A material resembling small glass beads will serve as a critical ingredient to heating up the first melter at the Hanford Vit Plant, set for later this year, and is being provided by Richland-based company Fluid Controls and Components Inc (FCCI).
Glass frit is a mixture of chemicals that will mimic Hanford tank waste materials during the melter heatup process in the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility. The melter is at the heart of the vitrification process that transforms radioactive and chemical waste into an immobilized glass form safe for disposal through the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program. The DFLAW Program is a system of interdependent projects and infrastructure improvements, managed and highly integrated, that must operate together to vitrify the waste. FCCI was contracted by Bechtel National Inc. (BNI), the prime contractor designing, building, and commissioning the plant, to provide 108,000 pounds of the frit. FCCI has also provided valves, piping, and piping components for plant construction. “It was the first time we dealt with frit,” said Russ Watson, FCCI vice president. “The chemistry and physical profile of the frit were very complex. The specifications were strict, and the monitoring process was extensive.” During vitrification, radioactive and chemical tank waste is pretreated near large underground tanks to remove radioactive cesium and solids. It's then fed to the LAW Facility where it will be mixed with glass-forming materials, transferred to two melters, heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers for disposal at the nearby Integrated Disposal Facility. The frit will be used only during melter heatup. It mimics waste by dissolving into a solid form at high temperatures. During the heatup process, the glass frit will be flushed out of the melter with a simulated feed. “Partners like FCCI are crucial to the success of the project,” said Frank Salaman, procurements and subcontracts manager for BNI. “We rely on them to meet the complex specifications the project requires.” The project team is scheduled to initiate heatup of the first melter by the end of 2021. Information on the commissioning process, including a loss-of-power test and melter heatup, is available on the Journey to Melter Heatup website. The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour.
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Calling all beer and dog lovers! Visit Tri-Cities has launched the Tri-Cities Ales & Tails Pass, a free mobile pass with exclusive deals at local dog-friendly breweries and restaurants.
The adventure begins at VisitTri-Cities.com under the “Deals” section, where visitors and residents alike can download the Ales & Tails Pass. After signing up, the pass is instantly delivered via text and email and is ready to use. When visiting a participating business, passholders may present the offer to a staff member to redeem the offer. Passholders that redeem five or more offers earn a free dog-centric gift. Participating breweries and restaurants are offering enticing deals and discounts. Local favorites are featured, such as Doggie Style Gourmet, Moonshot Brewing, J. Bookwalter Winery, Ice Harbor Brewing and more. “Visit Tri-Cities has offered multiple passes, but the Ales & Tails pass is one of my favorites,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “Not only is the pass a great opportunity to experience the amazing craft beverage and food scene with our dogs, but it generates foot traffic to our local tourism-related businesses, driving economic recovery in the Tri-Cities.” Visit Tri-Cities also currently offers the Tri-Cities Wine Pass featuring exclusive deals and discounts at more than 25 local wineries. The Tri-Cities Wine Pass is also free and may be obtained at VisitTri-Cities.com To learn more about Visit Tri-Cities or download the free passes, check out VisitTri-Cities.com/deals/. Lourdes Health is pleased to announce it is celebrating its 105th birthday on Friday, Sept. 24.
On Sept. 8, 1916, six Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in Pasco via the Northern Pacific Railroad with the intent to establish a hospital. Just 16 days later, Our Lady of Lourdes opened its doors and began providing medical care for the sick of our community. “We are grateful to serve the Tri-Cities and for our deeply rooted foundation that has allowed us to be a central organization in this community for more than 100 years,” said Joanie White-Wagoner, Chief Executive Officer of Lourdes Health. “We are proud of our history and humbled to be part of such an incredible organization and community. We would not have made it as far as we have without the amazing support of the Tri-Cities throughout the years and our dedicated staff and providers.” To mark its 105th birthday, Lourdes Health employees are hosting a prayer service at 11 a.m. in the courtyard in front of Lourdes Medical Center on Friday, Sept. 24. Social distancing and masking will be required, in line with COVID-19 safety protocols. Staff are also celebrating throughout the week with employee activities, and Wagoner will be sharing a message via a pre-recorded video on social media and the Lourdes Health website on Friday. Additionally, Lourdes Health will be sharing historical stories on its social media platforms this week. “From our humble beginnings in the Montana Hotel, we have come a long way. Today, we have more than 800 employees and more than 40 providers serving the Tri-Cities region,” Wagoner said. “We are proud to be Making Communities Healthier® as a CMS 5-star rated hospital with our medical center to serve acute hospital needs, Lourdes Counseling Center to care for those with mental health needs, Lourdes Occupational Health to care for our local businesses and their employees, and a growing network of physicians to care for our community and meet the healthcare needs of those we serve.” Port of Benton has received $3,156,583 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) intended to provide electrical, lighting, and guidance system upgrades at the Richland Airport.
To participate in the FAA Airport Improvement Program, the Port must identify the projects in the airport master plan. At its August 18, 2021 meeting, the Port of Benton Commission accepted FAA grant funds for the replacement of existing medium intensity runway lighting and electrical room modifications. This follows a prior award from FAA in June 2021 for lighting design, and implements the full project scope. These improvements allow for replacement of electrical and lighting equipment, as well as airport guidance equipment, that is decades old and are years beyond their useful life. The current Richland Airport Master Plan update is currently underway to identify potential projects and amenities for the future. Community input is an essential part of this process, and the feedback received was focused on providing for airport safety, increased area for aeronautical activities, and future runway extension. The plan must also consider existing barriers to grant assurance compliance and highest and best use of future expansion areas. Design is currently underway for the current lighting and electrical replacement project and construction is planned for June – December 2022, depending upon availability of equipment and materials. Previous updates to the Richland Airport as a result of the Airport Improvement Program federal grants included:
For information about the Richland Airport Master Plan, or about these grant improvements, please contact the Port of Benton at 509-375-3060. More information on the Richland and Prosser Airports may be found at https://portofbenton.com/our-properties-facilities/airports/. ![]() Prosser Memorial Health is excited to announce the opening of the new Dermatology Center in Benton City led by Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Nicola Nylander. Dr. Nylander received her BS in Biology from Baylor University and her MD from John Hopkins University. She also boasts residencies, and a title of Chief Resident, from the University of Washington. She also has professional affiliations with the American Academy of Dermatology, Washington State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. While Dr. Nylander came to be in dermatology all by coincidence, she has fallen in love with the problem-solving and artistic aspects of the practice. She sees every appointment as an opportunity to not only treat the patient’s skin, but also educate them on how they can care for their skin. For her, medical and cosmetic dermatology is more than skin disease and vanity; it is a form of matching how you feel internally to how you present externally. Dr. Nylander enjoys reading and traveling, and likes to spend her free time outdoors, mountain climbing, hiking, and in the water. Dr. Nylander will be adding her 20+ years of experience to Prosser Memorial Health’s Dermatology Center, providing a full spectrum of medical and cosmetic dermatology services. Some of her services include general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, treatment of skin cancers, BOTOX and injectables, laser hair removal, and more. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 509.588.4555 or visit prosserhealth.org. Yakima’s 60th annual Sunfair Parade is back and better than ever! The much-loved parade is scheduled to return to Yakima Avenue on September 25th.
The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade will be Deputy Mayor Holly Cousens. Holly was selected by the Sunfair Parade board for her tireless work on the parade for the past 8 years and to celebrate her last year serving as the board president. “The parade would not be happening without the effort that she has put into it this year.” Said John Walden, Sunfair Parade Board member. “I see Holly as a super volunteer, who gives selflessly on a regular basis. It is this big heart that is so selfless, that I feel makes her a great fit as this years’ Grand Marshal.” This year’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. and follow the same route as previous years, starting at the corner of 16th and Yakima Ave and winding its way down Yakima Ave to Naches Ave. Judging will take place in the parade staging area from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The parade will be streamed live this year on Facebook from Yakima Federal Savings and Loan’s Facebook page located at Facebook.com/YakFed or in Spanish on Azteca TV Channel 32.1 KYPK and Spectrum cable channel 888. Area businesses, schools or organizations wishing to participate may pick up an application at any Yakima Federal Savings and Loan, Ron’s Coins & Collectables, the Yakima Chamber of Commerce or on the parade’s Facebook page. Deadline for entry is Midnight, Friday September 17, 2021. Those with questions about the parade may e-mail them to: [email protected] Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is headquartered in Yakima, WA. and has been in business since 1905. With 2 billion dollars in assets, the association is the 10th largest Washington-based FDIC insured financial institution. Washington State University Tri-Cities is partnering with the Port of Benton to offer wine and culinary education at the newly reopened Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser, Washington.
The Clore Center was established in 2014 as the result of a $2 million grant from the Federal Economic Development Administration. It was named in honor of Walter Clore, who is largely known as the “Father of Washington wine.” The 15,000-square-foot facility features a tasting room, event space and educational center to teach individuals about Washington’s storied wine and agriculture industries. As part of the new partnership, WSU Tri-Cities will offer seminars, events and coursework at the facility for both WSU Tri-Cities students and the public under its continuing education and workforce development programs. WSU Tri-Cities will also lead the curatorial direction and display of Clore’s historical wine archive at the center as part of its Washington Wine History Initiative. “WSU’s alignment with regional wine and culinary education is indisputable and we’re delighted to take this next step with them in ensuring Dr. Clore’s memory is honored.” Diahann Howard, PPM® Port of Benton Executive Director Reopening of the Clore Center In December 2020, the previous operator of the Clore Center was forced to close the center’s doors as a result of difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Given WSU Tri-Cities’ established programs in wine science, wine and beverage business management and hospitality business management, representatives from the Port of Benton reached out to WSU Tri-Cities to see if the university would be interested in providing educational programming at the center focusing on wine and agriculture. “The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center is a true gem for not only the regional wine industry, but for the extensive Washington wine industry state-wide and beyond,” she said. “We are elated to offer programming that will not only educate individuals about the history of Washington state wine, but also provide sensory and other hands-on experiences that will allow individuals to do a deep dive into all that Washington wine has to offer.” Chancellor Sandra Haynes, WSU Tri-Cities Educational programming led by WSU Tri-Cities Byron Marlowe, WSU Tri-Cities associate professor of hospitality and wine and beverage business management and Don Smith Distinguished Professor, will oversee educational programming at the center. He brings a wealth of knowledge in wine, culinary and hospitality business management. He recently returned home after teaching and completing research at the IMC University of Applied Sciences in Austria as part of the Fulbright Program, where he studied best practices for winery tasting room experiences that can be applied throughout the world. Educational programming began at the center with students completing sensory components for the WSU Wine and Beverage Business Management Certificate. Additional educational opportunities, including those open to the public, will be available, soon. As programming becomes available, more information will be posted about offerings and opportunities to engage with the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center on its new website at www.clorecenter.org. ![]() Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, a program of Senior Life Resources, presents OktoberFeast 2021. OktoberFeast drive-thru event will feature to-go bags that will have an OktoberFeast dinner of German sausage, sauerkraut, German potato salad, red cabbage slaw, soft-baked pretzel braid, and Black Forest cake. The meal comes with choice of Ice Harbor beer or root beer. In addition, participants will receive a collectible t-shirt and commemorative OktoberFeast glass. Drive-Thru will be available Thursday, September 30 from 4-6 pm, Friday, October 1 from 4-6 pm, and Saturday, October 2 from 11-1 pm at Meals on Wheels Fowler Campus, 1824 Fowler Street, Richland. Meals on Wheels keeps seniors in their homes living independently by providing hot nutritious meals to homebound clients, keeping them healthy and providing a sense of security. Meals are provided on a donation-only basis. No senior is turned away due to inability to donate. All proceeds will be used to provide meals to local seniors. Registration can be found at https://www.raceentry.com/oktoberfeast/race-information. To learn more about Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, visit www.seniorliferesources.org. ![]() The Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce awarded Leanne Antonio of Yakima Federal Savings and Loan CEO of the Year at their annual awards ceremony Thursday, September 9th, 2021. Chelsea Snodgrass, CEO of the Central Washington Homebuilders Association, was also honored with the award which had been decided in a tie-vote. A Greater Yakima Area Chamber member for over 100 years, Yakima Federal Savings and Loan received the award for Member of the Year at the same ceremony. Antonio started her career with Yakima Federal in 1981 as a teller, ultimately being promoted to President and CEO in 2016. She is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Wharton Leadership program at the University of Pennsylvania. Leanne serves on the board of the Yakima Rotary Trust, the Memorial Foundation and is on the Board of the Community Bankers of Washington and Impact Capital, a Washington-based Community Development Financial Institution. Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is headquartered in Yakima, WA. and has been in business since 1905. With over 2 billion dollars in assets, the association is the 11th largest Washington-based FDIC insured financial institution. ![]() The winner of the Xtreme Bulls event in Pendleton this year will get a prize that no other bull rider in the series will get – a custom handcrafted Hamley saddle. With this year being the first for the Xtreme Bulls tour to come to Pendleton, local organizers wanted to make a mark and the best way to do that was to feature the crafters that help make Pendleton famous. “This was a new opportunity to showcase a custom saddle made by Hamley’s,” explained Pat Reay, member of the Pendleton Round-Up Board of Directors. Reay emphasized that the Round-Up has had a longstanding relationship with Hamley & Co. so organizers were excited to approach management with a proposal. Working with Wildhorse Resort & Casino who manages Hamley & Co., a deal was quickly made. Hamley Saddle Shop began carefully crafting saddles not long after opening their store in Pendleton in 1905. The store remains in its original location today. Hamley saddles gained an outstanding reputation throughout the US, and eventually worldwide, for exceptional quality and attention to detail. Hamley & Co. became known throughout the west as the maker of “the finest saddles man could ride”. Hamley crafters invented the best working saddle with the Hamley Wade, made in various styles utilizing a “slick fork” saddle tree. In 1919, Hamley produced the modified Association saddle as a solution to better anchor bronc riders to their horses. This same saddle is still used today in rodeo competitions. The custom Hamley saddle made for the Xtreme Bulls event is a roper style on a Buster Welch tree. Experienced saddle maker Alan Dewey chose a floral pattern known as the “Sheridan” pattern which was made popular by legendary saddle maker Don King of Wyoming. Dewey added one of his favorite touches – an ostrich leather seat that adds a bit of flair to what is an important tool to any hard working cowboy. In total, Dewey put over 100 hours into making the saddle. Dewey has been crafting saddles for 48 years and began making saddles for Hamley & Co. in 2005. Although he attempted retirement several years ago, his excellent reputation for his craft won’t allow him to completely exit saddle making. Besides making saddles for Hamley & Co., Dewey has a long list of loyal customers. He recently made an eleventh saddle for one customer and says a Texas fan of his work owns six. “When you have people like that that have treated you right for several years, you can’t say no,” Dewey declared. One of Dewey’s reasons for making the Hamley saddle for this event was because Pendleton Round-Up is unique in that it still awards handcrafted custom saddles to competitors, something simply not done at other rodeos. “It’s kind of a pride thing,” said Dewey. Hamley & Co. has been a proud supporter of the Pendleton Round-Up since 1910. Original owner J.J. Hamley was an enthusiastic supporter of the cowboy competition and helped launch what is now a world-famous event. Hamley & Co. operations are managed by Wildhorse Resort & Casino, bringing to the table 25 years of successful business experience in food and beverage, retail, entertainment, and hospitality. Wildhorse and Hamley & Co. are owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). |
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