Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and entertainment as Wildhorse Resort & Casino proudly presents a co-headlining concert featuring the acclaimed Mariachi Los Camperos and the legendary Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte. This highly anticipated event will take place on Friday, July 21, at 8pm at the scenic outdoor venue of Wildhorse Resort & Casino.
 
Gates will open at 6pm, allowing concert-goers plenty of time to find their perfect spot and soak in the lively atmosphere. Please note that this event is strictly for individuals aged 21 years and older.
 
Wildhorse Resort & Casino is excited to bring together these two iconic musical acts in an open-air setting, providing an evening of enchanting songs and lively performances under the starlit sky.
 
Considered by many to be the finest Mariachi ensemble in the world, Mariachi Los Camperos is a Grammy Award-winning band based in Los Angeles that performs a version of La Malagueña that will leave you breathless. The instruments are played with astonishing talent that showcases the beauty of the music.
 
Mariachi Los Camperos was the first Mariachi to perform at Carnegie Hall, the band has been featured on television and in movies, and collaborated on Linda Ronstadt’s 1987 milestone album, “Canciones de Mi Padre” and Ronstadt’s sequel album, “Mas Canciones”. The ensemble has performed at the White House for two presidents.
 
Mariachi Los Camperos has twice gone home with a coveted Grammy Award for Best Regional Mexican Music Album, winning for separate albums in 2008 and 2020. The band also received Grammy Award nominations for two other popular albums.
 
Known as the King of the Accordion, Ayala makes his third appearance on the outdoor stage at Wildhorse. His second appearance marked the largest audience ever attending a Wildhorse concert. Fans flocked to Pendleton to hear their favorite Norteño songs and sing along.
 
Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in tasty cuisine and cold beverages available throughout the evening – a satisfying experience that perfectly complements the electrifying entertainment.
 
To set the mood and keep the energy flowing, a talented DJ will spin a diverse selection of tunes before and after the concert. The musical extravaganza promises an immersive experience from start to finish, with unforgettable melodies that will resonate long after the final note.
 
Tickets for the concert are now available for purchase and start at $69. They can be secured online at wildhorseresort.com or in person at the Wildhorse Gift Shop. Every ticket purchased is automatically entered into a drawing – ten ticket holders will have a chance to win $1000 before the concert. More information can be found at wildhorseresort.com.
 
Just minutes away from Pendleton, Oregon, Wildhorse Resort & Casino is conveniently located off I-84 at exit 216. The venue offers ample parking and easy access for attendees, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all.
 
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the mesmerizing performances of Mariachi Los Camperos and Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte, united on one stage for an unforgettable night of music, culture, and celebration. Secure your tickets now and be prepared to be transported by the captivating sounds at Wildhorse Resort & Casino on Friday, July 21.

The City of Richland facilities will close on Tuesday, July 4th for the Independence Day Holiday. This includes the Richland Public Library, Community Center, George Prout Pool, and the Horn Rapids Landfill. Solid waste collection at the curb will continue as normal.
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Facilities will resume normal business activities on Wednesday, July 5th.

Starting Monday, July 3, the collection of solid waste will begin in your neighborhood a little earlier than normal. Please have your trash, yard, and recycling containers at the curb by 6:00 a.m.

Although 6:00 a.m. is the normally requested time, there will be less flexibility for those that wait until morning to roll their cans out. The crews will be on their shift by 6:00 a.m. to complete their routes in the coolest part of the day through August. As a reminder, call-back rates are $12.00.

There will be no interruption of service on Tuesday, July 4th.
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*Reminder: Please be sure fireworks have cooled before putting them in the trash. Use extra caution by placing them in a pail of water before disposal in the trash.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) named Washington State University Tri-Cities a grand-prize winner in the final phase of the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize. As one of six winners, WSU Tri-Cities was awarded $250,000 to continue its Empowering the Future Energy Workforce plan, which includes developing an energy and environment certificate that will prepare students to join the next generation of clean energy leaders and thinkers.  

This first-of-its-kind competition aims to further climate and environmental justice during the transition to a net-zero-carbon economy by directly funding disadvantaged communities. By investing in ground-up approaches toward a more equitable clean energy future, the prize seeks to assist chronically underserved communities. This prize is the first of the American Made challenges in response to the White House’s Justice40 initiative.  

WSU Tri-Cities’ prize-winning plan incorporates student involvement through the development of the Clean Energy Ambassadors Network. The program seeks to increase retention and empowerment for Latine students pursuing careers in energy through the creation of an energy and environment certificate. After submitting a winning impact plan in phase one last year, the WSU Tri-Cities team presented their progress and future plans to a panel of expert reviewers during a two-day event, Presenting Impact Through Communities at Home (PITCH), held at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. The competition was fierce, with teams consisting of non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and startups. 

Jillian Cadwell, research associate in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and co-lead of the program was thrilled to receive the final prize, which will allow for future growth of the program. “Our goal for this program is for these future professionals to contribute their expertise, cultural wealth and leadership to the research, inquiry and development around clean energy and climate innovation solutions,” she said. “This prize money will help us do just that.” 

A portion of the prize money will continue to help establish the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures in developing industry partnerships for energy systems research and fostering community discussions for policy development.  

“The Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize is central to the campus strategy of serving our students, half of whom are students of color and first generation, by preparing them for jobs in a clean energy economy and addressing environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities. “This strategy is rooted in the campus and region’s vision for leadership in a decarbonized future and is a key part of the new Institute for Northwest Energy Futures which is focused on a systems integration view of clean energy.  The prize will enable this work to be fully integrated into our curriculum serving students and their communities well into the future.” 

Kate McAteer, vice chancellor of academic and student affairs and a co-lead of the program said, “This prize will position WSU Tri-Cities as a leader in the educational space for climate justice and helps empower underserved students.” 

In addition to Cadwell, McAteer and Haynes, the grant team consisted of Paul Carlisle, adjunct professor entrepreneur in residence; and Raul Contreras and Martin Valdez Torres from the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  

The WSU/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Advanced Grid Institute and Energy Northwest collaborated with the team during the process to represent the university’s local industry partnerships.  
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To learn more about the WSU Tri-Cities' Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize, visit www.tricities.wsu.edu/energy  

Morgan Murphy Media announced today that it is renaming and rebranding their ABC affiliate television stations (KAPP & KVEW) in Yakima and Tri-Cities, Washington as Apple Valley News Now. The website is also being rebranded and will now be known as APPLEVALLEYNEWSNOW.COM.   

“Our goal in changing our newscasts from KAPP/KVEW Local News to Apple Valley News Now is to unify our brand across the viewing area. Starting today we begin a new journey under the Apple Valley News Now brand creating synergy across all platforms,” said station Vice President and General Manager, James Loftus.  “Our corporation’s legal name, since Morgan Murphy Media first hit the airwaves in 1970, has been Apple Valley Broadcasting, but we’ve always used the stations’ call letters for branding, along with the word “News” which we believe led to brand confusion.  When we merged the Yakima and Tri-Cities operations a few years ago, we started looking for a brand that would correctly describe our joint operation.  Apple Valley News Now is exactly just that.” 

As part of the stations’ renaming and rebranding, the stations are also relaunching their news product.  “Morgan Murphy Media, our parent company, is showing faith in the Yakima/Tri-Cities area by investing in our stations,” according to Erin Wencl, Apple Valley News Now, News Director.  “They’ve reinvested with new equipment and an expanded news team, giving us the ability to better serve our community both on-air and online.” 

The stations will continue to carry ABC network programming and top syndicated hits like LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT and EXTRA. KAPP & KVEW will remain as the stations’ call letters. 

River of Fire presented by Gesa Credit Union is back for another fun-filled event on the 4th of July in Columbia Park. This year’s event continues the collaborative effort between the City of Kennewick and VenuWorks who runs the Three Rivers Campus.
 
Enjoy free admission and parking sponsored by McCurley Mazda. A corn hole tournament hosted by 3 City Slingers starts at 9 a.m. The Kids Zone with many fun activities and multiple food truck hubs open at 2 p.m. Beer Garden opens at 3 p.m. Live entertainment featuring Rancho Unido and Shanks Pony from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are on the Columbia River and will be shot from a barge, producing one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the State. The fireworks show will start at 10:00 p.m. and last approximately 18 minutes.

New this year, the Ben Franklin Transit is offering a park-and-ride option to attend the event. All children ride for free and adult passes for the day are $3 each. Ride passes can be purchased at Yoke’s or the Three Rivers Transit Center. More information is available on the BFT website.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with the City of Kennewick again to coordinate this community event. We had an amazing turnout in 2022 and are looking forward to another full day of fun in the park while celebrating America’s independence. This year will be an awesome celebration and we hope to see you there!” Sybil Young, Director of Sales & Marketing.

Street Closures and Parking: In preparation for the event, a portion of Columbia Park Trail between the Veteran’s Memorial roundabout and the East Boat Launch will close from 6 a.m. on July 4 to 12 a.m. on July 5. There will be no through access for vehicles during this time. There will be no east end access from Edison starting at 12 p.m. on July 4 to 12 a.m. on July 5.

To access the Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex and Foodies at the Landing, guests are encouraged to use the Edison Street or Columbia Center Boulevard entrances before 12 p.m., or use the Highway 240 entrance after 12 p.m.

ADA parking is available in the 20 acres parking lot. Guests requiring ADA parking should enter the park via the Highway 240 entrance.

Event parking will be located in the 20 acres and grass area just west of the 20 acres. Parking staff will be onsite directing traffic and parking throughout the day.
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For more information, please contact Sybil Young at 509-737-3757 or [email protected].

Gesa, a community-focused credit union, today announced its 2023 Local Heroes Grant Program will be accepting grant applications through July 31, 2023. Gesa encourages any local organization that supports local heroes in Washington, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, educators, and veterans, to apply for grants up to $50,000 to support their efforts. In its third year, the program will offer more than $400,000 in grants.
 
“The selfless work our local heroes do every day to make our communities better and safer is greatly appreciated and recognized by all of us here at Gesa,” said Richard Waddle, Executive Vice President of Gesa Credit Union. “We’re honored to continue supporting their vital work through our grant program.”
 
Funds for the grants are generated through Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card Program. With every swipe of a Local Heroes co-branded Gesa Visa® Debit Card, Gesa members earn funds designated for grants in that card’s Local Heroes category. Funds accumulate over the course of a year and are distributed annually.
 
The Local Heroes Grant Program began in 2021 as a way for Gesa to expand on the number of local organizations it can support. The grants provide vital resources to help ensure that these groups can have the tools they need to best serve local communities across the state. Through the program, to date Gesa has provided more than $630,000 in grants to 66 organizations across Washington.
 
Grant applicants must provide proof that the funds will directly benefit at least one of the specified Local Heroes groups in a Gesa community, which is defined as a community where Gesa has a physical location. The grant application period closes July 31, 2023. For more information on grant eligibility and to apply, visit www.gesa.com/community/local-heroes. 

The highly anticipated Wildhorse Pow Wow is set to captivate audiences once again as it returns for its annual celebration of Native American culture and heritage. From June 30 to July 2, Wildhorse Resort & Casino will come alive with vibrant colors, mesmerizing dances, traditional songs, and a profound sense of community as Native Americans from around the nation gather for this spectacular event.
 
The Wildhorse Pow Wow has become a cherished tradition, drawing participants and visitors from near and far, and offers a unique platform for Native American tribes to share their traditions, stories, and customs with people from other cultures.
 
The Wildhorse Pow Wow aims to preserve and showcase the rich tapestry of Native American heritage, while also fostering cultural exchange and promoting unity among diverse communities.
 
Throughout the three-day celebration, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Native American dance competitions featuring various styles such as Fancy, Grass, Jingle, and Traditional. While dancers, drummers, and groups compete for over $100,000 in prize money.
 
Attendees will also have the opportunity to savor traditional Native American cuisine, including the ever-popular fry bread with various jams and spreads. A vibrant marketplace will showcase authentic arts and crafts, allowing visitors to explore and purchase handmade Native American jewelry, art, clothing, and more.
 
"We’re very excited to kick off the 2023 Wildhorse Pow Wow. We invite everyone to come and experience the power, strength, and beauty of Native American culture," said Wildhorse Events Manager Juliana Luke. "This year's Pow Wow promises to be another wonderful celebration for everyone."
 
The Wildhorse Pow Wow will take place outdoors at Wildhorse Resort just off I-84 east of Pendleton, Oregon. Admission is free and open to the public, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with this remarkable cultural event. For more information, please visit wildhorseresort.com.
 
Join us at the Wildhorse Pow Wow and be part of an extraordinary celebration of Native American heritage and traditions. Together, let us honor the past, embrace the present, and shape a future that cherishes and respects the diverse cultures that make our world vibrant.

The 13th Annual Tri-Cities Geocoin Challenge is from Thursday, June 22, through Sunday, June 25. Saturday’s geocaching MEGA event, which attracts hundreds of participants from around the U.S. and beyond, will be headquartered in John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way. The free, family-friendly event has a Kid/Teen and an Adult Challenge. Adults who complete the challenge earn a beautiful collective Geocoin (one per family, please), and kids/teens earn a Cachekinz trackable similar to the event coin. All that is needed to participate is a smartphone, a sense of adventure, and to register online or drop by the Richland Community Center at 500 Amon Park Drive.

All of the information, including a Geocache Adventure Lab 101, CITO (a community clean-up project), Meet & Greet, Makers Magic, activities, food trucks, and coin information, can be found at https://coord.info/GCA307W.

After Sunday, June 25, at 2:00 pm return your completed passport to Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive to be redeemed for your geocoin.
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Questions? Contact: Jen Davis, [email protected], 509-578-9332.

The City of Richland Parks and Recreation is seeking public comments to help shape the future of Leslie Groves Park in North Richland. Currently, there is not an official long-range plan for this park and this process will establish a plan for future recreational opportunities and public use. Citizens and members of the public are encouraged to bring their ideas of what types of use they would like to see continue, change and/or improve in the years to come. 

The open-house style meetings will allow for idea-sharing with staff and planning consultants, to answer questions and receive feedback that will be used in developing a long-range plan for the park.  Attendees are encouraged to drop in any time between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. to participate.  The meetings will be held in Leslie Groves Shelter #1. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be relocated to the Richland Community Center. 

Schedule dates include: 
• Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
• Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

A follow-up public open house will be scheduled for Fall 2023. Additionally, proposed master plans will be reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Commission at public meetings and also at a City Council meeting, both of which will provide more opportunities for public comment.

Questions can be directed to Capital Projects Manager Ruvim Tyutyunnik [email protected] or by calling 509-942-7784.