The Benton Franklin Fair is proud to announce a donation of $10,200 to support local cancer prevention efforts through its longstanding Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) program.

The funds will benefit several area health care organizations — Prosser Memorial Hospital Foundation, Grace Clinic, and the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation — supporting a variety of prevention, screening, and patient-assistance programs.

Each year, Fair and Rodeo attendees are encouraged to wear pink on Thursday to raise awareness about breast cancer. Additional fundraisers held throughout the year further strengthen the Fair’s commitment to this important initiative.

Over the past 17 years, the Fair has donated more than $234,000 to help community members in the fight against breast cancer. These contributions have helped provide thousands of individuals with free mammograms, cancer screenings, follow-up care, and other essential support services.

“Tough Enough to Wear Pink has become a core initiative for the Fair, resulting in a healthier population and greater awareness of breast cancer prevention,” said Fair Board President Duane Howard. “We appreciate our health care partners and all they do for our community, and we are proud to support their efforts.”

​This year’s program sponsors include Wrangler, Trios Health, Lourdes Health, Prosser Memorial Health, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery, and Washington Trust Bank.

The Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), in partnership with Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH), will host a Public Health Town Hall to discuss unlicensed mobile food vendors and their impact on community safety, fair business operations and public safety.

The event will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Pasco High School Auditorium (1108 N 10th Ave., Pasco, WA).

​This Town Hall will provide updates on current efforts across the region, explain the food permitting process, and create space for community members to share their questions, concerns and experiences. This issue extends beyond any single jurisdiction—unlicensed food sales are affecting the bi-county area, the State of Washington, and communities across the West Coast. All interested residents, business owners and vendors are encouraged to attend, and this Town Hall is open to all community members across Benton & Franklin counties.

Panelists Include:
• Erin Hockaday, Sr. Manager of Surveillance & Investigation, BFHD
• Marizela Silva, Interim Food Safety Supervisor, BFHD
• Dr. Steve Krager, Health Officer, BFHD
• Susan Shelton, Food Safety Program, Washington State Department of Health

“This conversation is an opportunity for us to connect directly with residents and vendors to clarify the permitting process, explain our public health responsibilities and hear community perspectives,” said Janae Parent, BFHD District Administrator. “We want to ensure everyone has the information they need to protect public health and operate safely.”

Topics & Format
Presentation:
• Background on public health concerns & overview of the food permitting process

Open Q&A and Dialogue on:
• Understanding the permitting process
• Protecting public safety
• Ensuring fair business operations
• Balancing enforcement with support for vendors
• Community questions and open dialogue

Join the Virtual Town Hall
Time: Nov 24, 2025 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
​
Join Zoom Meeting: 
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Meeting ID: 836 6332 4636
Passcode: 338938
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On Wednesday, December 10, from noon to 1:30 PM, over 600 community members will gather at the Three Rivers Convention Center to celebrate generosity and impact at the Celebration of Philanthropy. At this annual event, 3 Rivers Community Foundation awards their 2025 grants to local nonprofits and thanks to the donors who make this giving possible. 

Each year, 3RCF invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Benton and Franklin Counties to apply for funding beginning in late July. Organizations from a wide range of sectors are encouraged to apply. The 3RCF Board conducts a thorough review process to select grant recipients.

Thanks to strong financial stewardship and the continued support of both new and longtime donors, 3RCF’s grantmaking capacity has reached a record high of $372,501.21 this year. These funds will support 77 grant awards, helping nonprofits continue their vital work in our community.

Each grant recipient receives two complimentary tickets to the luncheon. “We want nonprofit teams to feel appreciated, connect with peers, and be celebrated by the community,” says Abbey Cameron, CEO. In addition to nonprofit representatives, the event welcomes donors, board members, and community members who share a passion for philanthropy in action.

Individual tickets and tables can be purchased by visiting:
ttps://threeriverscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=1694 

We are deeply grateful to our Premier Sponsor Washington Trust Bank. 

2025 Grant Awards by Category:

ANIMALS — $9,141.21
• Benton Franklin Humane Society
• Pet Over Population Prevention

ART & HISTORY — $35,000
• Academy of Children's Theatre
• Allied Arts Association
• East Benton County Historical Society & Museum
• Eastern Washington Institute for Black History & Culture
• Mid-Columbia Mastersingers
• Mid-Columbia Symphony Society
• Tri-City Steel Band Association (TCSBA)
• Valley Theater Company dba The Princess Theatre

BUILDING COMMUNITY / OTHER — $22,500
• Columbia Basin Veterans Center
• Kennewick VFW Post 5785
• Leadership Tri-Cities
• NAACP Tri-Cities
• PFLAG Benton Franklin Chapter
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Cook-Erickson Post 7952

CONSERVATION — $4,000
• Tapteal Greenway

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY & SUPPORT — $26,800
• Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington
• Columbia Ability Alliance
• Special Olympics Washington
• The Arc of Tri-Cities
• The IDEA Project
• Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities
• Three Rivers Carousel Foundation

EDUCATION — $25,660
• B5
• Columbia Basin College Foundation
• Junior Achievement of Southeastern Washington
• Mid-Columbia Science Fair Association
• Prosser Friends of the Library
• Reach Out and Read Inc
• SILAS Education
• The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia
• United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties
• Washington DECA
• WSU Foundation

YOUTH — $62,500
• InvestED
• Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties
• Career Path Services
• Cavalcade of Authors
• CJ Mitchell Sports Officials Academy
• Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin
• Prosser Thrive
• Toys for Kids
• YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities

FOOD INSECURITY & BASIC NEEDS — $67,700
• Grace Clinic
• Feed The Homeless Ministry
• Fields of Grace
• Lutheran Community Services Northwest
• Meals on Wheels/Senior Life Resources Northwest, Inc.
• New Hope
• Second Harvest Inland Northwest
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Patrick’s Conference
• Sue's Turkey Drive
• The Salvation Army Tri-Cities Corps
• World Relief Tri-Cities

HEALTHCARE — $40,900
• Grace Clinic
• Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care
• Knights Community Hospital Equipment Lend Program
• Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho
• Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation
• Tri-Cities Chaplaincy

HOUSING & SHELTER — $12,500
• All Saints' Episcopal Church
• Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties
• Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity

SAFETY, SUPPORT, & JUSTICE — $50,500
• American Red Cross Benton-Franklin Chapter
• Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society
• Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council
• Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
• Civil Survival
• Comprehensive Healthcare
• Grace Collective
• Safe Harbor Support Center

SUBSTANCE ABUSE RECOVERY & PREVENTION — $13,000
• Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition
• Elijah Family Homes

MENTAL HEALTH — $18,800
• Benton Franklin Head Start
• Service Peace Warriors
• Support, Advocacy & Resource Center
• The Emmaus Center

As the holiday season approaches, Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) is calling on the Tri-Cities community to help bring warmth and joy to local families through two cherished annual traditions: our Thanksgiving Basket Distribution and Holiday Lane. 

Thanksgiving Basket Distribution – November 24 

Each year, LCSNW distributes Thanksgiving dinner baskets filled with all the fixings to families receiving services through one of our mental and behavioral health programs. With the help of generous sponsors, volunteers, and local vendors like Reser’s Fine Foods and Yoke’s Fresh Markets, over 200 local families are provided with a complete Thanksgiving feast. Volunteers will gather on November 23 to pack baskets with non-perishable items. After picking up turkeys and fresh ingredients early November 24, LCSNW staff will spend the day distributing the meals to families they serve. 

Holiday Lane – December 17–18 

Holiday Lane transforms the LCSNW office into a festive shopping experience for families in need. Parents and guardians are invited to “shop” for free gifts—including toys, coats, teen items, and household goods—during scheduled 10-minute appointments, guided by personal shoppers. The event is made possible by donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations committed to making the season brighter for youth receiving LCSNW services. In the weeks leading up to Holiday Lane, staff participate in a friendly “Hallway Wars” decorating contest, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere for families shopping at Holiday Lane. 

How to Help: Every contribution helps ensure no family goes without a warm meal or the joy of brightening their child’s holidays. Thanksgiving basket donations can be made at https://bit.ly/turkeybucks. New, unwrapped gifts can be donated at any LCSNW Tri-Cities office by December 15. For questions or more information, visit lcsnw.org/program/holiday-lane or contact Amy Marinoni at [email protected]. 

​The City of Richland invites community members to participate in a special Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, dedicated entirely to the Comprehensive Plan update. In place of the Commission’s standard format, this meeting will be held in an open-house style to encourage broader engagement and discussion.
 
The Comprehensive Plan is the community’s long-range roadmap for growth, transportation, housing, land use, economic development, public facilities, and more. This early phase of the project is focused on gathering public input to help shape key discussion topics.
 
“Updating the Comprehensive Plan is a community-driven process,” said Mike Stevens, Planning Manager. “We want to hear from residents, business owners, students, workers, and anyone with a stake in Richland’s future.”
 
Event Format
The meeting begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. with a short presentation led by the City’s consultant, AHBL, followed by a 20–30-minute large-group Q&A. This portion will be broadcast live on Richland’s CityViewTV and recorded.
Afterward, attendees may visit topic stations facilitated by project staff to explore specific issues, ask questions, and provide feedback in a more interactive setting.
 
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Richland City Hall Council Chambers, 625 Swift Blvd., Richland, WA  99352
 
The Comprehensive Plan Survey remains open through November 14, 2025. More information is available by visiting RichlandWA.gov/CompPlan.

​The Pasco City Council is inviting applications for the At-Large Council position recently vacated by Peter Harpster. The appointed Councilmember will serve through mid-November 2027.
 
This position is open to all registered voters who live within Pasco city limits, regardless of their Council district. Applications are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, at www.pasco-wa.gov/council. All application materials are public records and may be disclosed upon request.
 
City Council is expected to review applications on December 1 and interview finalists during a special meeting on December 8. The meeting will be open to the public.
 
For questions about the process or to learn more about serving on the City Council, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (509) 544-3060.

The Benton Franklin Fair Association is proud to announce a donation of $2,852 to Second Harvest Tri-Cities in support of the ongoing fight against hunger. This significant contribution is equivalent to providing 8,556 meals to those in need in the Tri-Cities area.

This donation comes from the Fair's initiative of donating a portion of proceeds from admission tickets sold on opening day, a program that reflects the Fair's commitment to community involvement and social responsibility.

"Our roots in agriculture make combating food insecurity a natural extension of our mission," stated Duane Howard, President of the Fair Board. "The Fair partners with charities and programs year-round that add value to our community, developing long-term relationships that make a difference."

"The Benton Franklin Fair represents the community-mindedness of the folks in this region, and we deeply appreciate the consistent, year-after-year donation that helps provide food to neighbors in need," said Carrie Perry, a senior leader at Second Harvest.
​
Over the past 18 years, the Fair has contributed the equivalent of 177,969 pounds of food to Second Harvest. This longstanding partnership reflects the Fair's commitment to ensuring that the abundance celebrated at the region's premier agricultural event reaches those facing food insecurity.

Four local bands, along with area breweries and wineries, are uniting for a festive event to collect toys for children in need this holiday season.

DecemberFest: A Season of Beers and Cheers will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the newly renovated Crown Ballroom (formerly The Seasons), 101 N. Naches Ave. in Yakima.

The concert, now in its third year, features local musicians performing holiday songs in their unique styles, alongside some of their original music. The evening's lineup includes alternative indie/folk band Crone, country artist James Beam, local favorite Englewood Heights, and is capped off by the multiple award-winning group, JayleighAnn and the Lost Boys.

Area breweries and wineries will also be on hand showing off their seasonal libations. Food options will be made available from local food trucks.

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan and The Seasons Music Project produce DecemberFest. The evenings host will be TIMMY! From 94.5 KATS FM.

“Decemberfest brings so much joy to people and provides so many toys for children, we are thrilled to be able to do it again,” said Paul Crawford, assistant vice president of Yakima Federal. “One hundred percent of the ticket sales proceeds will go to Toys for Tots.”

🎟️ Tickets and AdmissionTickets are available online for $15 or at the door for $20.

• 100% of the ticket price goes directly to Toys for Tots.
• Guests who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive $10 off the door admission price.
• Decemberfest is a 21+ event.

Tickets and more information are available now at decemberfest.org.
​
Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is a Washington-chartered mutual savings bank with over $2 billion in assets and 130 employees. They serve more than 50,000 customers in Washington and Oregon, offering checking, savings, and home loan products. Yakima Federal is open to everyone residing in Washington and Oregon and is a member of the FDIC. Learn more at https://www.yakimafed.com/

​The City of Richland wants to remind residents they are invited to attend a community meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to learn more about the upcoming Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail Project. The meeting will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Richland Community Center - Meeting Room, located at 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352.
 
As envisioned in the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, the Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail project at Queensgate Drive will feature a natural interpretive loop, a trailhead parking area, and a future Gage Road extension.
 
During the meeting, project staff will provide a brief presentation outlining the project’s background and next steps, followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and share feedback.
 
Community participation is encouraged as the City continues to expand its network of trails and open spaces that connect residents to Richland’s natural landscape.
 
For more information about the meeting or the Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail project, visit www.richandparksandrec.com or contact the Richland Community Center at 509-942-7529.