Rollarena Skating Center Holding 70th Anniversary Party and Fundraiser for My Friends' Place1/16/2024 Contact: Alan & Judy Bacon, Owners or Kelsey Bacon, General Manager
509-366-6008 or 509-221-0328 richlandskate@gmail.com www.richlandskate.com When: Sunday, February 18th, 1pm - 9pm Where: Rollarena Skating Center 849 Stevens Dr., Richland, WA Cost: $10 admission which includes traditional roller skates Who: This event is open to all ages All admission and concession proceeds for Sunday, February 18th will be donated to My Friends’ Place, a homeless shelter for teenagers. Rollarena will match funds raised through admissions and concessions. This fundraiser has become a tradition for Rollarena since its 60th anniversary when all proceeds for that event were donated to this organization. Over $33,000 has been raised over this time. My Friends’ Place, part of the Safe Harbor Organization, is Southeastern Washington’s first safe overnight sanctuary for unhoused teens. My Friends’ Place is currently providing immediate basic human survival needs for youth on the streets. It provides warm meals, showers, laundry, and a safe place to rest, for youth ages 13 through 20. Contact Heather Shindehite, Ph.D. 509-438-0079 x0. SafeHarborHeather@gmail.com Special guest DJ, Jeff Jacobs with Jacobs Radio will be there from 5pm-7pm. He was Rollarena’s DJ in the 90’s and has worked with our previous fundraisers. Special guest DJ Brandon Andersen will be there from 7pm-9pm. The whole day the music will be a mix of oldies throughout the 7 decades we have been open. Rollarena Skating Center has been providing family entertainment for the Tri-Cities for since 1953. It conducts public skating sessions and private parties for schools, churches, clubs and businesses. It also has birthday party packages and a skating lesson program.
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Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Raising Heart Health Awareness with Go Red for Women Luncheon1/16/2024 February is American Heart Month, and the Prosser Memorial Foundation will be hosting their annual Go Red for Women Luncheon to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s Women’s Health Fund. The Go Red for Women movement was started by the American Heart Association to advocate for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health.
The luncheon will take place on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 2nd at Desert Wind Winery and will consist of a gourmet heart-healthy lunch and wine. The event will also include PMH Board Certified Cardiologist, Dr. Karan Bhatti as a guest speaker and emcee Shae Frichette of Frichette Winery. All proceeds of this event will go towards the Women’s Health Fund at Prosser Memorial Health Foundation. Tickets are $50.00 each or a table of eight for $300.00 and available for purchase at the foundation’s website, www.prosserhealth.foundation, on Eventbrite, or by calling Prosser Memorial Health Community Relations at 509.786.6601. You can also visit the Prosser Memorial Health Foundation website to learn more about the Foundation and stay updated on their news and events. In an effort to help fund airport capital improvements, the Port of Pasco voted today to increase the daily parking rates at Tri-Cities Airport (PSC).
Beginning March 1, 2024, the rates for airport parking will be:
The additional parking revenue will help pay for more than $2 million in parking lot improvements scheduled for 2024, including an expansion of the credit card parking lot and new payment technology. Parking fees would also help fund the airport’s long-term capital improvement projects, which include an expansion of the ticketing, administration, and baggage claim areas; one to two more aircraft gates; and the addition of jet bridges. These improvements are expected to cost approximately $140 million over the next 10 – 12 years. “The Tri-Cities Airport doesn’t collect local property taxes and operates solely on revenue generated by airport users,” said Buck Taft, Airport Director. “This is important because we don’t want Franklin County residents to have to subsidize the airport with their property taxes. The increased parking rates will ensure that the airport can continue to be self-sustaining and to pay for critical improvements.” The Port last voted to raise parking rates in 2017. The new daily rates are comparable to other airports in the Pacific Northwest, where long-term rates range from $10 – $15 per day and short-term rates range from $14 – $27 per day. For more information about parking at Tri-Cities Airport, visit flytricities.com/interact/parking. Energy Northwest today announced an agreement with Bellevue-based Puget Sound Energy to accelerate the agency’s program examining the feasibility of developing and deploying a next-generation nuclear energy facility. State policies requiring a substantial increase in clean electricity are leading utilities to evaluate potential sources of new clean energy generation; and nuclear energy possesses many of the key attributes vital to establishing a reliable, emissions-free electric grid. New nuclear energy technologies, such as advanced small modular reactors, are approaching commercial readiness and feature enhanced safety systems; simplified, standardized, and scalable designs; and the ability to both swiftly integrate with renewables and provide around-the-clock electricity – without producing any greenhouse gas emissions.
The agreement, a $10 million investment by Puget Sound Energy in Energy Northwest’s new nuclear project feasibility phase, will guide future participation and investment decisions. This collaboration does not obligate Puget Sound Energy to any future financial commitment nor signify an ownership interest in a developed project. “Energy Northwest is committed to developing clean energy resources capable of helping Washington state meet its climate and carbon reduction goals. As we de-carbonize the electric grid, it is increasingly evident new sources of carbon-free, reliable, and affordable electricity must be deployed – and advanced nuclear energy technology can play a vital role in this transition,” said Bob Schuetz, Energy Northwest chief executive officer. “Energy Northwest’s partnership with Puget Sound Energy underscores our shared commitment to address the climate challenge and meet the region’s future clean energy needs with the help of new and innovative carbon-free nuclear energy technologies.” Energy Northwest has been at the forefront of explorations into the viability of building a next generation nuclear energy plant in central Washington for several years. Such a facility could prove invaluable in meeting the state’s climate goals without jeopardizing the reliability and affordability of the electric grid. As the owner of Columbia Generating Station, the northwest’s only commercial nuclear power plant, as well as the developer and operator of a full suite of renewable and energy storage resources, Energy Northwest is well-positioned to investigate and facilitate a potential project. “Our clean energy future depends on finding reliable resources that produce energy when customers need it without emitting greenhouse gases,” said Mary Kipp, president and CEO of Puget Sound Energy. “Advanced nuclear technology has the potential to be that resource. I’m excited to partner with Energy Northwest as part of our efforts to identify and secure reliable, cost-effective clean energy for our 1.2 million electric customers in the state of Washington.” The financial commitment by Puget Sound Energy will supplement the approximately $10 million contributed to date by Energy Northwest and supporting entities, including nearly $1 million in combined investment from 17 northwest public utilities. For over two years Energy Northwest thoroughly investigated numerous emerging nuclear energy technologies, arriving at the determination X-energy’s advanced small modular reactor – known as the Xe-100 – is the design best tailored to the region’s specific needs. The ongoing analysis of project structures, schedules, and overall viability will inform future project investments and ultimately the prudency of a final investment decision. Individuals are encouraged to submit nominations for the Washington State University Tri-Cities Women of Distinction Awards by Monday, Feb. 26. This award recognizes people who identify as women and their allies who have worked to elevate the status and equality of women. Nominees can be campus and community members, or alumna who have made notable contributions to WSU Tri-Cities through service, teaching or involvement.
The award is presented to five distinguished individuals each year, who meet some or all of the following criteria:
“The Women of Distinction Awards are important for WSU Tri-Cities because they acknowledge the accomplishments of women and allies associated with our campus,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities. “These awards offer a platform to come together, establish connections, and enable the sharing of knowledge and resources.” To submit a nomination and for more information, visit tricities.wsu.edu/women-of-distinction. WSU Tri-Cities will host an award ceremony on Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the WSU Tri-Cities Art Center to honor the selected individuals, as well as those nominated for the award. Prosser Memorial Health Welcomes Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Gary Podhaisky to Prosser Clinic1/9/2024 Prosser Memorial is excited to welcome Gary Podhaisky, MD FAAP, to the Prosser Clinic! Dr. Podhaisky, who previously worked at Kadlec, is board certified in Pediatrics and is a Fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was voted the Best Pediatrician in the Tri-Cities in 2022! Dr. Podhaisky went to the University of Nebraska where he originally planned to study Business Finance but went into Pre-Med after being challenged by his sister to become a doctor. After becoming an uncle at the age of ten, Dr. Podhaisky realized he loved spending time with and caring for children, and pediatrics turned out to be the most fitting career path for him. As a pediatrician, Dr. Podhaisky likes to interact with his patients and their families with compassion, empathy, and humor. His humble and approachable demeanor helps him build connections with his patients to allow him to educate and empower them to make healthy choices for their children. When not taking care of the community youth, Dr. Podhaisky likes to partake in outdoors activities, like hiking and golf. He enjoys the Pacific Northwest and appreciates all the seasons the PNW has to offer. He also enjoys traveling, nationally and internationally. He recently spent time in Brazil learning about and helping impoverished children in the city of Sao Paulo. We are excited to have Dr. Gary join the Prosser Memorial family and we know he will be a great addition to our Prosser Clinic! To learn more about him and his services, or to schedule an appointment, call us at 509.786.1576 or visit us online at prosserhealth.org. After a comprehensive search, the City of Richland has narrowed down its selection for the next Police Chief to two highly qualified finalists: Matthew Brown, Port Orchard, WA, and Daniel Christman, Selah, WA. Both candidates bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to community policing to the position.
Matthew Brown serves as the Chief of Police in Port Orchard, WA. Chief Brown has also served as Deputy Chief of Police for Poulsbo, WA, Chief Criminal Deputy for Walla Walla County, WA, and other law enforcement positions in Lakewood, WA, and Pierce County. Brown possesses an executive master’s in public administration from the University of Washington and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum. Brown is also a recipient of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award. Daniel Christman serves as the Police Chief in Selah, WA. Chief Christman has also served as Program Manager for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Police Commander for Sunnyside, WA, Deputy Director of the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Police Officer for Bothell, WA. Christman possesses a master’s in criminal justice from Boston University and is a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command from Northwestern University. Christman is also a recipient of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award. “We were incredibly impressed with the caliber of these candidates and their ability to continue to move the department forward with excellence,” said Jon Amundson, City Manager. “Both Brown and Christman possess the leadership skills, experience, and vision necessary to lead RPD into the future. We are confident that either candidate will be a valuable asset to our community.” Final interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, January 9. Candidates will take part in multiple panel interviews, a police department tour, and a city tour. The public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists and learn more about their vision for the City of Richland Police Department at the Candidate Reception. The event will take place on Tuesday, January 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Blvd. Richland, WA 99352 The Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC) was engaged by the City to assist in a nationwide executive recruitment and selection process for its new Police Chief. The city anticipates making its selection by the end of the month. The final selection of the next Police Chief will be contingent upon a successful background investigation consistent with RCW 43.101.095. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Selena Diaz Joins Prosser Memorial Health's Benton City Clinic1/8/2024 Prosser Memorial Health is proud to welcome Selena Diaz, PMHNP-BC, to our Benton City Clinic! Selena holds credentials with the American Psychiatric Nurse Association and American Association of Nurse Practitioners, as well as Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification. A native of the lower valley, Selena may be a familiar face for the surrounding communities having worked at several medical facilities in the area, including Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Lourdes, and Astria. She also received her associate degree at Yakima Valley Community College, before going on to obtain her BS from West Governor’s University and MS from Marysville University. She began her nursing career in oncology and home nursing, but soon came to discover the psychological aspect that ran as a common thread through all her nursing posts. Realizing the importance of psychiatry and how much she enjoyed helping others in this aspect, she went on to receive a post-master’s certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health at Frontier Nursing University. Apart from the joy of getting to help people through difficult times, Selena is excited to be working at PMH. Having grown up in Prosser, it feels like she is getting the opportunity to give back to the community that raised her. We are excited to have Selena at Prosser Memorial Health providing a wide range of psychiatric services to the communities we serve and love! To learn more about Selena Diaz or to schedule an appointment, call the Benton City Clinic at 509.588.4075 or visit us online at prosserhealth.org. Brian Hartman has joined the Advisory Council Tri-Cities (ACT) for Washington State University Tri-Cities at the appointment of WSU President Kirk Schulz.
Hartman is a Bechtel senior vice president and is project director for the DOE Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant at the Hanford Site. As project director, Hartman is responsible for the 2,500 employees who are commissioning the plant to transform tank waste stored at Hanford into a form safe for long-term disposal. ACT is comprised of business, civic, and education leaders as well as alumni who have a strategic interest in WSU Tri-Cities. The Council’s primary mission is to foster closer ties between WSU Tri-Cities, its alumni, plus the community, region, and state. Membership on the ATC represents a commitment to improving WSU Tri-Cities ability to positively affect the community through education, scholarship and outreach. The council reviews initiatives of ongoing importance providing strategic and tactical thinking, internal and external advocacy and guidance to hold the campus and system accountable to the local community. Hartman is an accomplished engineering and project management professional with over 40 years of designing, constructing, and commissioning major projects for both government and commercial customers. Hartman began his career at Bechtel in 1982 working on nuclear power plant design. He advanced through roles of increasing responsibility for design and construction engineering, serving in every aspect from a technical specialist in distributed control systems, to engineering supervisor, to field engineer, to chief engineer for instrumentation and control, to project engineer, and ultimately project manager. Before joining the Hanford project, he was the global manager of engineering for Bechtel. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also a registered Professional Engineer and a member of the International Society of Automation and the National Society of Black Engineers. At last night’s council meeting, five members were sworn into office by City Clerk Jennifer Rogers. New councilmember Kurt Maier began his first term of office and Ryan Whitten, Theresa Richardson, Jhoanna Jones, and Shayne VanDyke were reelected for another term.
Following the swearing-in, the Richland City Council elected council members to act as Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem for a two-year term. Councilmember Theresa Richardson was elected as Mayor. Councilmember Sandra Kent was elected as Mayor Pro-Tem. Theresa Richardson is the first female Mayor of Richland since 1958 when Patricia Merrill was chosen as the first Mayor of Richland. This represents a historic milestone in Richland, with both a female Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem serving concurrently for the first time in the City's history. Theresa Richardson began serving as a City of Richland council member in January 2022 and was selected as Mayor Pro Tem in January 2023. Sandra Kent was appointed to the Richland City Council in February 2008 to fill a vacancy and elected in November 2009 to complete the unexpired term. She was selected as Mayor Pro Tem once before in 2020. |
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