Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) ran fare-free service on fixed-route buses, Dial-A-Ride, and CONNECT throughout the month of July in celebration of America 250. Regular fare will resume in August on all modes. BFT will honor a 10-day fare collection grace period until August 10th, to allow time for customers to purchase August tickets and bus passes. The grace period is intended to provide customers advance notice that fare collection is resuming and to help minimize confusion.
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Youth (1-19th birthday), Seniors (65+), and Veterans remain fare-free on fixed-route services. For more information, ticket prices, and where to purchase please visit bft.org/bus-service/fares.

​A former Amazon call center has been transformed into a warm, welcoming, trauma-informed behavioral health center designed to support youth, families, and healing in the Tri-Cities.

Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) invites community members, local leaders, partners, and media representatives to celebrate the official grand opening of LCSNW’s new office at 7011 W. Canal Drive, Suite G in Kennewick during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House on Wednesday, August 5. The ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 11:30 AM, followed by building tours and light refreshments until 2:00 PM.

What was once a large call center filled with cubicles has been reimagined as a welcoming space dedicated to youth mental health, family support, and community wellbeing. Providing an additional 10,000 square feet of space to the nonprofit, the building's design incorporates nature-inspired elements, specialized lighting, wider hallways, and improved lines of sight intended to create an environment that promotes safety, comfort, and healing.

“This bigger space means fewer closed doors, shorter wait times, and saying yes to youth and their families more often,” says LCSNW District Director Sharon Gentry. “When we expand our space, we expand our access. And access is one of the most powerful forms of hope we can offer. Mental Health care isn't just about having qualified professionals to do the work; it's about the environment where the care can happen.”

LCSNW began serving clients from the new facility on July 13 and has already welcomed youth and families into the space. Community members attending the August 5 event will have an opportunity to tour the facility, meet members of LCSNW's Executive Leadership Team, and learn about available programs and services. The event is free and open to the public.
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For more information, contact LCSNW Communications Specialist Molly Curtiss at [email protected].

Cougar Tracks, the continuing education and workforce training arm of Washington State University Tri-Cities, proudly announces the IRONMAN 70.3 Tourism and Hospitality Service Excellence Workshop, designed to prepare local hospitality and tourism professionals to deliver world-class service during the Cuisine Solutions IRONMAN® 70.3® Washington Tri-Cities triathlon in September. This marks the second annual offering of the workshop, presented in conjunction with Visit Tri-Cities.

Scheduled for Aug. 19 at the Richland Commnity Center, this free workforce training event is ideal for hotel staff, restaurant employees, retail teams and other tourism industry professionals who may be interacting with athletes and spectators from around the world. Workshop participants will learn and develop practical strategies to enhance guest experiences, foster community pride and ensure triathlon visitors leave with a positive impression of the Tri-Cities region. 

“We’re thrilled to support our local hospitality and tourism partners in delivering exceptional service for an event of this magnitude,” said Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk Nassif. “This workshop is about more than training—it’s about showcasing Tri-Cities as a premier destination and strengthening our economy through outstanding service.”

Riley Osborn, destination development manager at Visit Tri-Cities, emphasized the important role local businesses play in shaping triathlon visitors’ perceptions of the region.

“The Cuisine Solutions IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities brings thousands of athletes and visitors to our community, creating an opportunity to showcase the hospitality that makes our destination so special,” Osborn said. “Every interaction—whether checking into a hotel, dining at a local restaurant or shopping at a small business—helps shape a visitor’s experience. This workshop gives our tourism professionals tools to create memorable experiences that encourage visitors to return and recommend the Tri-Cities to others.”

As a regional leader in workforce development, Cougar Tracks partners closely with local industries to create specialized workshops and training solutions. Through innovative, high-impact programs, Cougar Tracks fuels economic growth and development while empowering businesses to thrive in competitive markets.

Cougar Tracks extends heartfelt thanks to Alpine Roofing, sponsor of Visit Tri-Cities Signature Sports, and Battelle, sponsor of the Visit Tri-Cities Excellence in Service Program, for their invaluable support and commitment to elevating the region’s hospitality standards.

Event Details
Time: 9–10:30 a.m.
Date: Aug. 19, 2026
Location: Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Dr., Richland, WA 99352

Register online at: bit.ly/CT-IM26

Spaces are limited. Local businesses and hospitality professionals are encouraged to register early and join the movement to make Tri-Cities shine on the global stage.

For more information, visit workshop registration page or contact Riley Osborn at [email protected]. 

What if the greatest superpowers weren't found in comic books, but in our own neighborhoods? Across the Tri-Cities, individuals with disabilities are making an impact every day through their talents, determination, compassion, creativity, and resilience. Yet too often, their stories go untold. 

Columbia Ability Alliance is changing that with Tri-Cities Superheroes, a new community storytelling campaign that shines a light on the extraordinary strengths of local individuals with disabilities. Through authentic stories, the campaign encourages our community to see disability through a different lens: one that recognizes ability, celebrates unique strengths, and reminds us that everyone has something meaningful to contribute. 

One of those superheroes is Elliott, whose superpower is connection. He has an incredible gift for making people feel seen, heard, and included. Whether welcoming someone new or encouraging a friend through a challenge, Elliott naturally builds belonging wherever he goes. "Go out there and pursue your dreams, face your fears, accomplish your goals," Elliott says. "If I can do it, you can do it. I believe in you." 

Elliott is one of the first Tri-Cities Superheroes being introduced through the campaign, each sharing a personal story and the unique strengths that make them who they are. 

“We believe everyone has unique gifts (superpowers) that can impact lives and strengthen our community,” said Michael Novakovich, President and CEO of Columbia Ability Alliance. “Tri-Cities Superheroes celebrates the gifts of the people we serve and reminds us that when everyone has the opportunity to contribute, we build a stronger, more inclusive community for all to enjoy.” 

Tri-Cities Superheroes invites our community to recognize the strengths that exist all around us and celebrate the people whose unique abilities make the Tri-Cities stronger. Community members are encouraged to nominate a local superhero or become a Sidekick by supporting Columbia Ability Alliance's mission to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive. 
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To meet the Tri-Cities Superheroes, nominate someone, or learn more about the campaign, visit tcsuperheroes.com. 

Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council Invites Organizations to Submit Information on Workforce Service Capabilities.
 
The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council (BFWDC) is seeking responses from interested organizations through a Request for Information (RFI) process to better understand the availability, experience, and qualifications of organizations that may be interested in delivering Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth services at the WorkSource Columbia Basin (WSCB) One-Stop Center for Program Year 2027.

Responses will help inform the BFWDC understanding of the current landscape of qualified providers and support future workforce system planning efforts. Information collected through this Request for Information will be used solely for planning and informational purposes, including future procurement considerations and service delivery strategies.

BFWDC emphasizes that this RFI does not constitute a solicitation for proposals, a commitment to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP), or an obligation to award a contract. Any future procurement opportunities will be announced separately and conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Organizations interested in contributing information are encouraged to review the RFI requirements and submit responses by the specified deadline of December31, 2026. Submission information, requirements, or to access the full RFI, please visit the BFWDC’s website: Requests for Information & Proposals | Benton-Franklin WDC.
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For additional questions please contact BFWDC at: [email protected].

After more than four decades of dedicated service to Benton PUD and the communities it serves, the District has officially named its Operations Center in honor of Stephen B. Hunter, recognizing his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to public power. Approved by the Benton PUD Board of Commissioners through Resolution No. 2724, the naming reflects one of the District's highest recognitions. It honors a career that helped shape Benton PUD's engineering, operations, system reliability and long-term strategic direction while recognizing a leader known not only for his technical expertise, but also for his steady leadership, high standards and commitment to excellence.

Hunter joined Benton PUD in 1986 as an Engineering Intern and became the District's longest-serving employee before retiring as Assistant General Manager on June 30 of this year. Throughout his career, he helped lead major infrastructure investments, strengthen system reliability and advance initiatives that continue to benefit customers today. Just as importantly, he invested in the people around him, mentoring generations of employees and helping prepare Benton PUD for the future.

“Steve Hunter represents the very best of Benton PUD,” said General Manager Rick Dunn. “For 40 years, his technical expertise, integrity, humility and team-before-self approach helped define our culture and ensure reliable service for tens of thousands of customers. Naming the Operations Center in his honor is a fitting and lasting tribute to a career defined by service, excellence and an unwavering commitment to others.”​

The newly installed signage on the Stephen B. Hunter Operations Center serves as a permanent tribute to Hunter's remarkable career and the values he demonstrated throughout four decades of service. It stands as a lasting reminder of the leadership, professionalism and commitment that helped shape Benton PUD and will continue inspiring future generations of public power employees.

​The City of Pasco invites the community to the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring Noburo "Peanuts" Fukuda at Peanuts Park in Historic Downtown Pasco on July 25, 2026 at 10:00AM.
 
Peanuts Park is named in honor of Fukuda, a retired railroad worker who became a well-known community icon. For decades, he rode his tricycle through Pasco, picking up litter and handing out candy and peanuts to children, earning the affection of generations of residents.
 
The bronze statue is the first major public art project commissioned by the Pasco Arts & Culture Commission. Following a nationwide Call for Art in 2022 that attracted nine proposals, the Commission selected artist Seth Vandable in 2023 to create the sculpture.
 
The installation is part of the City's ongoing efforts to revitalize Historic Downtown Pasco while preserving the stories that make the community unique. The statue will celebrate Fukuda's legacy of kindness and service, helping future generations learn about one of Pasco's most beloved local figures.
 
The unveiling ceremony will be open to the public. We invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Noburo “Peanuts” Fukuda.

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) will offer free shuttle service to this weekend’s Art in the Park Festival
at Howard Amon Park in Richland. Shuttles run every 15 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24th
and Saturday, July 25th.

Catch the shuttle to Howard Amon from these stop locations:
• Fran Rish Stadium
• Knight Street Transit Center
• Uptown Shopping Center
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For more information and to plan your trip visit
www.bft.org

​The City of Pasco is pleased to announce that Interim Police Chief Brent Cook has been selected to serve as the Pasco Police Department’s next Chief. Cook was selected from five finalists after a nation-wide search.
 
"We're fortunate to have someone with Chief Cook’s experience already serving our organization,” said Pasco City Manager Harold Stewart. “His professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to our community made him an excellent choice for this role.”
 
Cook began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a volunteer Reserve Officer, and has advanced through every rank of the Pasco Police Department. He served as Deputy Chief from 2019-2026, providing executive oversight of the entire department, leading strategic planning and organizational initiatives, managing the biennial budget, and directing CALEA and WASPC accreditation processes.
 
Chief Cook is committed to building partnerships between the police department and the community.
 
“I look forward to serving this community as your Chief. Your officers and I are dedicated to protecting Pasco and reflecting the values of the people we serve, and we will continue building meaningful partnerships that support safety, transparency, and accountability,” Cook said.
 
Chief Cook will be sworn in during the July 27th Pasco City Council meeting.