Trios Health recently announced that Corrin Veiga has been recognized as the facility’s 2025 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Trios Health, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Corrin Veiga, is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said David Elgarico, Market President & CEO of Trios Health and Interim CEO of Lourdes Health. “We are so proud to recognize her many contributions to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community. I’m grateful for Corrin’s positive influence and the example she sets for all of us.”

Corrin has been working in Trios’ Therapy Services department as a Pelvic Floor Therapist since 2020.  She is recognized not only for the compassionate care she provides, but for her contributions in our community. Her nomination reads as follows:
“Corrin has the rare ability to make any person who comes into her treatment room feel safe.  A true safety. A trusting safety. The definition of do no harm. This week, like any other week, a woman went out of her way to express, with tears streaming down her face that Corrin's empathy and expertise allowed her to feel hope after recent trauma.

As a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Corrin treats a very vulnerable population, many victims of sexual abuse.   Corrin does not merely treat them, she heals them. They come into our office, worried that they will always be in pain, embarrassed and afraid to share their stories.   Corrin upholds their confidentiality with the utmost professionalism. She holds that in her heart and head at all times. 

With her extended family of healthcare workers, she serves the community at large through volunteer opportunities. She volunteers and sponsors events that bless children's lives. She teaches caregivers of life-long pain patients, who experience insurmountable medical bills in their future therapeutic techniques that can help them relieve their family member's pain.   She is in constant pursuit of how far she can push herself to grow and serve.”

Corrin is continually donating her time and talents to other local organizations that benefit our community. She has volunteered for Christ the King School’s Sausage Fest, is a food bank assistant at St. Joseph’s Church, coordinated food drives to benefit local community members and has coordinated many meal trains for co-workers in need. In addition to her full-time job, and various volunteer duties, she is also a caregiver for her mother after having heart surgery.

Corrin has provided pro bono physical therapy services in Cusco, Peru and volunteered as a Spanish language translator for a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team for an underserved region in Guatemala.
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Each facility winner, including Corrin, will be considered for Lifepoint’s 2025 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in August.

Lourdes Health recently announced that Sheri Appleby, RN, has been recognized as the facility’s 2025 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Lourdes Health, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Sheri Appleby, RN, is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said David Elgarico, Market President & CEO of Trios Health and Interim CEO of Lourdes Health. “We are so proud to recognize her many contributions to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community. I’m grateful for Sheri positive influence and the example she sets for all of us.”

Sheri was nominated by a colleague who said, “Sheri is the glue that holds our department together. She ensures that all phases of care go smoothly for every patient. Sheri is always willing to stay late, take extra shifts, come to work on her day off and receive calls at home. The amount of time, energy and sacrifice that she gives to this hospital is unmatched by most.”

Sheri is continually donating her time and talents to local organizations that benefit our community. She has volunteered at Second Harvest, Meals on Wheels, My Friends Place, Making packages for Troops overseas, among others.

Sheri has been an RN with Lourdes Health for nearly 22 years. She was born in Lourdes; her parents were both providers at the hospital, and she volunteered at the hospital when she was in high school. Lourdes was her first and only job out of nursing school.
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Each facility winner, including Sheri, will be considered for Lifepoint’s 2025 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in August.

The City of Pasco is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Interested nonprofit organizations may submit proposals through May 31, 2025. You can find the application packet here: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67921/2026-CDBG-RFP-Application-

Pasco expects to receive just over $650,000 in CDBG funds for 2026, though the final amount will depend on the federal allocation and is subject to change.

Proposed projects must meet at least one of the following objectives:

1. Primarily benefit low-income individuals,
2. Eliminate slum or blight conditions within the city, or
3. Create jobs for low-income individuals.
   
   

Only organizations qualified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply. In addition, proposals must address a priority need identified in Pasco’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in federal regulation 24 CFR 570.
To view the Consolidated Plan, visit https://www.pasco-wa.gov/188/Five-Year-Consolidated-Plan or contact the City of Pasco’s Community & Economic Development Department.

The City of Pasco will hold two public hearings to receive community feedback on the distribution of these funds:

• Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
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Both hearings will take place at Pasco City Hall, located at 525 N. 3rd Avenue.

​A long-anticipated stretch of Queensgate Drive is nearing completion and is tentatively scheduled to open to traffic as early as Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
 
This new connection between Keene Road and Shockley Road is part of a developer-led project that has been closely followed by the community. Once open, the roadway will enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion in surrounding areas, and improve overall connectivity in the growing South Richland area.
 
"We know this project has generated a lot of interest and we appreciate the public’s patience as work has progressed,” said Public Works Director, Carlo D’Alessandro. “This new connection will serve both current residents and support future development.”
 
The project aligns with broader transportation goals and reflects the City’s commitment to supporting development that improves livability and access across Richland.
 
Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s social media channels and website for the latest updates.

Washington State University Tri-Cities' Cougar Tracks continuing education program is launching three new industry-aligned training workshops this spring and summer. The hands-on workshops for service excellence and change management are designed to equip professionals with the tools they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economy. 
 
Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks said the workshops are a collaborative effort with local experts with support from regional partners.  “Thanks to the Port of Benton and Visit Tri-Cities each workshop reflects Cougar Tracks’ mission to foster industry collaboration and elevate workforce readiness across the Tri-Cities region.” 
 
Two of the workshops focus on increasing customer service skills for two different industries: tourism and hospitality, and winery tasting room staff and managers. The third is a full day immersive training on how to manage transformational change. 

• Hospitality That Shines: Tourism & Hospitality Service Excellence Workshop is sponsored by Visit Tri-Cities and Battelle and is offered free of charge. Attendees will gain concierge-level knowledge of Tri-Cities tourism assets and master techniques for service excellence, customer loyalty, retention, and regional tourism enhancement. Two sessions are available 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. on May 13 at the HAPO Center in Pasco. Complete the registration form to attend.
  
  
• Elevate Guest Experience: Wine Service Excellence Workshop is free for wine professionals in Benton County thanks to a partnership with the Port of Benton. Participants will work directly with award-winning facilitators—April Reddout, Michelle Vaughters, and Reggie Daigneault—on strategies to boost wine club conversions, elevate service excellence, and resolve guest challenges with confidence. The in-person workshop is from 12-4 p.m. on June 13 at the WSU Wine Science Center in Richland. Complete the registration form to attend.
  
  
• Lead Transformational Change: Cougar Tracks Change Architects is a full-day immersive workshop led by Wade Larsen, faculty member in the WSU Carson College of Business, director of workforce development for Wagstaff Inc., and owner of Optimal Talent Dynamics. The cost to attend is $1,295. Participants will gain tools to lead organizational change, foster team alignment, and develop innovation-driven business solutions. The program includes catered lunch, interactive activities, and business networking. Scholarships are available. It is being held 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on June 4 in Room 120 in the Consolidated Information Center on the WSU Tri-Cities campus. Complete the registration form to attend.
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Workforce training scholarships through the City of Richland and the City of Pasco are available to residents, employees and businesses in each city. 
 
For more information about WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks visit the website.

​MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: KPD is asking the community for their perspective on quality-of-life issues throughout the city and requesting you complete a short survey. The goal of this survey is to learn from both residents and business owners on where our services could adapt to better address these issues, or what external community services we could identify that would help improve quality of life issues. Your perspectives on these issues are important to us!
 
About the survey:
• Only takes about five minutes to complete
• Can be completed from your phone, table, or computer
• We don’t collect personal identifiable information, so the survey is anonymous
• Is meant for residents or business owners in Kennewick
• Is looking for your honest assessment based on your experiences related to quality-of-life issues in Kennewick
• Will provide KPD with valuable insight to help us improve our service and tackle quality of life issues
• Ends May 14th

Get ready for a high-energy day of basketball, food, and family fun as Title One hosts the Hot Shot Competition on Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in their parking lot. This exciting event will raise funds to support Elijah Family Homes, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering families in recovery.

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their shooting skills with a total of 15 shots – 5 from 3 different spots on the court. The final shot from each location is the coveted “$$ Ball,” worth extra points. The participant with the highest score will be crowned the Top Shooter of the Tri-Cities!

Divisions and Entry Fees:
​Adult Division (14 & up): $50 entry fee - Extra rounds available for $25 each
Junior Division (13 & under): $25 entry fee - Extra rounds available for $25 each

In addition to the competition, the event will feature food vendors, music, and activities for the whole family.

Prizes include Gonzaga Men’s Basketball tickets for two (Adult Division) and fun giveaways for Junior competitors.

You can pre-register here on Eventbrite to secure your spot.

Join us and shoot for a cause while helping support local families on their path to recovery.

3 Rivers Community Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired operated for 29 years, providing invaluable services to the community. Following Edith L. Bishel's passing, she bequeathed the land and funds to establish the center. Although the center closed its doors in 2024, 3 Rivers Community Foundation now oversees the Edith Bishel Fund, ensuring continued access to resources for individuals in the community.

This fund is dedicated to providing essential care, resources, support, and equipment to individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Southeastern Washington. Funding requests may include financial assistance for medical expenses or equipment, security deposits, utility/service deposits, transportation costs, and more. Grants will be distributed through an application-based process to ensure that those in need receive the necessary support to lead fulfilling lives. To maintain transparency and accountability, funds will be allocated directly to service providers, vendors, or organizations rather than individuals.

Eligibility and Guidelines:

• A physician must verify that the applicant has blindness or a visual impairment.
• The applicant must demonstrate financial need.
• The applicant may be required to participate in a phone interview.
• Application does not guarantee funding.
• Applicants are limited to one application per year.
  
  

For more information about the Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the application process, please visit www.3rcf.org.