The City of Richland is excited to announce the upcoming launch of MyAccount, a new and improved utility customer service portal, arriving in October 2025. MyAccount will replace the City’s existing online customer service system, E-Care, and provide customers with upgraded tools to manage their utility accounts.

“Our goal is to provide customers with a more convenient and accessible experience when managing their utility services,” said Irma Bottineau, Customer Experience Manager. “MyAccount will offer enhanced features, improved functionality, and greater flexibility for residents and businesses.”

Key features of the new MyAccount portal include:

• A user-friendly interface with streamlined navigation.
• The ability to manage and view multiple accounts with a single login.
• A downloadable mobile app with customizable push notifications.
• The option to receive SMS text alerts about your account.
• Tools to view account details, compare usage rates, and make utility payments.
• Additional features designed to make account management more convenient.

​In the coming weeks, the City will provide additional instructions to ensure a smooth transition from E-Care to MyAccount. Customers are encouraged to verify that their email address is up to date in their current E-Care account to receive important notifications. Updates can be made by logging into E-Care or by contacting Richland Customer Service at (509) 942-1104, option 4.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) invites the Tri-Cities community to a public event in celebration of its 60th anniversary of operation.

What: AI for Good: Connecting Science, AI, and Community is a no-cost event. Whether you’re an educator, business professional, entrepreneur, or curious community member, “AI for Good” will give you hands-on experience with the latest generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Who: You! Learn about the latest innovations in AI from PNNL experts, ask questions, and take home some practical skills to help you reach your goals.

Where: Washington State University Tri-Cities Collaboration Hall, 2780 Crimson Way, Richland, Washington.

When: September 19, 2025; 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. PT.

 **Reservations are required and attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants.

Event Highlights

• Learn practical AI skills
• Take home a personal prompt library
• Gain inspiration from other attendees
• Make community networking connections
• Cultivate opportunities for further PNNL collaboration, learning, or support

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Registration and more information: https://www.pnnl.gov/events/ai-good-connecting-science-ai-and-community

The City of Richland is moving forward with construction on long-awaited improvements to the intersection of George Washington Way and Aaron Drive/Columbia Point Drive, one of the busiest and most congested intersections in the Tri-Cities. Effective Tuesday, September 2, 2025, contractor Ellison Earthworks will begin construction efforts. The first phase will begin on the west side of George Washington Way with the closure of the parking lane to Benham Street.

For years, this critical corridor has experienced significant congestion, long vehicle queues, and a high number of collisions. In addition, the size and traffic volume of the intersection create barriers for pedestrians and bicyclists. The new improvement project is designed to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance access for all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

“This intersection is a vital gateway to Richland and our region,” said City Manager, Jon Amundson. “These improvements represent years of planning and collaboration to ensure safer, more efficient travel for our community. In addition, these improvements will play a key role to the success of our upcoming Downtown Loop project.”

The effort to reimagine and improve this intersection began in 2019, following the City’s North-South Travel Capacity Study. That same year, the Benton Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG), the region’s transportation planning organization, awarded federal grant funds to help launch the project.

The final design incorporates input from regional partners, including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Ben Franklin Transit, the BFCOG, as well as public feedback gathered during a Virtual Open House.

Updates to the intersection will include:

• An addition of a southbound lane along George Washington Way
• An additional left turn from westbound Columbia Point Drive to southbound SR240
• New traffic and pedestrian signals
• Removal of crosswalk islands
• New ADA-accessible sidewalk ramps
• Widening of the sidewalk between Benham Street and Aaron Drive
• Sidewalk connection to the Columbia Point neighborhood along the north side of Columbia Point Drive

During construction, the intersection will remain open to traffic, however lane closures will be required to complete the road work.  On street parking will be limited between Comstock Street and Benham Street during construction. Parking will be permanently removed south of Benham Street.

Construction is expected to occur in phases to minimize impacts on local businesses, commuters, and nearby neighborhoods. Traffic detours and lane adjustments will be communicated in advance through the City’s website, social media channels, and project updates.

The project is anticipated to be completed in late November 2025.

For more information and ongoing updates about the South George Washington Way Street Improvements, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/SouthGWay.

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia is proud to announce Bechtel as the Title Sponsor for Books and Vines 2025, contributing $20,000 to support early literacy in our community. As the event’s top sponsor, Bechtel’s generosity will help ensure every child learns to read early and well, reaching their full potential in school and in life.

“There is no question that when children are read to and learn to read early, it builds a foundation that benefits them their entire lives,” said Brian Hartman, Bechtel Senior Vice President and Project Director for the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. “As we look at growing well-rounded, productive citizens for our community and workforce, early reading is one of the key first steps in making that happen.”

Books and Vines will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at J. Bookwalter Winery. This year’s fundraising goal is $300,000, with every dollar staying local to purchase books and program materials for children and families throughout the Mid-Columbia region.

“Bechtel’s leadership as our Title Sponsor sets the tone for a truly impactful event,” said Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, Executive Director of The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia. “They have been a steadfast supporter of the CRFMC for many, many years, and their continued commitment allows us to invest directly in the children of our community, ensuring that families have the tools they need to ensure children are reading at grade level.”
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For more information about Books and Vines 2025, including sponsorship opportunities, visit www.read20minutes.com or contact The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia at [email protected]

Elijah Family Homes invites you to the very first Dry in the Tri, a free, sober community concert happening Saturday, September 6th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at John Dam Plaza in Richland.

Enjoy a full day of live music performed by individuals in recovery, delicious food vendors, and resources from local nonprofits and businesses who care about supporting those living in recovery. This family-friendly event celebrates hope, healing, and community.

Throughout the day, you’ll also have the chance to purchase raffle tickets and win fun prizes. And for those who love a little friendly competition, don’t miss the Hot Shot Basketball Shootout hosted by Title One.

All proceeds from the Hot Shot Shootout benefit Elijah Family Homes and its mission to provide stable housing and supportive services to families in recovery.

Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and be part of this exciting day of music, community, and celebration.

For details, visit elijahfamilyhomes.org or find our event on Facebook.

Pasco City Council has opened the application process for a District 4 resident to fill the District 4 seat vacated by former Mayor and Councilmember Pete Serrano. The appointed Councilmember will serve until December 31, 2025.

Any registered voter who lives in Pasco’s District 4 is encouraged to apply. Applications are open from August 19 through September 2, 2025, at www.pasco-wa.gov/council.

City Council will review applications on September 8 and interview selected candidates at the regular meeting on September 15 before voting to appoint a new Councilmember. If selected, the new member will take office immediately.

The Pasco City Council has also selected District 5 Mayor Pro-Tem and Councilmember David Milne to serve as Mayor and District 3 Councilmember Charles Grimm to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem through the end of 2025.
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If you have any questions about this process or the role and responsibilities of Councilmembers, please get in touch with the City Manager’s office at (509) 544-3060.

The Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo wants to inform visitors about important changes to the fairgrounds for the 2025 Fair taking place next week. Due to recent landlord-directed projects, fairgoers will notice significant differences when they arrive for this year's Best Week of Summer.

• New Main Entrance: The traditional fairgrounds entrance and ticket booths have been removed. Fair-goers will enter through a new temporary entrance via the main parking lot that will be clearly marked and easily accessible.
• Eye-Catching Landmarks: To help with navigation, the Fair is installing new landmarks, including a giant inflatable cowboy near the main entrance that will serve as a welcoming beacon for arriving families.
• Enhanced Parking Navigation: Due to the removal of parking lot lighting and way-finding signs, the Fair has implemented a solution to help visitors locate their vehicles. Each parking row will feature distinctive signs with farm animals and row numbers. Fair officials encourage attendees to take a photo of their parking row sign upon arrival to easily find their vehicle when departing.
  
  

For the most seamless arrival experience, Fair officials strongly recommend using Ben Franklin Transit. Bus rides to the Fair are completely free, and buses have access to a dedicated entrance, allowing passengers to bypass potential traffic and parking concerns entirely.

"These changes were implemented by our landlord as part of ongoing facility updates," said Benton Franklin Fair Executive Director Lori Lancaster. "While we understand this may require some adjustment, we're working hard to ensure every visitor has a positive experience. We ask for our community's patience as we navigate these changes together and look forward to welcoming everyone to another unforgettable Fair."

The Fair Association and hundreds of volunteers remain committed to providing the same beloved traditions, exciting entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere that has made it the Tri-Cities' premier summer destination for 77 years.

Fair Details

• Dates: August 19-23, 2025
• Location: 1500 South Oak Street, Kennewick, WA
• Free Transportation: Ben Franklin Transit buses www.brt.org/fair
• Information: www.bentonfranklinfair.com

Free backpacks, school supplies, and more will be handed out just in time for the new school year at the upcoming Back to School Bash, taking place Monday, August 18 from 4–6 PM at the HAPO Center in Pasco. Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) invites families across the Tri-Cities to this free, family-friendly event designed to prepare students for a successful school year.

Monday's event is a one-stop-shop expected to serve 2,000 local students. Thanks to the generosity of numerous sponsors, youth will receive free backpacks, school supplies, sports physicals, vaccines, haircuts, and access to a wide range of community resources. (See attached flyer.)

There are no income, residency, or insurance requirements to attend the event. Children must be present to receive supplies. Otherwise, adults attending without children may receive up to two backpacks. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 4:00 PM.  For more information, please contact LCSNW Advancement Manager Amy Marinoni at [email protected] or 509-735-6446.

The 2025 Back to School Bash is co-hosted by LCSNW, Hapo Community Credit Union, Tri-Cities Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Sozo Church, with support from dozens of local organizations and businesses.

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) is proud to announce it has received a $12,000 grant from Battelle, which operates Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA. This funding will directly support CRFMC’s Read UP! Stop the Summer Slide program—an annual effort to get more than 10,000 books into the hands of children who need them most across Benton and Franklin counties.

Research shows that many students, particularly those without access to books at home, lose valuable reading skills over the summer months. CRFMC’s Read UP! program combats the "summer slide" by distributing books and providing literacy engagement opportunities at community events and outreach locations throughout the region.

“We are incredibly grateful to Battelle for investing in early literacy and helping ensure every child enters school ready to learn and succeed,” said Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, Executive Director of CRFMC. “This support helps us reach families where they are—in parks, food banks, and schools—with free books and bilingual literacy tools.”

CRFMC partners with Mid-Columbia Libraries to host literacy-rich events, and collaborates with community organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, Tri-City Food Bank, The Boys and Girls Club, local free and reduced summer lunch programs, and many other community partners to reach families in need.
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To learn more about upcoming locations and events—or to support our mission—please visit www.read20minutes.org.

Mayor Pete Serrano will resign as Pasco Mayor and Councilmember effective August 10th to serve as the Interim U.S. Attorney for Eastern Washington. Serrano was first elected to the Pasco City Council in 2017 and was elected Mayor by his fellow Councilmembers in January of 2024.

As Mayor and Councilmember, Serrano has served the Pasco community during a time of significant growth, navigating through the COVID pandemic and helping to prepare the City for several billion dollars in industrial development by Amazon, Reser’s, and Darigold, resulting in several millions of square feet of new industrial facilities.

“It’s an honor to be appointed as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington,” Serrano says. “I’m grateful and humbled by the confidence and trust extended to me by President Trump and Attorney General Bondi through this appointment.  I’ve been blessed to serve the People of Pasco for the past eight years, and now, I look forward to serving the citizens of Eastern Washington. Thank you to my family, friends, city staff, and Pasco residents for your unwavering support.”

Appointing a new Councilmember
The City Council will have 90 days to appoint a new member to fill the District 4 seat for the remainder of Serrano’s current term, set to expire on December 31st, 2025.  Serrano was running unopposed to secure another term on Pasco City Council. City Council will complete another appointment process for the new term in January 2026 that will serve until December 31st, 2028. Applications for the 2025 position will be available on Pasco’s website shortly.
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Appointing the vacant Mayor position
The current City Council will select a new Mayor to serve until December 31st, 2025, at an upcoming meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Milne will serve in Mayor capacity until then. The role of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem in Pasco are largely ceremonial in the City Manager form of government. Both positions are selected from and by the City Councilmembers every two years. In January 2026, the newly-seated Council will vote again for the next Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem.