The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) is excited to announce the launch of its program, "First Teacher Library," designed to support new elementary school teachers in building foundational classroom libraries. Understanding the financial challenges faced by new educators, The CRFMC is committed to easing this burden and fostering a love of reading in children.

The CRFMC recognizes that one of the most essential resources in an elementary classroom is the classroom library. A well-stocked library allows teachers to hold engaging in-room readings, story times, and provide students with access to a variety of genres. This exposure plays a pivotal role in helping each child develop a deep love of reading and nurturing their literacy skills.

Through the "First Teacher Library" program, new teachers will receive a collection of 75 high-quality books to establish their classroom libraries.

“As of September 24th, we are thrilled to report that we have already received 44 applicants for the "First Teacher Library" program! The program is funded through the generous support of the Three Rivers Community Foundation, along with local donors who share our passion for supporting educators and fostering literacy in our region.” Says Executive Director, Leanne Luehrs-Purcell.  Applications are open until September 30th.

Program Criteria:

• Must be a full-time certificated teacher.
• Must be in your first year of teaching.
• Must teach students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
• Schools must be located in Benton or Franklin County.
  
  

For more information on the "First Teacher Library" program, details on applying, or to learn how you can support literacy in your community, please contact The CRFMC at [email protected] or visit our website www.read20minutes.com.

Port of Benton plans to begin construction on the Airport Way railroad crossing on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 6 a.m. This project includes replacing the entire railroad crossing with new concrete panels, replacing the paving on both sides of the crossing, replacing the gate mechanisms and changing the lights to LEDs.

The road will be fully closed for the project’s duration, and there will be a marked detour via Terminal Drive to Van Giesen Street. Detour signage and electronic highway displays will be in place more than a week before the project starts. 

The crossing will reopen for traffic on Monday, October 7 by 10 p.m.

The Port has contracted with Railworks Track Systems to replace the Airport Way and Saint Street crossings. The Saint Street rail crossing project is planned for October 18 - 21, 2024. Each project will be paid for with a $1.03 million Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) Grant via Washington State Department of Transportation and $250,000 in port grant matching funds.
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For additional information, please visit portofbenton.com/projects, or call 509-375-3060.

​The City of Pasco, in partnership with Seattle Sounders FC, RAVE Foundation, and American Family Insurance, is excited to announce the All-Pasco Soccer Celebration at Kurtzman Park on Sunday, September 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
This community event will celebrate the opening of a new RAVE Foundation mini-pitch at Kurtzman Park, with another mini-pitch also opening at Highland Park. The celebration will occur at Kurtzman Park, where families and soccer enthusiasts are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun, including skills training sessions by Sounders FC, interactive games, food trucks, giveaways, and more.
 
The event will kick off at 1:00 p.m. at Kurtzman Park with an opening ceremony emceed by Brad Evans, Seattle Sounders FC First Team alumnus and current Brand Ambassador. The ceremony will feature remarks by local City officials, a representative from American Family Insurance, and local youth speakers, followed by a ceremonial first kick on the new mini-pitch. Attendees will receive Sounders-branded gifts and AmFam-branded t-shirts, which will be available while supplies last.
 
Event Highlights:
 
Opening Ceremony (1:00 - 1:30 p.m.):
 

• Remarks by City and Parks officials
• Inspirational youth remarks
• Recognition of American Family Insurance
• Ceremonial first kick by local youth
• Soccer ball giveaway to the first 250 children
• Sounders-branded gifts (limited supply)
• AmFam t-shirt giveaway (up to 250)

 
Activities (1:30 - 4:00 p.m.):
 

• Mini-pitch at Kurtzman Park open for free play
• Soccer skills training sessions by Sounders FC coaches
• Guided scrimmages and free play in an inflatable soccer field
• Life-sized foosball (pending confirmation)
• Cornhole and crossbar challenge with prizes
• Autographs with Brad Evans
• Food trucks, giveaways, and more

 
This celebration marks the official opening of the RAVE Foundation mini-pitches in Pasco, part of Sounders FC’s initiative to build 26 mini-pitches by 2026. The new fields at Kurtzman Park and Highland Park represent ongoing efforts to create safe, accessible soccer play spaces in communities across Washington.
 
Limited virtual or phone interviews will be available with representatives of the RAVE Foundation ahead of the event. Please email [email protected] to schedule.
 
For more information about the event and RAVE Foundation’s mini-pitch initiative, visit Sounders FC News.

​Attention, community members! Elijah Family Homes (EFH) wants to invite you to attend their 9th Annual "This is Our Story" Breakfast on October 25th at the Pasco Red Lion. Doors open at 7:00 a.m., with the program running from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Hear powerful stories from individuals whose lives have been transformed through EFH’s programs and learn how your support is helping create lasting change in our community. This special event will highlight the accomplishments of the past year and share EFH's vision for the future.

For registration and more information, visit https://www.flowcode.com/page/elijahfamilyhomes
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The City will temporarily close Broadmoor Boulevard between Burns Road and Dent Road from Monday, September 23, to Friday, September 27, for utility installation and roadway restoration.

During the closure, drivers should anticipate traffic detours and possible delays. The City advises motorists to use alternate routes when possible to avoid the affected area. A traffic control plan will be in place to guide vehicles safely around the construction zone.

The City appreciates the public's patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure improvement project.
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For more information or project updates, visit the City of Pasco’s website or follow its Facebook page.

The Friends of Mid‐Columbia Libraries (FOL) hosts its fall used book sale at Mid‐Columbia Libraries’ Kennewick Branch, located at 1620 S. Union St. in Kennewick, from September 24 through September 29. All book sale proceeds benefit Mid‐Columbia Libraries. 

The pre‐sale for FOL members only is Tuesday, September 24 from 4 pm to 7 pm. The cost of a membership is $5 a year, and new members can sign up in‐person or online at midcolumbialibraries.org/FOL. 

Sale hours vary throughout the remainder of the sale; non‐member can begin shopping on Wednesday, September 25 from 10 am to 6 pm. Thursday through Sunday the sale hours are 10 am to 4 pm. 

FOL accept debit and credit card payments. Customers are encouraged to bring their own box or bag. 

Community members can also support the FOL by becoming a member or making a donation. Funds support library performers, programs, and more. Volunteers can contact Sarah Wright at 509‐430‐3544 for opportunities and information. FOL will not accept book donations until after October 14. More info is at midcolumbialibraries.org/FOL. ​

Students and community members seeking employment or internships will have the opportunity to meet with area employers at the Washington State University Tri-Cities career and internship fair on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held on the WSU Tri-Cities campus, with each registrant entering through the Consolidated Information Center. Registration for both employers and participants is now open. 

Thanks to the collaboration of WorkSource, Columbia Basin College, and the Washington Workforce Portal, local organizations from a wide variety of industries are slated to attend, giving ample opportunity for students and community members to explore their options for employment. Attendees seeking employment opportunities should come prepared with copies of resumes, as well as other documents they may wish to share. 

“Bringing employers and our students together at the WSU Tri-Cities Career Fair is a great opportunity for both sides,” said John Navarro, career center coordinator. “It’s a chance for students to explore real career possibilities and connect with organizations that value their skills. Employers can meet motivated individuals who are eager to contribute, and job seekers get to see what roles might be a good fit for them.”

All attendees must register in advance. Interested employers that wish to have a booth at the event must register by Oct. 1. For information regarding the event and registration for both students and employers, visit tricities.wsu.edu/careerfair.  

Morgan Murphy Media’s Apple Valley News Now/KAPP-KVEW is the new official broadcast home for most regular season Seattle Kraken games for the next two seasons.

Through a partnership with the Kraken and TEGNA’s KING-TV in Seattle, all non-nationally televised games, likely more than 70 in total, will be available starting this fall for viewers in the Yakima/Tri-cities TV market.

"We couldn't be more excited to offer the Kraken for free, over-the-air, to broadcast viewers for the first time,” said KAPP-KVEW vice president and general manager James Loftus. “We know how passionate Kraken fans are and we are proud to bring these live games to viewers at no cost.”

For viewers in central Washington and northern Oregon, many games will be available on ABC affiliate KAPP-KVEW, channels 35.1 and 42.1, which is also available on all local cable and satellite providers. Select games will be offered on the station’s digital sub-channel, MeTV, channels 35.2 and 42.2. Those sub-channels are also provided on cable and Morgan Murphy Media has already contacted Dish and DirecTV about adding these local channels to their lineups.

“Expanding the reach of Kraken hockey to Yakima/Tri-Cities is crucial to our goal of growing the game in Washington state.” said Jeff Webster, chief commercial officer for the Seattle Kraken. “Our partnership with TEGNA and Morgan Murphy Media allows us the opportunity to provide free access to Kraken games all season long.”

“Our partnership with the Kraken is all about their passionate fans and delivering more games to more people in more homes,” said Brad Ramsey, SVP, media operations, TEGNA. “We are thrilled to partner with Morgan Murphy Media to expand free over-the-air Kraken games to fans across central Washington and northern Oregon.”

“ABC is already the broadcast home for the Stanley Cup playoffs so our offerings for hockey fans are unmatched,” added Loftus.
Coverage will include pre- and post-game analysis from the broadcast team Kraken fans have been used to. John Forslund, JT Brown, Eddie Olczyk, Alison Lukan and Nick Olczyk will continue broadcasting the games for the 2024-25 season.

In addition to live, local game coverage, Apple Valley News Now will offer expanded Kraken coverage and features in its local newscasts during the hockey season.
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The 2024-25 Kraken season will kick off with Seattle’s home opener on Tuesday, October 8 against the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena.