Kennewick, Wash.— Port of Kennewick’s recent Financial Statements audits and the Accountability & Compliance Audits were all clean, complete and accurate – with no findings, according to the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
The Washington State Auditor’s Office issued notice on February 12, 2024, officially closing audits covering detailed financial statements and statistical data, policies and procedures related to the port’s operations between 2021 and 2022. Independent audits aim to provide reasonable assurance that financial statements are accurate and presented in a transparent manner, including disclosures necessary to provide a reasonable understanding of the port’s financial affairs. These audits mark 28 consecutive years of clean reports for Port of Kennewick--with no findings (a finding would indicate material deficiencies within the organization). “Having the State Auditor’s Office inspect and review our operations helps assure the public that Port of Kennewick is spending tax dollars properly and operating transparently with exacting standards,” said Nick Kooiker, the port’s chief financial officer/deputy CEO. “Twenty-eight years of clean audits is proof that our port utilizes tight internal controls to safeguard the public’s funds.” The Washington State Auditor’s Office reports are available online at: ViewReportFile (wa.gov) (Financial) ViewReportFile (wa.gov) (Accountability) The 2021 and 2022 Financial Statement Audits examined cost allocation methodology, timesheet tracking, capital assets, financial statement presentation and disclosure, cash and investments, GASB 68 state pension plan balances, GASB 75 Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) balances, property tax balances, GASB 87 leases (receivable/deferred inflow/lease interest income), construction in progress, improvements other than buildings, property lease/rental operations, general operations expenses, maintenance expenses, general and administration expenses, public, election, and governmental relations expenses, capital contributions, and payroll reconciliation. The 2021 and 2022 Accountability and Compliance Audits examined the areas of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), financial condition, accounts payable disbursements, payroll disbursements, credit cards, paid time off, merit awards, quarterly reporting, bank statement reconciliations; and information technology. In all areas, the audits determined that Port of Kennewick operations complied with applicable state laws, regulations and its own policies and provided adequate controls over public resources.
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RICHLAND, Wash. (Feb. 7, 2024). Arts Center Task Force (ACTF) has hired Blake Smith, Townsend, Tenn., as its new Executive Director. Smith, who has more than 30 years of experience in managing and operating performing arts centers, assumed the role Monday, Feb. 5. He was chosen after a national search launched in November.
“Blake is a perfect fit for our organization with his wealth of experience with performing arts centers,” said ACTF Board Chair Steven Wiley. “He will be invaluable to our mission to build and operate the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center.” The Arts Center will be sited in Columbia Park West near The REACH Museum. The 800-seat venue will be a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility for local and touring group performances. “It will enhance cultural access and quality of life for the community, promote economic vitality, and support the wide variety of local arts organizations in the Tri-Cities,” said Wiley. Most recently, Smith was chief executive and general manager of the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville, Tenn. He previously was Director of Operations and Facility Technical Director at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston and served as Director of Concerts and Conventions at the Delta Center Arena, Salt Lake City. Smith also is past president of the Tennessee Presenters Association, was trained in technical theatre at Arizona State University, and is a member of the International Association of Venue Managers. “Joining a team committed to bringing a professional performing arts center to the Tri-Cities area is the culmination of my years spent supporting and promoting live arts. It’s an exciting challenge I couldn’t pass up,” said Smith. “With the strong support this community gives its local arts organizations, it was clear to me that this endeavor to provide a home for their work and the opportunity to host a broad variety of touring performances will provide a positive cultural boost to this community and its residents.” Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre is holding auditions for our upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz! People who cherish the nostalgia of the beloved movie will instantly adore this musical. Those who are unfamiliar with the show will find the characters and songs irresistible. Director Emily Richman has a beautiful vision for this show that the audience is going to embrace and love.
Follow the yellow brick road to the auditions! We want to see many people there! Adults, teens, and children 10+ years old welcome! Audition details: Dates: Saturday, February 10th, from 2:00-6:00 PM; Monday, February 12th, from 6:00-9:00 Sign up for an audition time by clicking on this link: https://forms.gle/BSHSEKvTT2e3swGe8 (No walk-ins, please. Location of auditions will be given to people who sign up for a time.) What to prepare for auditions: 1.) Prepare a 1:00 minute portion of a delightful and fun song. Bring piano sheet music for our accompanist, with markings of where to start and end for the 1:00 minute selection. (If it’s just under a minute, that is fine. Please do not go over.) You may alternatively bring an instrumental track (no vocals in the track, please) and have your track cued to the correct starting point on your device. (We will have a speaker and cords to plug in your phone, laptop, or tablet.) 2.) Prepare a 2:00 minute reading, monologue, or poem. 3.) Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and be prepared to learn simple choreography as part of the audition process. (Choreography time will be approximately 30 minutes.) Performance dates: April 26-28, May 2-4 at Richland High School’s auditorium In honor of Black History month, Washington State University Tri-Cities will be hosting a free live performance by local hip hop artist HEARNE. The event is open to the public and will take place on Feb. 16 on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.
Bryan Christopher Hearne, also known by his surname HEARNE, is a multifaceted poet, actor, community organizer, and musician who uses his artistry to transcend boundaries and blend genres while promoting black liberation. His career began with acting in several popular shows and movies, including alongside Keanu Reeves and Michael B. Jordan in “Hardball”, and as a series regular in Nickelodeon’s “All That”. Hearne is involved in the local community, most notably as the co-CEO of the non-profit organization Urban Poets Society, which provides safe spaces for artists to share their talents through social justice and mental health lenses in the Tri-Cities. Hearne was awarded the CBC Martin Luther King Spirit Award in 2021 for his contributions and service. Hearne’s music and spoken word touches on his personal perspectives. His EP titled “I Won’t Move” was released during a period of social unrest and includes themes such as the desire for change as a black man and the instinct to protect black women. The performance at WSU Tri-Cities is described as an ode to Black History Month, and will feature his newest album, titled “Martyr,” utilizing hip hop as a form of resistance. “Get ready for a captivating experience as we embark on a journey through the powerful words, soulful rhymes, and music that captivates us all,” he says. The free performance will take place in the Student Union Building (SUB) on the WSU Tri-Cities campus on Feb. 16 from 3 – 4:30 p.m. and is open for anyone to attend. Benton REA is pleased to announce the hiring of Andrew W. Gould, P.E. as Benton REA’s Vice President of Engineering and Operations.
As a third-generation engineer, Gould brings 12 years of experience in the utility industry. He has dedicated his career to the safe and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity and communications while striving to make a meaningful impact in how utilities design and manage their infrastructure. Gould began his career as a consultant with Quanta Technologies where he developed expertise on solving unique problems with electric transmission, distribution, and substation facilities. His work led him to research asset management practices of transmission and substation systems at the Electric Power Research Institute for their member utilities. He moved on to a position at Duke Energy to support the procurement and maintenance of transmission and substation assets where he managed multi-year, multi-million-dollar projects that ensured high voltage electrical equipment met future operational goals, and that remaining service life of existing assets were properly characterized and extended when possible. Most recently, Andrew worked at UtiliSource where he oversaw both the fiber communication and electrical engineering departments for several clients including many electrical co-ops. “I’m excited to join the co-op world by working at Benton REA,” says Gould. “There is so much opportunity to bring safe and reliable electricity to the members of Benton REA through innovation, design, and operations enabling them to live productive and fulfilled lives.” Gould earned a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University-Idaho and is a Professional Engineer. He serves on the board of trustees for The William R. and Erlyn J. Gould Distinguished Lecture on Technology and the Quality of Life at The University of Utah. Gould and his wife have four children. In his free time, he enjoys cooking with his wife, competitive clay target shooting, walking golf courses with the occasional decent shot, and introducing his children to the wonders of the world. The newest round of artwork has been installed at the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC). The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will be displaying pieces in all three of the airport art areas for 2024. The Palus People display vibrant pieces focused on three important themes for the Colville Tribes: history, homeland, and the 12 bands that comprise their tribal community. Each year, PSC offers local artists an opportunity to display artwork in various terminals. This year’s selection from the Colville Tribes showcases a mix of historic and modern imagery, cultural touchpoints, and unforgettable vistas in the Tri-Cities region. “It is an honor and a privilege to be able to share the stories of our people with all who pass through the Tri-Cities Airport,” said Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. “Through these beautiful billboards, we are able to showcase our culture—from the importance of food gathering to traditional regalia and the celebrations of the Colville people past and present.” “Once again, our Airport Art Committee has found an important regional partner with a compelling story to share,” said Buck Taft, Director of Tri-Cities Airport. “The mix of people, the incredible landscapes, and the informative videos offer several reasons to engage with the displays and learn more about the region’s indigenous communities. We hope that our passengers connect with these pieces all year long.” In addition to the artwork, each display includes a QR code linking to videos created by the Colville Tribes. Passengers can scan the QR code on their smartphone to view the videos. The Palus Display by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will be up in the airport terminal through the 2024 year. RICHLAND, Wash. – An art exhibit is on display at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus in memory of a faculty member. Four current WSU Tri-Cities faculty contributed their own art creations in various mediums. The exhibition will be on display until the end of February.
The art exhibit, titled “NO PROGRAM”, was created in memory of WSU Tri-Cities associate professor Douglas Gast and named after his portfolio site, to honor his contributions to the art world, his community, and Washington State University Tri-Cities. Gast, who passed away in 2020, was known as an influential artist and educator whose work was impactful for the university and its students, nationally and internationally. The exhibit highlights artwork created by four current WSU Tri-Cities faculty- Peter Christenson, Philip Mudd, Kayleigh Lang, and Marguerite Finch, as well as past works from Gast. The art mediums range from photography, painting, installation, sound, and sculpture. “I was excited to have the opportunity to help curate this exhibition,” said Finch. “I briefly knew Doug but knew how much he cared about promoting art on this campus and creating art opportunities for students. I believe this exhibition gives students at WSU Tri-Cities a way to engage with art and see what faculty currently working on this campus are doing in their art practice.” According to the exhibit’s official statement, Gast was an inspirational instructor. “As associate professor, Doug inspired and mentored many students, encouraging them to take chances, create with confidence, and participate within the community and the world." The public is invited to view the exhibit located in the Art Center in the Consolidated Information Center on the WSU Tri-Cities campus. Lourdes Health & Trios Health Offering a Free Walk-In Heart Health Screening Event on February 242/7/2024 Tri-Cities, WA (February 2024) – In honor of Heart Health Month, Lourdes Health and Trios Health are excited to announce a community-wide initiative to promote heart health through a free Heart Health screening event.
“This free screening event aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular health while also providing valuable screenings and information to community members in the Tri-Cities”, said Mark Holyoak, Lourdes Health CEO. “Heart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally,” said David Elgarico, Trios Health CEO & Market President. “Lourdes Health and Trios Health are committed to empowering our community with the knowledge and resources needed to prioritize heart health.” The free Heart Health screening event will take place on Saturday, February 24 in the lobby of the Trios Care Center at Southridge, located at: 3730 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration is not necessary to attend. This is a free walk-in event. Lourdes Health and Trios Health will have a variety of free screenings, educational booths and healthcare professionals on-site to address heart health concerns. Free screenings include, Body Mass Index (MBI), Blood Pressure, Finger Stick Blood Glucose Testing, Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation. Featured Booths: Community Resources & Hospital Services, Diabetes/Nutrition, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations with the Kennewick Fire Department, Heart Attack and Stroke Education, Speak with a Cardiologist and Take a Heart Risk Assessment. Additionally, there will be fun giveaways, kids coloring activities and the chance to win a heart health themed basket. Lourdes Health and Trios Health invite the community to join us in promoting heart health awareness and taking proactive steps towards a healthier future. We encourage everyone, regardless of age or background, to attend this event and make their heart health a priority. The Trios Care Center at Southridge is located at: 3730 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA 99338. For more information, please visit YourLourdes.com or TriosHealth.org. Noel Schulz has been appointed to the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professorship at Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities. This follows Schulz’s recent appointment to inaugural director of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) in August of 2023.
As an endowed professor, Schulz will provide expertise and guidance in furthering INEF’s function of research, development, and education associated with realizing the 21st century low-carbon energy transitions over the next decades in the region. The role allows Schulz to conduct scholarly work related to INEF’s clean energy goals and hire graduate assistants. “It is an honor to be named the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor. His leadership in the Tri-Cities and energy field provided momentum for INEF and its activities,” said Noel Schulz. “This support will assist me in continuing research activities in the INEF area.” The funding for the professorship position was gifted to the WSU Foundation by Bob Ferguson, a veteran in the nuclear field and a longtime supporter of WSU Tri-Cities’ clean energy initiatives. Ferguson’s donations also helped establish INEF, in hopes that the funds would contribute to a clean energy future by developing pathways for developing, integrating, and sustaining the resources of the region. His gift laid the foundation for the recent investment by the Washington State Legislature for INEF activities. “Noel’s leadership and expertise will be great assets to the institute,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities. “Her enthusiasm for the work and mission of INEF are evident and I look forward to the progress she will make in this new role.” A researcher with the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology program on the WSU Tri-Cities campus is looking for volunteers to participate in a red wine sensory panel. Panelists will be trained to identify specific aromas and tastes in wines and are asked to score the wines based on the results.
Scheduled to start at the end of February, the panel will take place over the course of seven weeks, with three group sessions and five individual sessions. The group sessions will last between 60 and 90 minutes, and the individual sessions will take no more than 40 minutes each. Snacks will be provided after each session. All sessions will be held at the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center in Richland. The timing of the sessions will be up to volunteer discretion. Any person over the age of 21 is allowed to participate. For more information, contact Juliana Pazos at [email protected]. |
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July 2024
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