On Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 the Tri-Cities Cancer Center will host a free community presentation, The Anti-Cancer Vaccine: An HPV Vaccine Update from 12:00– 1:00pm. Dr. Amy Person, Public Health Director from the Benton Franklin Health District will present all of the latest information. Lunch will be provided with RSVP. To RSVP, please call (509) 737-3427 or visit us online at tccancer.org/events.

It has been 14 years since the HPV vaccine first became available. With close to 300 million doses having been delivered worldwide, what do we know about its safety and efficacy? Should adults get the vaccine?

WHAT: The Anti-Cancer Vaccine: An HPV Vaccine Update
WHERE: Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, Wellness Center
WHEN: Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 from 12:00 – 1:00pm

Nearly 150 community members gathered in Pasco, WA, on January 13 urging decision makers to preserve local hydropower. 

The ‘KNOW THE DAM FACTS’ rally – organized by the Tri-Cities Legislative Council – was held ahead of the Governor’s Snake River dams workshop. The rally was organized when it was announced the workshops would not include the opportunity for public comment. 

“These dams are critical to our environmental goals, our economy, and our way of life,” said Jason Herbert, Chair of the Tri-Cities Legislative Council. “It’s important for the people of the Tri-Cities to have a seat at the table and to have their voices heard.” 

The rally featured remarks from a broad coalition of industry experts, local leaders, farmers, and working families who believe in preserving Snake River dams. Speakers emphasized studies highlighting the many potential negative environmental and economic impacts if the dams were removed.  

According to Randy Hayden, Executive Director of the Port of Pasco, “[our] primary mission is to foster economic development. We must protect our dams to keep the power on, keep our businesses running, and keep our people employed.” 

Todd Myers, Environmental Director for the Washington Policy Center, sent the following statement after he was unable to attend due to weather conditions: 

Destroying the Snake River dams would be a deadly distraction [from salmon], diverting time and money from the most effective salmon recovery efforts, and would do little to increase populations in the Snake and Columbia rivers. If we don’t prioritize based on science, salmon and communities across the region will pay the price. 

Kristin Meira, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest  Waterways Association, was also withheld by inclement weather.  Her remarks regarding the statewide impacts of breaching were delivered by long-time community leader Debbie Bone-Harris, who recently retired from Benton PUD. 

Reps. Dan Newhouse and Cathy McMorris Rodgers sent videos from Washington, D.C., praising the benefits our dams provide to our economy and the critical role of hydropower in our clean-energy future. 

Other speakers included: 

• Jack Heffling, President, United Power Trades Association
  
• Pam Lewison, Agriculture Director for the Washington Policy Center
  
• Kate Gordon Nelson, Gordon Estate Winery
  
• Rob Rich, Vice President of Marine Services, Shaver 

Additionally, local Scout Troop 159 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Impact Percussion Drumline concluded the event. 

Given the limited opportunity for public comment, supporters of the four Lower Snake River dams are encouraged to participate in Governor Inslee’s online survey before it closes on Friday, January 24. 

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of community leaders and stakeholders, including the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), Visit Tri-Cities, the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Together, they advocate for local, state and federal policies that protect, promote and support economic vitality throughout the greater Tri-City region.  

As part of continued efforts in transparency and government and taxpayer accountability, Hanford contractor Mission Support Alliance (MSA) has announced a new Ethics Officer. Kathrine (Kadi) Bence has been named the MSA Ethics Officer and will report directly to the company president. 

The role of the Ethics Officer has been expanded to increase the visibility and importance of this program both internally and externally and to provide a greater level of transparency. Bence’s responsibilities will include coordination and oversight of the integrated ethics and compliance program, evaluation of program effectiveness and employee outreach. She will provide guidance and assistance to employees and management in reviewing and resolving matters regarding ethics and compliance in the workplace. 

MSA president Bob Wilkinson explains the importance of an Ethics Officer. “As a contractor to the Department of Energy we have a responsibility to be great stewards of the taxpayer dollar, we want to ensure the highest level of ethical behavior and business compliance. This expanded role will help us to do that – serving as a resource for employees at all levels and helping to streamline our Ethics and Compliance Program. Kadi’s experience, integrity and questioning attitude will serve her well in this role.”

Bence has been with MSA for 7 years and brings nearly 30 years of experience to the position. Bence has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Washington State University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from Gonzaga University.

At the January 7, 2020, Richland City Council meeting, City Manager Cindy Reents swore in recently re-elected councilmembers Bob Thompson, Phillip Lemley, Terry Christensen, and Brad Anderson. Following the swearing-in, the Richland City Council elected councilmembers to act as Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem for a two-year term. Councilmember Ryan Lukson was elected as Mayor. Councilmember Sandra Kent was elected as Mayor Pro-Tem.

The new Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem immediately accepted their new roles. Mayor Lukson took his seat as Mayor and continued to run the remainder of the meeting.

Mayor Lukson was elected to the Richland City Council in 2017. He is currently serving a four-year term.

Mayor Pro-Tem Sandra Kent has served as a councilmember since 2008 and is currently serving a four-year term.

Richland City Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday’s of each month.  All municipal meeting agendas can be viewed by visiting www.ci.richland.wa.us/agendas.

The Blue Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor two local community members with the prestigious North Star Award at a Scouting leadership breakfast coming up in March.

Former Secretary of Defense and decorated war hero James Mattis will provide the keynote address at the event taking place at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco on March 19th. General Mattis is a former Tri-Cities Boy Scout and a renowned leadership expert. His discussion about leadership ties in with
Scouting’s critical mission of continuing to build tomorrow’s leaders and keeping the Scouting program strong in our community.

Scouting’s North Star Award recognizes community leaders for their outstanding achievements and support for youth and families in their communities. The deserving recipients of the North Star Award this year are George Garlick and Ed Ray.

Tickets to the event are available at bluemountainscouts.org/2020breakfast. For more information,
contact Jay Scott or Brett Bybee at 509-735-7306.