​The Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) has closed Runway 12/30 and sections of several taxiways until November, as part of a planned construction timeline to bring the runway into compliance with new federal safety standards.
 
During the construction period, all aircraft will utilize the airport’s 3L/21R runway for takeoffs and landings. While the closure will not affect the traveling public, residents between Road 68 and the airport may experience additional airplane noise.
 
The planned closures of Runway 12/30 and portions of Taxiways D, E, and G will allow construction crews to shift Runway 12/30 200 feet to the north. The move will also accommodate a new airfield service road. 

Elijah Family Homes has provided hope and support to families overcoming addiction recovery for two decades. Through case management, stable housing, and life-changing programs, we believe in the power of second chances.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are excited to unveil our vision for the future. We are utilizing an innovative housing solution in partnership with Lexar Homes, Sunrise Rotary, Mr. Electric, and other community members. Our first village will offer six 700 sq. ft. cottage homes for families, creating a safe and supportive environment. Also, it will encompass a community center designed for classes and workshops to foster growth and connection throughout their three-year journey in our Transition to Success Program.

This is more than a housing project—it’s a community-driven solution that is cost-effective and duplicatable and will empower families and strengthen our region. Join us for a special presentation in an open house style on Thursday, March 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lexar Homes in Kennewick as we jumpstart this project with the community's help. Be the first to see the vision come to life with video renderings, drawings, and stories of impact. Together, we can make a difference!

For more information, visit elijahfamilyhomes.com or contact Angela Dryden at [email protected].

Following the successful completion of a four-month transition, Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure, LLC (H2C) assumed responsibility for the Integrated Tank Disposition Contract (ITDC) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site today.  

H2C was awarded the contract on Feb. 29, 2024, and comprises BWX Technologies, Inc., (BWXT), Amentum, and Fluor companies. Except for a very small number of senior leadership positions, H2C offered jobs to all incumbent workers on the Tank Operations Contract, and more than 99% of the approximately 2,600-person workforce accepted offers of employment with H2C. 

“We are thrilled to begin work at Hanford today,” said H2C President and Program Manager Carol Johnson. “I can’t say enough positive things about how we have been welcomed by the existing workforce and the community, and I commend Washington River Protection Solutions President and Project Manager Wes Bryan for creating an unfailingly cooperative spirit within the staff of the outgoing contractor as we worked through transitioning the contract to H2C. We are also very appreciative for the DOE’s engagement and guidance in preparing to manage this critical cleanup effort.” 

H2C is committed to reducing DOE’s environmental liability and risk, safely accelerating tank waste disposition, and decreasing lifecycle costs for the duration of the Hanford ITDC. These efforts will be supported by close partnerships with DOE and the site’s regulators, collaboration with other site contractors, strong union relationships, and engaging with small businesses and the community. 

H2C’s management approach is based on these principles: 

• ​Partnering with DOE and site regulators to refine our approach, forge agreement on strategies, drive those strategies into relevant task orders, and then safely optimize operations
• Effective integration with other site contractors as part of the One Hanford approach
• Delivery of unsurpassed nuclear operations
• Implementation of lessons learned from development and execution of task orders throughout the DOE’s Environmental Management complex
• Use of systems proven effective on delivery of other task orders throughout the federal government

Small businesses will play a major role in H2C’s vision to reduce risk and liability. Using scope-based tasks as the basis for procurement, H2C will integrate small businesses to deliver innovation, efficiencies, and savings. H2C has committed to begin the contract by offering 18% of the year-one contract value (more than $300 million) to small business. 

H2C will also work with DOE and the community to recruit and retain the workforce required to continue the important missions at Hanford, with an emphasis on university partnerships, workforce development, hiring a new generation of workers, and retaining critically skilled employees. 

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure’s mission is to deliver exceptional performance in safely removing, treating and disposing of tank waste. H2C leads the nation’s largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup, including closure of the legacy waste tanks at Hanford containing 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste. Eventually, H2C will operate portions of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, providing final treatment and disposal of Hanford tank waste. Comprised of BWX Technologies, Inc., (BWXT), Amentum, and Fluor companies, our team brings the capabilities necessary to reduce the nation’s environmental liability and risk, accelerate tank waste disposition, and decrease lifecycle costs — achieving our vision of solving the Department of Energy’s largest environmental challenge in order to provide a positive legacy for future generations. Learn more at www.hanfordtanks.com

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association has named Dan Gaulke as its new president and CEO, succeeding Leanne Antonio, who is retiring after a distinguished career.

During Antonio’s leadership, Yakima Federal’s assets grew to more than $2 billion, and its capital ratio reached 25.70%, among the highest in the nation. She oversaw a branch modernization effort, including a new Richland office, expanded the bank’s community involvement and reinvestment focus, and guided it through the global pandemic. Antonio was only the eighth CEO in the bank’s 120-year history and the first woman to hold the position. In 2024, she was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors and will continue in that role.

Gaulke, a lifelong Yakima resident and graduate of West Valley High School and Washington State University, joined Yakima Federal as a management trainee after college. He has served the bank for more than 34 years in roles including Loan Officer, Internal Audit Manager, Compliance Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.
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“I am proud to have been chosen to lead Yakima Federal into the future,” said Mr. Gaulke. “It is both a privilege and an honor to continue the mission of the bank, which allows our members to reach their financial goals and the benefit of home ownership. Yakima Federal will strive to be a great community partner and foster economic growth in all of the communities we serve.”

The City of Pasco Fire Department is excited to announce a series of traditional push-in ceremonies to welcome three new fire engines into service. These state-of-the-art engines, equipped with advanced safety features such as 360-degree camera viewing, will be stationed at Fire Stations 81, 82, and 85. The new engines are intended to replace older models that are ready for retirement. 

Event Details:  
February 21 
Fire Station 85 
3624 Road 100 

February 28 
Fire Station 82 
3502 Varney Lane 

March 7 
Fire Station 81 
310 Oregon Avenue 

Each ceremony will begin at 4:30PM.  
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Push-in ceremonies are a long-standing tradition, symbolizing the formal introduction of new engines to their respective stations. Community members are encouraged to participate in these special events. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the fire stations and learn about the capabilities of the new engines. 

​Nominate or self-nominate an individual and/or organization who has made a difference in the art culture in Richland in 2024 by Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. 
 
The Supporting the Arts in Richland Awards recognizes those who contribute to or support artistic endeavors, including visual arts, literature, music, or entertainment that enhance the quality of life in Richland. 
 
Last year's individual winner was Brandie Soden (formerly Saint-Claire), an inspiring leader and passionate advocate for the arts in the Tri-Cities. A Richland native and Bomber Alumni, Brandie has been a driving force behind the beloved Art in the Park Festival, a cultural cornerstone in the region for over 73 years.
 
The Organization Award was presented to the Academy of Children's Theatre (ACT), an organization dedicated to fostering creativity and passion for the arts in youth since its founding in June of 1995. Continually growing beyond their in-house productions, ACT reaches out to the community through outreach programs in schools and nonprofit organizations, encouraging students to engage with and contribute to their local communities. ACT is steadfast in placing children at the heart of its productions, ensuring an immersive, safe, and affirming environment that nurtures a love for theater arts. 
 
The Richland Arts Commission will consider submittals at their next workshop. The chosen recipients will be presented with an award at a Richland City Council meeting in March or April of 2025. 
 
For more information or to see the list of past honorees, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/artrecognition or call 509-942-7501.

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) will provide families with a tote bag containing an age-appropriate book, magnetic letters, tools, a small whiteboard, and bilingual instructions for activities that families can easily do at home. These tools and training educate and empower families to incorporate reading and play at home with a $8,500 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation. 

Let’s READ Mid-Columbia targets children from birth to age 8 and their families, recognizing parents as a child’s first teacher. Many families are unsure how to engage their children in literacy activities. To address this, we provide hands-on training and practical strategies for daily routines like read-alouds, daily conversations, and interactive play, emphasizing purposeful reading and talking.

“Early shared reading fosters foundational literacy skills like phonemic awareness and print concepts, crucial for academic success. It also strengthens caregiver-child bonds, creating a positive association with reading.” says Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, CRFMC Executive Director, “By investing in early literacy, we build educational equity, especially for underserved populations.”
Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Indian charitable organizations with their base of operations within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations. 

The Wildhorse Foundation has awarded a total of over $18 million in grant funding since its establishment in 2001. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis with the deadlines being January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.thewildhorsefoundation.com.