A follow-up meeting to share the latest draft of the Leslie Groves Park long-range plan is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leslie Groves Park Shelter #1.
The updated draft plan includes citizen and stakeholder input from previous comment opportunities. Those unable to attend in person can view the plan and comment until October 22, 2023. The park is located at 40 Park Place in North Richland. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. For more information or to see the plan online, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/lesliegrovesparkplan or call 509-942-7501.
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Dr. Ed Schweitzer Delivers Keynote at WSU Power Professorship Program 50th Anniversary Celebration9/21/2023 Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, founder, president and chief technology officer of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, delivered a keynote at the WSU Power Professorship Program 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 15, 2023, in Pullman.
In his keynote, Dr. Schweitzer highlighted the roots and importance of the WSU Power Professorship Program: “Professors Glen Hower and Attie Betts established the Power Professorship Program within the Electrical Engineering department at WSU 50 years ago,” said Schweitzer. “Regional electric power utilities have supported the program continuously ever since, and our local utility Washington Water Power—now Avista—was one of the first.” Schweitzer went on to recount that professors Hower and Betts hired Clifford C. Mosher, III, under this program, and he started the Western Protective Relay Conference (WPRC) shortly thereafter. WPRC has become the best-attended conference on power system protection in the U.S. The conference will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, and Schweitzer will deliver a keynote at the event which will take place at the Spokane Convention Center October 9–12. Mosher joined a team of power professors, including John Szablya, Dick Baker, and Al Flechsig. The group closely collaborated with other WSU electrical engineering professors, including Bob Olsen and David Seamans. Schweitzer expressed his gratitude for the program, explaining that he had searched for a university with a strong power program and applied to WSU. “Professor Mosher was the first person I talked with at WSU.” Schweitzer recalled, along with the first question Mosher asked him: “His voice boomed into the telephone, ‘What’s this latent interest in electric power?’” Schweitzer began graduate studies at WSU in 1974 and was granted a PhD in 1977. His thesis, which detailed using microprocessors and digital signal processing to protect electric power systems, was the basis for later forming SEL. “Without the WSU Power Professorship Program, SEL would never have been born,” Schweitzer concluded. Today, SEL employee over 6,600 people worldwide, and several of the streets on its Pullman campus are named after the WSU professors who contributed to the education of thousands of power engineers. To learn more about SEL partnerships with colleges and universities, visit https://selinc.com/company/university-relations/, and to learn more about WPRC, visit https://web.cvent.com/event/7e651078-f475-46ab-a914-34cbec6af565/summary. Gesa, a community-focused credit union, is partnering with Innovia Foundation to raise funds and provide support for the victims of the Spokane regional wildfires. As part of the Gesa Cares Campaign, the Gesa Community Foundation will donate $25,000 to Innovia Foundation to assist with its emergency and long-term wildfire relief efforts in Spokane County.
In conjunction with The Salvation Army, the donated funds will be used to provide back-to-school gift cards for 260 children in Medical Lake and Elk. The remaining funds will be directed toward additional relief efforts under three core pillars: Education, First Responders, and Essential Needs. Gesa recently launched the Gesa Cares matching donation campaign, which will match up to a total of $100,000 in donations to the credit union’s 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Gesa Community Foundation. To date, the campaign has raised over $33,000. With Gesa’s matching contribution, the total amount reaches over $66,000. Donations to the campaign can be made online or in person at any of the credit union’s 28 branch locations. Gesa joins local organizations Giving Back Spokane, Washington Trust Bank, Premera, and STCU in partnering and raising money for Innovia Foundation’s relief efforts. “There is no greater power than that of a community banding together to help out our neighbors in times of need. That’s why we are honored to collaborate with our partner, Innovia Foundation, and other local organizations who have generously offered to help prove that strength comes in numbers,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “We all proudly stand with those affected by the wildfires, and we hope that through our collective efforts, we can continue to raise impactful funds that will help the Spokane region recover.” Gesa assists its members in finding the best possible financial solution based on their individual situation, whether through emergency relief loans, fee waivers, loan assistance, or other resources. Affected members are encouraged to visit one of Gesa’s branches or call (888) 946-4372. To learn more about the Gesa Cares Campaign and how you can donate, visit www.gesa.com/GesaCares. To learn more about Innovia Foundation and its wildfire relief efforts, visit innovia.org/wildfire-relief/. Ryan J Redmond, CEO of Benton REA, recently announced a plan to restructure internal operations at the electric cooperative effective immediately. The purpose of the changes is to create a structure that enhances Benton REA’s ability to provide exceptional service to its member-owners. This is accomplished in part by bringing all member facing departments under one umbrella with the singular focus of exceeding the members’ expectations and creating an excellent member experience. This new Member Experience Department is already working on realigning job responsibilities and developing goals that support creating exceptional member experiences.
Troy Berglund, a 23-year veteran of Benton REA was promoted to Deputy General Manager and Vice President of Member Experience. In this new role, Berglund will provide oversight to Billing, Engineering & Operations Administrative Services, Information Technology, Member Services and Meter Reading. Additional staff changes in this restructure include: Shannon Olsen accepted the position of Member Services Manager. In this position she will direct and manage programs within the member experience group to include communications, marketing, energy efficiency, power quality, net metering, key accounts, economic development, and other member driven programs. Olsen was first hired as Benton REA’s Assistant Member Services Manager. She joined Benton REA in 2019. Jeb Knox accepted a promotion to Operations Manager. Over the last few months, Jeb has worked as both the Interim Operations Manager and Line Superintendent. In this position he ensures Benton REA’s existing distribution and transmission system is maintained, provides support to line superintendents, and directs the planning of maintenance to ensure the system is as dependable and reliable as possible. Jeb first began his career at Benton REA in 2004 as a groundman. Nick Pryor accepted the position of Member Engineering Manager. Along with his current engineering duties and supporting the staking team, Pryor will take on more system planning as he works with both engineering and operations on construction work plan projects, system improvement projects, and various mitigation projects to increase system reliability and capacity to the membership. Nick is a 17-year veteran of Benton REA. He was first hired as a Staking Technician in 2006. Missy Jasso accepted the position of Facility Services and Safety Manager in which she is responsible for the facilitation and oversight of Benton REA’s facility repair and maintenance, as well as contract compliance, contract management, and document retention. Missy began her career at Benton REA in 2001 as tech support in PowerNET and has held other positions, most recently as Executive Assistant to the CEO. Ryan J Redmond, CEO of Benton REA In December of 2022 Benton REA’s Board of Trustees and hiring firm GreatCo-Ops started the process of searching for a new CEO. After consideration of all applicants and a thorough interview process, the Board of Trustees announced their decision on April 20, 2023. Redmond brings over fifteen years of experience in the utility industry and has been in leadership roles for over 20 years. He has a proven track record of leading effective, high performing teams, executing long-term strategic business policies and contracts, and successfully leading teams through extreme change. Redmond earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washington State University and a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga School of Law. He has worked for Puget Sound Energy, Bonneville Power Administration and most recently was the Chief Resources Officer at Peninsula Light Company in Gig Harbor, Washington. The City of Richland Chief of Police Brigit Clary today announced her retirement, effective January 1, 2024.
“I am humbled and grateful for the trust placed in me by the City, the community, and by our officers to lead the Richland Police Department (RPD),” said Chief Clary. “The RPD staff, both sworn and civilian, are the most caring and professional individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I take comfort in knowing the high level of service the community will continue to receive after my retirement. After over 25 years in law enforcement, I am excited to start this new chapter.” Chief Clary has led the Richland Police Department (RPD) since January 2022, having served as interim chief before being officially appointed to the role in April 2022. The first female Chief of Police in Richland’s history, Chief Clary joined the RPD in 2017 as a lateral with previous supervisor experience and quickly rose through the ranks. She served as a sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before being promoted to deputy chief in November 2021. Some of Chief Clary’s accomplishments during her tenure include forming both Drone and Major Incident Reconstruction Teams, securing multiple grants to support new Officer wellness programs, establishing a recruiting team and mentorship program for new hires, and redeploying RPD’s Traffic Unit. She was also responsible for rebranding the department in March 2023, delivering the newest patch and badge designs, which have been well-received by the Richland community. “I wish to commend Chief Clary for her leadership of our police department,” Richland City Manager, Jon Amundson, said. “Chief Clary leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, and exceptional dedication and commitment to our city’s residents and police department. I have initiated a national search for our next Chief of Police and will appoint Deputy Chief of Police David Neher to serve as interim chief after Clary’s retirement.” Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vista Field in Kennewick will be the host site for a FREE family-friendly e-bike expo. The expo offers a chance to comparison shop, learn about rules, regulations, and the various classifications of e-bikes from industry experts. You will learn more about how to be a responsible E-Bike rider. You will also have a chance to register your bike for free as part of a stolen bike recovery system. Local vendors will offer bikes for sale and provide demonstration models so people can ride different e-bikes in a closed loop on site.
Food vendors include Rollin Ice Cream, Tumbleweeds Food Truck, Kettle Corn Factory, and Doggie Style Gourmet. Benton Franklin Health District is sponsoring a “Traffic Garden” to help young riders learn bike safety with riding tips and a kid-safe “practice route,” and free children’s helmets (while supplies last). Ben Franklin Transit will have a bus on display to showcase their improved bike racks, larger wheel receivers and easier loading. Guest speakers, and coupons for professional coaching will also be available. A valid driver’s license/identification is required for e-bike demos, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own bicycle helmet. In addition, participating minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The E-Bike Expo will take place at Vista Field, 6600 West Deschutes Avenue, Kennewick, Washington near the intersection of Crosswind Boulevard and West Deschutes Avenue. Event parking is FREE and best accessed from West Deschutes Avenue. Port of Kennewick, which owns Vista Field, is organizing the event in partnership with Bike Tri-Cities, Cora’s Bike Shop, Greenies, Pedego Electric Bikes, Scott Cycle & Sports, TREK, Wheelhouse Community Bike Shop, The League of American Bicyclists, Inland Empire Century Ride/Kiwanis, Ben Franklin Transit, Benton-Franklin Council of Governments, Benton County, Benton Franklin Health District, and Kennewick Police Department. Gesa, a community-focused credit union, announced it will donate a total of $50,000 as part of its continued partnership with Food Lifeline and Second Harvest this Hunger Action Month. During the month of September, all three organizations will work together to raise awareness about food insecurity and mobilize the public to take action on a devastating issue in the Northwest: hunger.
Gesa, as the presenting sponsor for this statewide effort, will donate $25,000 to each organization for a total of $50,000 in monetary contributions. Gesa will also host food drives at each of their branch locations and offer its team members and members various volunteer opportunities. This is the fourth year Gesa and the two organizations have partnered together. “Gesa is proud to continue our partnership with Food Lifeline and Second Harvest this Hunger Action Month, as the vital work they do helps many people across the Northwest who face food insecurity,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “The extent of hunger as an issue is often overlooked; in fact, it’s estimated that one in 11 people in Washington face it. We hope that through both our team’s and our members’ collective efforts, we can not only continue to raise awareness for the issue, but also expand upon the number of people and families in need that we help feed.” Food Lifeline is a non-profit organization that distributes food to more than 350 food banks, shelters, and meal programs across western Washington, equating to 213,000 meals every day. “Food Lifeline advocacy works to abolish the root causes of hunger and strengthen our public safety net,” said Aaron Czyzewski, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Food Lifeline. “It's about changing and reforming the systems that enable and perpetuate hunger and food insecurity in western Washington by advancing a movement to end hunger. Because we know access to food as a basic human right improves access to the foundational promise of opportunity and prosperity that’s woven so tightly into our national ideals.” Second Harvest is a non-profit organization that provides enough food to feed 55,000 people each week through 250 food pantries and meal sites across eastern Washington and north Idaho. "When people are fed, futures are nourished," said Jason Clark, CEO of Second Harvest. "The good people at Gesa are dedicated to nourishing futures, and their support helps us do our part in providing the healthy food needed to do just that." For more information about Food Lifeline, visit their website https://foodlifeline.org/. To learn more about Second Harvest, visit https://2-harvest.org/. For more information about Gesa Credit Union’s involvement in the community, visit https://www.gesa.com/community. Edward Thomas and Dan Gaulke were recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association. Mr. Thomas is currently serving as Director, Technical Services for Milne Fruit Products. Mr. Gaulke currently holds the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Yakima Federal.
Mr. Thomas currently lives in Prosser and is responsible for quality assurance, research & development and food regulatory compliance at three Milne facilities located in Prosser and Sunnyside Washington. He graduated from Washington State University in 1996. He is married and a father of five. He enjoys spending time with family, particularly in the great Pacific Northwest outdoors. Mr. Gaulke has been with Yakima Federal for 33 years. He joined the bank as a management trainee in 1990 after graduating from Washington State University. He has worked as an auditor, compliance officer and most recently, Chief Financial Officer. He is married, has two adult children and resides in Yakima. Yakima Federal Savings and Loan was founded in Yakima in 1905. The Association has ten branches located throughout Central Washington. Chaplaincy Health Care is thrilled to announce that it’s been voted "Tri-Cities' Best Hospice Care" by TC Best, presented by Tri-City Herald. This recognition is a testament to Chaplaincy Health Care's dedication to providing compassionate and high-quality hospice care services to individuals and families during their most challenging times.
Chaplaincy Health Care's resounding gold medal win in the Hospice Care category and bronze win in the Non-Profit category underscores the organization's commitment to its mission of delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care that emphasizes not only medical support but also emotional and spiritual well-being. "We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the community we serve," said Laurie Jackson, CEO at Chaplaincy Health Care. "Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional hospice care that not only meets the physical needs of our patients but also offers emotional support and comfort to them and their families. This award is a testament to the hard work and compassion of our staff." Chaplaincy Health Care offers a range of hospice care services tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. Their interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, counselors, chaplains, philanthropists, and volunteers collaborate to create individualized care plans that address not only medical concerns but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care. The organization's commitment to excellence is reflected in its continuous efforts to enhance its services, embrace innovation in patient care, and provide families with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care. As the recipient of the "Tri-Cities' Best Hospice Care" award, Chaplaincy Health Care extends its gratitude to the community for its unwavering support and trust. The organization remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and compassion, ensuring that every patient's journey is marked by dignity, comfort, and respect. Learn more about Chaplaincy Health Care at ChaplaincyHealthCare.org. Zach Garland, Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner with Prosser Memorial Health, will be making a switch to Prosser Memorial Health’s Benton City Clinic location. Zach has been with PMH since September 2021, working at our Prosser Clinic and Wound Care Center at Prosser Memorial Hospital. He’s been providing a variety of family medicine services in Prosser, including Wellness and Well-child exams, preventative care, and wound care. A Tri-Cities native, some of Zach’s interests include movies, hiking, and traveling. He also enjoys spending time with his three dogs and making dinner for his family.
We are excited to have Zach join and expand the Benton City Clinic team! Prosser Memorial Health’s Benton City Clinic offers family and pediatric medicine, behavioral health, laboratory, and x-ray services, and is located next to our Dermatology Center. To learn more about Zach’s and the Prosser Memorial services, or to schedule an appointment, call the Benton City clinic at 509.588.4075 or visit us online at prosserhealth.org. |
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