The City of Richland confirms there has been a data breach incident affecting our servers and systems at Benton County Emergency Services (BCES) and the City of Richland (City). This breach has potentially compromised personal information of our citizens. The privacy and security of our citizens are of utmost importance to us, and we are taking immediate action to address this situation. 

Here are the key details of the incident: 
Nature of the Breach: Our cybersecurity systems detected unauthorized access to City of Richland servers via BCES servers on May 15, 2024. The breach appears to have mostly impacted City servers and may have exposed personal information, including but not limited to names, addresses, contact details, and possibly sensitive data. 
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Scope of Impact: While we are still investigating the full extent of the breach, the City has engaged a cyber security consultant to assist with a comprehensive assessment. 

Actions Taken: Upon discovery of the breach, we immediately initiated our incident response protocol. BCES and City IT teams are working tirelessly to contain the breach, assess the damage, and strengthen our security measures to prevent future incidents. We have also notified relevant authorities and are cooperating fully with their investigations. 

Next Steps: While still investigating, we intend to share more details early next week as we identify the full impact. We will share ways citizens can take proactive measures as well as provide support resources and ongoing daily updates via social media and the website. In addition, next week we will distribute a letter to all City of Richland customer accounts identified in our customer database. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and commit to remain fully transparent as the investigation evolves.  

​On Thursday May 9, 2024, Jill Shuttleworth was awarded the Lifetime Service Award from the Structural Engineers Association of Washington (SEAW).  This award was presented at the local Southeast Chapter of SEAW by Ed Huston, SE.  Ed traveled over from the west side to present the award on behalf of the entire SEAW.  Ed emphasized the significance of the award saying Jill is only the eighth recipient in the history of SEAW.  So, the award is rarely presented.
 
Ed went on to say Jill is extremely deserving of having been one of the founding people to establish the Southeast SEAW Chapter.  Not only establishing the chapter, but there were also many challenges to keeping the chapter going over the years.  The SE Chapter sponsored the annual SEAW Conference in 2018, and Jill was a key force for pulling that together.  Recently, Jill led the WaSAFE Training based on ATC 20 and ATC 45 held in the Meier conference room on March 22, 2024.  This training is for Engineers to be able to assist after a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
 
Ed also mentioned Jill tremendous assistance to the State Chapter over the years.  She has served on the SEAW state board for serval years. From 2012 to 2013, she was the SEAW State President. Currently, Jill is on the Disaster Preparedness Response Committee for SEAW.   Previously, she has served on the Education Committee and helped present at Code Update Seminars.
 
In addition to SEAW, Jill has served on the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) Outreach Committee and a subcommittee for students and educators.  Jill has also developed questions for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Structural Engineering exam and has even graded those exam tests. As one can surmise, Jill has been a leader in all things involving Structural Engineering.
 
Meier is proud to join SEAW in congratulating Jill on her advocacy and leadership and service to the structural engineering community.  Jill is a licensed Structural Engineer and is one of the three licensed Structural Engineers in the Meier Structural Group - https://meierinc.com/services/structural-engineering/. 

The City of Kennewick recently detected low levels of certain chemicals called PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in our drinking water.

As part of the City’s Water Quality Monitoring Schedule, water samples are taken and analyzed for PFAS on a quarterly basis.  Samples taken on March 12, 2024, at our Ranney Collector source, resulted in an exceedance of the SBOH (Washington’s State Board of Health) SAL (State Action Level) limit for PFOS. The SAL for PFOS is 15.0 parts per trillion (ppt) and the sample had results of 17.9 ppt. It’s important to note that the laboratory detection limit is measuring in parts per trillion, which is generally equivalent to one (1) drop in 20 Olympic sized swimming pools.

What is PFAS?
PFAS are a large family of manmade chemicals that are tasteless, colorless, and odorless (commonly known as “Forever Chemicals”). They do not occur in nature and are produced to make many products including stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, nonstick pans, fast food wrappers, grease-proof food containers, waterproof clothing, and a special kind of firefighting foam. Over many years of manufacturing and use, these unregulated chemicals have been released into the environment from industrial plants, fire training sites, consumer products and other sources.

Our Water Quality
As part of our commitment to transparency, we will continue to monitor the water quality and provide updates as needed. You can find more information about our water quality on our website at https://www.go2kennewick.com/346/Water-Quality

Next Steps
The City of Kennewick is actively working to address the PFAS detections and comply with newly released EPA regulations. The City has contracted with RH2 Engineering to evaluate treatment options for our water supply sources.  The City will continue to monitor for PFAS and will likely implement improvements in advance of the compliance date. 

What Should You Do?
There is nothing required of you at this time. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or mixing infant formula with tap water, consider using an alternative source for drinking or mixing infant formula. All consumers can learn more about PFAS and how to reduce exposure by visiting the PFAS information page on the State’s Department of Health website.
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More Information
For the full public notice and more information, please visit our website at www.Go2Kennewick.com. The full public notice will also be published in the Tri-City Herald on Sunday, May 12th, 2024. 

The grandeur of Pow Wow and Stick Games hosted by Legends Casino Hotel returns in 2024 from May 17 through May 19. Due to construction impacting the traditional grounds this year, the events will take place at the SunDome in Yakima where the public is invited to join the grand events for dance contests, drum performances, food and craft vendors, and much more. 

More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded between the Stick Games tournament and Pow Wow competitions. These events include formal ceremonies and celebrate the traditions of our people. The SunDome has the capacity to host 7,000 spectators who can view Pow Wow performances from the raised seating, and attendees will be encouraged to bring lawn chairs to experience the Stick Games.  

“Due to the support of our community, we’re expanding Legends Casino Hotel this year with a new pool and luxurious spa,” explained Letisha Peterson, Legends Casino Hotel General Manager, “This construction required relocation of several underground utilities, and that directly impacts the traditional event grounds. We worked with our team, the community, and the committee to find the best location for this year, and that’s the Sun Dome. We look forward to seeing all of the contestants and the public again this year.” The detailed schedule in addition to the application for camping—available on Sun Dome grounds—is available from the Legends Casino Hotel website at https://legendscasino.com/powwow-stickgame. 

There will be a few changes due to the new location this year, and attendees are encouraged to review the information on the Legends Casino website. Some of the changes attendees can anticipate will be a minimal parking fee of $5 per vehicle per day, camping on Sun Dome grounds, and amazing views of the dance competitions from the SunDome event seating. Guests are also encouraged to bring a lawn chair to be part of the Stick Games. 

“As in years past, the best Native American dancers and drummers in the country will join us to perform,” noted Pow Wow co-chair, John Gaspard. “Everyone in the family will find something to enjoy. For percussion enthusiasts, award winning drummers will perform, and tent vendors will offer beadwork, jewelry, native wear, and much more for shoppers and collectors to peruse.” The food vendors will appeal to foodies who will find fry bread, Indian tacos, Pow Wow burgers, and other favorites.  

Just three months after beginning service at Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), American Airlines is already expanding its offerings. Beginning in September, the legacy carrier will provide twice-daily service between PSC and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), a major hub for the airline.
 
American Airlines will continue to utilize a three-class Embraer 175 with room for 76 passengers. 
 
“Phoenix, with its easy connectivity to Latin America and the entire American Airlines network, has quickly proven popular for the Tri-Cities region,” said Buck Taft, Director of Tri-Cities Airport. “I have no doubt that this second daily flight will be a success, and look forward to American Airlines’ continued growth at our airport.”
 
The announcement of the additional flight adds to PSC’s increased usage by both passengers and airlines. Last year was the airport’s busiest year on record, with roughly 873,000 total passengers, and now three airlines have added flights since January: Avelo Airlines began service to the Sonoma wine country May 1 and Alaska Airlines will fly to Los Angeles (LAX) in October.
 
The second daily flight to Phoenix will be available beginning September 5. Tickets are on sale now at aa.com. 

​The City of Richland has several opportunities for public involvement in five (5) boards, committees, and commissions. Interested citizens are encouraged to apply and serve as public officers to help guide the future of Richland.

They include:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Citizens Review Committee
• Board of Adjustment
• Code Enforcement Board
• Parks & Recreation Commission
• Public Facilities District Board
  
  

**Below is a brief description of each BCC. **

Americans with Disabilities Act Citizens Review Committee
Created in response to federal legislation to provide fundamental due process for persons aggrieved by the implementation and/or administration of the Americans with Disabilities Act as it applies to the policies, procedures, equipment, and property of the City of Richland.

Board of Adjustment
Conducts public hearings and makes decisions on applications for special use permits; grant permits when requirements are fully met; grants or denies variances to the regulations or restrictions in the Richland Municipal Code (RMC) when the variance is in harmony with general purposes and intent of the RMC; hears and decides on appeals to administrative interpretations of the city's zoning code.

Code Enforcement Board
Conducts hearings on civil violations of the Richland Municipal Code (RMC); determines whether a civil violation of the RMC has occurred; assess monetary penalties in instances where it has been determined that civil violations of the RMC have occurred; adopts rules of procedure for hearings concerning civil violations of the RMC; conducts hearings on appeal of any notice of civil trespass issued pursuant to Chapter 2.34 RMC; performs such other duties and provide such additional information, assistance and advice to the City Council as the City Council may request or direct. 

Parks and Recreation
Advises the City Council based on public input of City-provided facilities, civic beautification in order to enhance the quality of life, environmental and cultural preservation, and programs for recreation.

Public Facilities District Board
The Public Facilities District is established for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, owning, remodeling, maintaining, equipping, re-equipping, repairing, financing and/or operating a Regional Center in the City, but only pursuant to an interlocal agreement (C104-02) between the City and the District.

This is a great opportunity to learn how your city operates and to help shape its future. For further details on these positions or to apply, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/bccvacancies and scroll to the Current Vacancies page.

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. 
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For more information contact Jennifer Rogers, City Clerk (509) 942-7389

The sun is shing and temperatures are rising; summer is near! And the best way to enjoy your summer is by doing so safely. That is why Prosser Memorial Health is back with their Summer Safety Event on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at our Primary Care Clinics. The free community event will include BBQ hot dogs, treats, activities, and water safety tips for the whole family.

May is National Water Safety Month. Water activities may feel like the easiest way to keep cool on hot summer days, but it’s important to remember that, like most outdoor activities, they must be done with safety in mind. Anyone can run the risk of drowning when they enter a body of water, even experienced swimmers. For young children, it is one of the leading causes of preventable death. This is why it is so important to practice and teach safe habits. Even adult activities, like boating or water sports where children may not be involved, should be done with the proper equipment and safety measures. Prosser Memorial wants to make sure that everyone heads into the summer ready to tackle the heat while also staying safe!

The Summer Safety Event will take place on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 4-6pm at our Prosser Clinic, Benton City Clinic, and Grandview clinic. This is a free family-friendly event, and we will be giving out life jackets for children while supplies last. To learn more about this event or Clinic locations, visit our website at prosserhealth.org.

Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB) invites the community to a thought-provoking event, "Exploring Data and Our Lives," on Tuesday, May 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The event, hosted on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in the East Auditorium, will explore the pervasive influence of data in our lives from several angles and the impact it has to shape our choices, political decisions, and broader societal trends. 
 
Audiences will see an excerpt from the new NOVA documentary, Secrets in Your Data, alongside NWPB's own digital video production, Washington's Data Race, which focuses on the relationship between race and rejected ballots in Washington's voting system. 
 
The event will also showcase keynote speakers Dr. Nairanjana Dasgupta, Boeing distinguished professor and director of data analytics, and Dr. Daryl Robert DeFord, assistant professor of data analytics, both of Washington State University (WSU). They will share their expertise on various data-related topics, including the importance of data literacy and fairness as well as transparency and ethical practices.  
 
"NWPB is excited to partner with NOVA for the second year in a row for this collaborative project," says Annie Warren, Director of Content at NWPB. "We are thrilled to host Dr. Dasgupta and Dr. DeFord, whose insights will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversations and inspire attendees to think differently about the role of data in our lives."
 
Doors open at 6:15 PM. The event is free, and registration is strongly encouraged to guarantee admission. Visit our event page to save your spot: https://www.nwpb.org/nova-event/. 
 
Event Details:
 
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:15 PM)
Location: East Auditorium, Washington State University Tri-Cities
2710 Crimson Way, Richland
Admission: Free

Benton County Fire District 4 provides fire and emergency medical services (EMS) to approximately 22,000 people over 52 square miles, which includes the city of West Richland and surrounding unincorporated areas.
 
Costs to provide emergency services have increased but Benton County Fire District 4 does not need to ask taxpayers for an increase in 2024. Based on past funding support from the community, it can absorb these costs in the short-term.
 
“We are extremely grateful. Our community wants the highest level and quality of service and are willing to fund it,” said Fire Chief Paul Carlyle. “This means we can save for a rainy day and that rain is here now in the form of higher costs and inflation.”
 
Call volumes are holding steady, but costs to provide emergency services have increased dramatically. The price of replacing a fire engine jumped from $600,000 to more than $800,000. Fuel costs increased by $21,000 and the price of EMS supplies went up almost $28,000 in the past year.
 
Facility maintenance costs also increased districtwide due to issues with aging stations and equipment. Total facility maintenance costs for 2023 more than quadrupled after heat pumps failed and sewer pipes collapsed at Station 420.
 
Benton 4 operates under a balanced budget and maintains adequate reserves in case of an emergency. The fire district wants to bring attention to neighboring fire agencies with funding requests on the August 6, 2024 primary election ballot. All fire districts in the Tri-City area provide mutual aid to one another, which provides a safety net for all residents in the Tri-Cities.
 
“We are all connected and have one goal – save lives and property,” he said. “At the point a fire district is unable to fund an adequate amount of personnel, reliable apparatus and equipment, it impacts all residents in the Tri-Cities.”
 
Benton 4 and other fire agencies provide a coordinated response to large incidents. An example of this is the recent shooting at Wiley Elementary School in West Richland. Another is the 45-acre wildland fire in Finley that required several fire agencies in the Tri-Cities to respond.
 
Walla Walla Fire District 4, Walla Walla Fire District 5, Benton County Fire District 2 and Franklin County Fire District 3 are on the August 6, 2024 primary election ballot asking voters for a lid lift.

The City of Richland began work on restoration and repair projects along Richland’s Riverfront Trail. Detours will guide users to safe, accessible alternative routes. 

WSU-Tri-Cities North Richland Riverfront Trail - Work Begins May 2, 2024
A section north of Sprout Street behind the Washington State University Tri-Cities Campus that was damaged by wash out last fall will be restored and repaved. The detour includes a pedestrian friendly and separate biking route. 

Hains Street Levee Riverfront Trail - Work Begins May 13, 2024
A south section of the levee above Hains Street will be closed for asphalt removal, tree, and root removal, and repavement of the trail. Crews will remove trees growing within five feet of the trail to reduce future root damage.  

The approximate half-mile section of the levee, from Porters Real Barbeque to River Road will be closed to safely route users around the area. This project should be complete in approximately three - four weeks.  

For more information and to view the detours, visit ci.richland.wa.us/projects.