​Petersen Hastings Wealth Advisors is proud to announce the addition of Hayden McEachen as an Associate Wealth Advisor for the firm.  As an Associate Wealth Advisor at Petersen Hastings, Hayden will assist the Advisory Team in managing existing client relationships and supporting their development of new client relationships.  The firm’s commitment to serving our clients at the highest level, investment philosophy, and core values are what drove him to Petersen Hastings, as they closely align with Hayden’s personal values.  
 
Hayden earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Linfield University in 2022, where he also excelled as a linebacker on the college football team. Additionally, he holds a Certificate of Spanish Fluency from Linfield, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals. Hayden joins us after spending time as a Financial Representative for a national wealth management firm, gaining valuable experience in financial planning and client relations.
 
“It is very exciting to see our firm continue to expand as we welcome Hayden to his position at Petersen Hastings,” said Matt Neff, Director of Advisor Services.  “Hayden’s industry experience and a passion for helping our clients achieve continued financial success makes me confident that he will not only be a great advisor, but also an educator and an advocate for our clients.”
 
Beyond his professional endeavors, Hayden is deeply passionate about sports, particularly football, and he also enjoys practicing Jiu Jitsu. He finds relaxation and fulfillment in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Music is another significant part of Hayden's life; he is proficient in playing both guitar and piano. Furthermore, Hayden serves as the Defensive Coordinator for the Tri-Cities Prep football team, combining his love for sports with a commitment to mentorship and leadership. Family and friends are central to Hayden's life, and he prioritizes spending quality time with them whenever possible.

At a special council meeting held today, City Council adopted a resolution to appoint Ms. Erin Erdman as the new City Manager for the City of Kennewick and approved an employment agreement.

“I want to thank the City Council for entrusting me with this role. I am very excited to get to know the staff, the council, and the City as a whole and dive into the many exciting opportunities the City has on the horizon,” said Ms. Erdman.

Ms. Erdman has over 22 years of public service experience. During this span of time she worked her way up as City Planner for Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Government (WA), Permit Center Manager for the City of Vancouver (WA) and Community Development Director for the City of Battle Ground (WA), where she has been serving as City Manager. Ms. Erdman holds a Bachelors in Geography, specializing in Urban Planning, from Central Washington University.
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City Council has been engaged in a competitive recruitment process since November 2023 to fill the City Manager position. The City Council conducted interviews with the top four candidates on March 8, 2024.

​The General Manager of Ben Franklin Transit (BFT), Rachelle Glazier, will step down effective April 1. However, she will continue to assist in a limited consulting role throughout the transition process. She informed BFT staff of her decision on Friday afternoon. Glazier has held the position since July of 2022.

She states, “I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity by our Board of Directors, and it has been my honor to serve our community alongside the dedicated BFT staff. Working for this board has been the best experience of my career. However, a family issue must take priority at this time in my life. It was not an easy decision, but it is the right one.”

Chief Financial Officer Sarah Funk has been designated as Interim General Manager while the BFT Board conducts a search for Glazier’s replacement. The search is expected to take several months.

​BFT Board Chair Will McKay stated, “I am sad to see Rachelle leave, but family comes first. She was great to work with and improved so many aspects of Ben Franklin Transit to make it more efficient and better serve the community.”

The Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Board has approved awarding (1) $2,000.00 scholarship for each of the three high schools in the Prosser Memorial Health services area including: Prosser, Grandview, and Kiona-Benton. There is also one at-large scholarship that will be offered to students that are outside of the three school districts we currently serve. This scholarship is available to seniors pursuing a higher education degree in the healthcare industry.

“The Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Board and its Auxiliary Volunteers are excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to seniors in our community. We want to encourage and support students who are interested in a career in the healthcare industry whether that be as a doctor, nurse, or healthcare administrator – all play an important role in Prosser Memorial Health’s ability to deliver high quality, affordable healthcare to the communities we serve,” said Shannon Hitchcock, Executive Director.

Applications must be received by April 15, 2024, and are available now on the Foundation website at www.prosserhealth.foundation. Completed applications may be emailed to Foundation Executive Director Shannon Hitchcock at [email protected].

​Cork's Place Kids Grief Center is thrilled to announce its 20th-anniversary celebration, set to take place on April 27th at Wheat Head Brewing Co. This milestone event promises an unforgettable evening of commemoration and fundraising in support of children coping with loss.
 
"For two decades, Cork's Place has been a beacon of hope and healing for children navigating the complex grief journey," said Tara Divers, Director of Philanthropy. "As we mark this significant milestone, we invite the community to join us in honoring our past, celebrating our present, and embracing our future."
 
The anniversary celebration will be a highlight of the year on Saturday, April 27th, at Wheat Head Brewing Co. in Kennewick. Guests will indulge in a culinary journey with a delectable food and beverage experience curated especially for this occasion. Every bite and sip, from craft brews to gourmet delights, promises to tantalize the taste buds.
 
But the festivities don't end there. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a mega raffle and bid on exclusive items in a silent auction, offering remarkable opportunities to win fabulous prizes while supporting a worthy cause. From entertainment and lifestyle packages to one-of-a-kind experiences, there's something for everyone to covet.
 
All proceeds from this event will directly benefit Cork's Place Kids Grief Center, ensuring we can continue providing essential support services to children and families in need. Your participation makes a difference in the lives of those facing loss, offering comfort, healing, and hope during their darkest days.
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Join us as we raise a glass to 20 years of compassion, resilience, and community support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of grieving children.
 
For tickets and more information, please visit TCCBestLife.org/corksanniversary or contact [email protected].

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is holding an open house to gather community input on a potential new Downtown Pasco Transit Center, and the public is invited. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 27, at 6 p.m. at the Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Pasco Branch located at 1320 W. Hopkins Street.

A preferred concept has been selected for the transit center, which will cater to the needs of residents in East Pasco and those who frequent downtown businesses. At the Open House, participants will learn about the proposed plans for the transit center, be given an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions, and have their questions answered by BFT staff members.
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The proposed new facility would be built on the vacant, former bank site on N. 11th Avenue between W. Clark Street and W. Bonneville Street, which Ben Franklin Transit purchased in 2022.

Lourdes Health is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, April 5, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Lourdes Medical Center, in the Farrelly Auditorium on the 4th floor. Community members are invited to join Lourdes employees in rolling up their sleeves and giving this life saving donation.

“The United States is currently facing a severe blood shortage, and we are happy to be able to do our part to help serve this great need,” said Donna Sherman, Lourdes Health Laboratory Director. “We are committed to strengthening our community and helping meeting hospital and patient needs through blood donations. This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.
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Appointments are needed to participate in the Blood Drive. For more information and to make an appointment, go to: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Lourdes

Trios Health will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, April 3, from 9 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the Trios Care Center at Southridge, in the lower-level conference room, 3730 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA 99338. Community members are invited to join Trios staff in rolling up their sleeves and giving this life saving donation.

“Across our nation, we are currently facing a severe blood shortage and are in need of donations from all blood types,” said Jean Lewis, Trios Health Laboratory Director. “We are committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations. This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.
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Appointments are needed to participate in the Blood Drive. For more information and to make an appointment, go to: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Trios

Joey Nestegard, chief business and finance officer of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), has been appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to serve on the Washington Employee Ownership Commission.

The commission will develop and oversee the Washington Employee Ownership Program within the Department of Commerce. It was established as part of a bipartisan bill (SB 5096) that was passed unanimously by the state house and senate last May. The law provides support and resources for companies looking to become employee owned.

SEL has been 100 percent employee owned since 2009 and is active in several associations advocating for the business model, including The ESOP Association and the Employee-Owned S Corporation of America (ESCA). Nestegard is the chair-elect of the ESCA Board of Directors.

“There is no better way to build a successful business than by giving employees a real stake in the company,” said Nestegard. “It’s a model focused on long-term decision making in the best interest of customers, employees, business partners and the communities where we do business. Employee ownership creates the kind of stability that helps a business weather storms and leads to sustained growth. I look forward to joining the effort to assist other businesses across the state in learning more about the ESOP model.”
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To learn more, visit https://governor.wa.gov/boards-commissions/board-commission-profiles/Washington%20Employee%20Ownership%20Commission