feel hope after recent trauma.

As a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Corrin treats a very vulnerable population, many victims of sexual abuse.   Corrin does not merely treat them, she heals them. They come into our office, worried that they will always be in pain, embarrassed and afraid to share their stories.   Corrin upholds their confidentiality with the utmost professionalism. She holds that in her heart and head at all times. 

With her extended family of healthcare workers, she serves the community at large through volunteer opportunities. She volunteers and sponsors events that bless children's lives. She teaches caregivers of life-long pain patients, who experience insurmountable medical bills in their future therapeutic techniques that can help them relieve their family member's pain.   She is in constant pursuit of how far she can push herself to grow and serve.”

Corrin is continually donating her time and talents to other local organizations that benefit our community. She has volunteered for Christ the King School’s Sausage Fest, is a food bank assistant at St. Joseph’s Church, coordinated food drives to benefit local community members and has coordinated many meal trains for co-workers in need. In addition to her full-time job, and various volunteer duties, she is also a caregiver for her mother after having heart surgery.

Corrin has provided pro bono physical therapy services in Cusco, Peru and volunteered as a Spanish language translator for a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team for an underserved region in Guatemala.
​
Each facility winner, including Corrin, will be considered for Lifepoint’s 2025 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in August.

Lourdes Health recently announced that Sheri Appleby, RN, has been recognized as the facility’s 2025 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Lourdes Health, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Sheri Appleby, RN, is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said David Elgarico, Market President & CEO of Trios Health and Interim CEO of Lourdes Health. “We are so proud to recognize her many contributions to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community. I’m grateful for Sheri positive influence and the example she sets for all of us.”

Sheri was nominated by a colleague who said, “Sheri is the glue that holds our department together. She ensures that all phases of care go smoothly for every patient. Sheri is always willing to stay late, take extra shifts, come to work on her day off and receive calls at home. The amount of time, energy and sacrifice that she gives to this hospital is unmatched by most.”

Sheri is continually donating her time and talents to local organizations that benefit our community. She has volunteered at Second Harvest, Meals on Wheels, My Friends Place, Making packages for Troops overseas, among others.

Sheri has been an RN with Lourdes Health for nearly 22 years. She was born in Lourdes; her parents were both providers at the hospital, and she volunteered at the hospital when she was in high school. Lourdes was her first and only job out of nursing school.
​
Each facility winner, including Sheri, will be considered for Lifepoint’s 2025 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in August.

The City of Pasco is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Interested nonprofit organizations may submit proposals through May 31, 2025. You can find the application packet here: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67921/2026-CDBG-RFP-Application-

Pasco expects to receive just over $650,000 in CDBG funds for 2026, though the final amount will depend on the federal allocation and is subject to change.

Proposed projects must meet at least one of the following objectives:

1. Primarily benefit low-income individuals,
2. Eliminate slum or blight conditions within the city, or
3. Create jobs for low-income individuals.
   
   

Only organizations qualified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply. In addition, proposals must address a priority need identified in Pasco’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in federal regulation 24 CFR 570.
To view the Consolidated Plan, visit https://www.pasco-wa.gov/188/Five-Year-Consolidated-Plan or contact the City of Pasco’s Community & Economic Development Department.

The City of Pasco will hold two public hearings to receive community feedback on the distribution of these funds:

• Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
  ​
  

Both hearings will take place at Pasco City Hall, located at 525 N. 3rd Avenue.

​A long-anticipated stretch of Queensgate Drive is nearing completion and is tentatively scheduled to open to traffic as early as Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
 
This new connection between Keene Road and Shockley Road is part of a developer-led project that has been closely followed by the community. Once open, the roadway will enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion in surrounding areas, and improve overall connectivity in the growing South Richland area.
 
"We know this project has generated a lot of interest and we appreciate the public’s patience as work has progressed,” said Public Works Director, Carlo D’Alessandro. “This new connection will serve both current residents and support future development.”
 
The project aligns with broader transportation goals and reflects the City’s commitment to supporting development that improves livability and access across Richland.
 
Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s social media channels and website for the latest updates.

Washington State University Tri-Cities' Cougar Tracks continuing education program is launching three new industry-aligned training workshops this spring and summer. The hands-on workshops for service excellence and change management are designed to equip professionals with the tools they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economy. 
 
Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks said the workshops are a collaborative effort with local experts with support from regional partners.  “Thanks to the Port of Benton and Visit Tri-Cities each workshop reflects Cougar Tracks’ mission to foster industry collaboration and elevate workforce readiness across the Tri-Cities region.” 
 
Two of the workshops focus on increasing customer service skills for two different industries: tourism and hospitality, and winery tasting room staff and managers. The third is a full day immersive training on how to manage transformational change. 

• Hospitality That Shines: Tourism & Hospitality Service Excellence Workshop is sponsored by Visit Tri-Cities and Battelle and is offered free of charge. Attendees will gain concierge-level knowledge of Tri-Cities tourism assets and master techniques for service excellence, customer loyalty, retention, and regional tourism enhancement. Two sessions are available 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. on May 13 at the HAPO Center in Pasco. Complete the registration form to attend.
  
  
• Elevate Guest Experience: Wine Service Excellence Workshop is free for wine professionals in Benton County thanks to a partnership with the Port of Benton. Participants will work directly with award-winning facilitators—April Reddout, Michelle Vaughters, and Reggie Daigneault—on strategies to boost wine club conversions, elevate service excellence, and resolve guest challenges with confidence. The in-person workshop is from 12-4 p.m. on June 13 at the WSU Wine Science Center in Richland. Complete the registration form to attend.
  
  
• Lead Transformational Change: Cougar Tracks Change Architects is a full-day immersive workshop led by Wade Larsen, faculty member in the WSU Carson College of Business, director of workforce development for Wagstaff Inc., and owner of Optimal Talent Dynamics. The cost to attend is $1,295. Participants will gain tools to lead organizational change, foster team alignment, and develop innovation-driven business solutions. The program includes catered lunch, interactive activities, and business networking. Scholarships are available. It is being held 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on June 4 in Room 120 in the Consolidated Information Center on the WSU Tri-Cities campus. Complete the registration form to attend.
  ​
  

Workforce training scholarships through the City of Richland and the City of Pasco are available to residents, employees and businesses in each city. 
 
For more information about WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks visit the website.