Fire destroys Pasco onion shed

Fire officials are working to determine the cause of a fire at a Pasco onion shed that burned to the ground Feb. 2.

Damage was significant, with estimated losses of $3 million, according to the Pasco Fire Department.

Twenty-eight firefighters from the Pasco Fire Department, Richland Fire Department, Franklin Fire District 3 and Walla Walla Fire District 5 responded to CSS Farms at 4560 Venture Place at 3 a.m.

The six acres of land and metal-framed 33,260-square-foot shed, built in 1989, are valued at more than $900,000, according to Franklin County assessor’s records.

Crews concentrated efforts on electrical sources and two large propane tanks in front of the building.

CSS Farms, which has operations in 13 states, grows onions and potatoes outside of Pasco.

Tri-City voters affected by state software glitch

Nearly 200 Benton County voters and 78 Franklin County voters were affected by the state Department of Licensing voter registration software malfunction, which prevented thousands of DOL customers from becoming registered to vote.

Nearly 7,000 applicants statewide were not registered to vote after they thought they had registered at the DOL.

This issue affected 192 Benton County voters, and the Benton County Auditor’s Office Elections Department worked to ensure all those voters were registered and would receive ballots for the Feb. 13 special election.

The Washington Secretary of State is conducting additional analysis to ensure that all future DOL registration information is transferred correctly for proper voter registration.

$113.9 million in construction projects approved for WSU

The nearly $114 million for construction and renovation projects throughout the Washington State University system has been approved by state lawmakers and Gov. Jay Inslee.

The funding is part of the $4.3 billion capital budget that state lawmakers approved last month.

Local WSU projects included in the plan:

• Design development for new academic building on Tri-Cities campus, $3 million.
• Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials, a collaborative venture with the University of Washington and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, $2 million.

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers offer free tax prep help 

Volunteers for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide are ready to help make sure those 50 and older get all the tax deductions and credits they deserve.

The free service is for low- to moderate-income taxpayers — especially those 50 and older — and is individualized. AARP membership is not required.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will provide free tax preparation and electronic filing at sites throughout the state through April 17.

Whether you are a first time taxpayer, just starting retirement, or someone who simply needs a bit of help to get through your tax returns this year due to life changes that make your taxes a little more complicated,  AARP’s team of IRS-certified volunteers stands ready to help.

Among the items and forms to bring to an appointment are last year’s tax return, official identification for yourself and every person on your return, and a checkbook, if you want to direct deposit a refund, W-2 forms, unemployment statements, SSA-1099 Form and forms showing mortgage interest.

For more information, visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 888-227-7669.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

• Richland Public Library:955 Northgate Drive; 509-942-7454.

When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays.

• Richland Community Center: 500 Amon Park Drive; dial 211 for appointments.

When: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays.

• Mid-Columbia Libraries, Kennewick branch:1620 S. Union St.; 509-783-7878.

When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and noon to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

• Mid-Columbia Libraries, Keewaydin Park branch:405 S. Dayton St., Kennewick. 

When: 12:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

• Mid-Columbia Libraries, Pasco branch:1320 W. Hopkins St.

When: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays.  Spanish language assistance available

• Pasco City Hall Activity Center:525 N. Third Ave.; 509-545-3459.

When: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays.

Appointments are required. Walk-in appointments available on space-available basis.

Policy center opens Center for Workers Rights

The Washington Policy Center has created a Center for Worker Rights that will focus on employee issues, promoting labor reform policies to end forced unionism and protecting workers’ rights. The center is part of a three-year growth plan.

The center’s director is Erin Shannon who has worked on small-business issues for the WPC for six years.

She can be reached at 360-705-6543 or eshannon@washingtonpolicy.org.

Auditor’s office re-opens after week-long closure

Fire-related issues in the neighboring Richland Fred Meyer forced a week-long closure of the Benton County Auditor’s Office in Richland.

The office, at 101 Wellsian Way, Suite E, closed Jan. 29 due to poor air quality and potential smoke damage to furnishings, carpet and air ducts because of the store fire.

Richland firefighters and police responded to the Jan. 26 store fire reportedly set by a disgruntled customer. Fred Meyer was able to re-open for business quickly.

The store recently completed a $12 million remodeling project.

Benton County contracted with Young’s ServiceMaster to clean the office and remove any remaining smoke smell, and worked with the Richland Fire Department to test for air quality.

The office re-opened Feb. 5.

Cancer center offers free cancer pre-screening

A free colorectoral cancer pre-screening event is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 24, by appointment only, at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick.

The event consists of a health assessment to determine the appropriateness for a colonoscopy. Appropriate participants will be scheduled for their colonoscopy before leaving the event.

This free event is not a physical examination or colonoscopy. It is an expedited pathway to getting a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy appointments will take place two to four weeks from the event rather than the normal wait time of three to four months for scheduling.

Free colonoscopy prep and education will be provided to scheduled participants at the event and financial resources will be provided to those who meet the necessary criteria.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States.

The Tri-City region has a higher incidence of late stage colorectal cancer diagnosis than state and national averages.

Who should be screened? Men and women age 50-75 (ages 75 and up should consult their doctor); those at high risk of colorectal cancer should begin screening at a younger age; and those who have not had a colonoscopy in the last 10 years

Appointments are required, and can be made by visiting BeHealthyGetScreened.com to register online or call the Tri-Cities Cancer Center at 509-737-3420.

The screening program is done in partnership with Kadlec, Lourdes Health and Trios Health.

Registration open for Tri-Tech preschool program

Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick is accepting applications for 3- to 5-year-old children to join its part-time preschool program for the 2018-19 school year.

Applications will be accepted until all classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be filled out from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays in Room 140 at Tri-Tech’s campus at 5929 W. Metaline Ave.

Tri-Tech’s preschool offers two sessions, one from 8:10 to 10:10 a.m. and another from 11:40 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through May. It is open to any child who is age 3 by Aug. 31, 2018, and is toilet-trained.

Supervised Tri-Tech students work with children enrolled in the preschool as part of their early education training.

Parents must pay a non-refundable $55 fee to reserve their child’s spot, and immunization records must be provided at registration. Monthly tuition is $80.

For more information, call 509-222-7300.

Update set on underground storage tank regulations

The state Department of Ecology is proposing updates to its underground storage tank rule to streamline the requirements and align the rule with current state and federal laws.

Washington’s underground storage tank compliance program is one of the largest pollution prevention programs at Ecology. Every year, more than 3 billion gallons of fuel are stored underground in our state.

If the tanks aren’t properly maintained, they can pollute drinking water and pose serious threats to human health and the environment. Currently, Ecology regulates more than 9,000 tanks at more than 3,300 facilities, including gas stations, industrial and commercial properties, and government-owned properties.

The purpose of the proposed rule is to incorporate federal rule changes needed to maintain federal approval of the program; integrate changes made in the state statute that authorizes the program; update other requirements governing the program (such as service provider requirements); and streamline rule requirements, improve rule clarity, and improve consistency within the rule and with other state and federal laws and rules.

Ecology is accepting public comment on the proposed changes through March 16.

To learn more about the proposed changes and submit comments online, visit http://cs.ecology.commentinput.com.

Tickets, luminaries on sale for Pink Ice Night

The 13th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night with the Tri-City Americans — known as Pink Ice Night — is Feb. 24.

The rink will be painted pink and money raised will benefit the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation.

Player-worn pink game jerseys will be auctioned off at the game and online, commemorative T-shirts will be available with a donation, silent auction items will be available on the concourse, as well as giveaways to the first 1,000 people through the doors. 

Discounted tickets are available in the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation office for $12. Call 509-737-3413 to get tickets.

Warrior Sisterhood, a program of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center whose goal is to empower local women with cancer or a cancer-related diagnosis and survivors, is selling luminary bags for the event prior to Feb. 24.

Prior to the puck drop, the rink will be glowing with decorated bags honoring and remembering those who faced down cancer.

Buy a bag at the cancer center’s foundation office or contact Warrior Sisterhood on Facebook. Cost is $5 a bag and all proceeds benefit Warrior Sisterhood. Bags must be bought before Feb. 23.

Healthplanfinder records 242,000 sign-ups

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced that more than 242,000 customers signed up for Qualified Health Plans, or QHPs, through Washington Healthplanfinder by the close of open enrollment on Jan. 15, an 8 percent increase over the previous year.

And more than 66,000 residents signed up for dental coverage in its second year as a product offered through Washington Healthplanfinder, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.

The 12-week open enrollment period, shortened from 14 weeks last year, also saw higher website engagement with more than 1.2 million unique visitors, or an increase of more than 16,000 when compared to open enrollment for 2017 coverage.

Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. The next open enrollment period begins Nov. 1.

Grant applications sought for programs supporting women, children

Applications are being accepted through March 16 for Women Helping Women Fund Tri-Cities grants.

Grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 and are limited to specific programs sponsored by a nonprofit agency or organization in Benton and Franklin counties.

Women Helping Women accepts grant applications on an annual basis. Since 2001, the organization has funded 102 grants, totaling more than $2 million dollars.

The grants are funded by proceeds from a luncheon held in October and are awarded for programs operating Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2019.

Applications go through an extensive review process by the Women Helping Women board. All the proceeds raised during the annual luncheon are used to fund the selected programs.

The Women Helping Women board gives priority to programs helping improve the lives of women and children in the Tri-City area by assisting in their care and development.

Grant applications may not be submitted online. Applications must use the 2018 grant application and budget worksheet, which can be downloaded from the Women Helping Women website at whwftc.org/grant-applications.

Complete grant proposals must be received at the Women Helping Women office at 713 Jadwin Ave. in Richland no later than noon March 16.

For more information, call 509-713-6553 or email contact@whwftc.org.

Benton Fire District 4 to ask voters to support bond for new station

Benton Fire District 4 is making plans to ask voters to support a $7.5 million bond to build and equip a new fire station to keep pace with the population growth in its service territory.

The 52-square-mile district, which includes the city of West Richland, has built a fire station about every 20 years to accommodate population growth in its service territory.

Station 410, on Harrington Road, was built in 1977, and Station 420, on Bombing Range Road, was built in 1997.

The city of West Richland has grown by almost 25 percent since 2010, while the unincorporated areas of the fire district have experienced a 30 percent increase in the same amount of time.

“It’s important that we be ahead of the game when planning for emergency services,” said Fire Chief Bill Whealan.

In the western part of the fire district’s service territory, it can take almost 17 minutes to respond to an emergency call.

Call volumes have increased 61 percent for the fire district since 2010.

The fire district is planning to ask voters to consider a bond in the fall primary election to build and equip a station in the area, as well as buy two fire engines for existing stations to replace those that are approaching the end of their usable lives.

The third station and apparatus will balance the agency’s emergency response district-wide, reduce response times and provide additional units to respond during back-to-back emergencies.

Architectural and engineering work is underway, which reduces the amount of revenue needed for the project.

If approved by voters, the 20-year bond would cost 28 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. This means about $84 per year, or $7 per month, for the owner of a $300,000 home.

The fire district will share more information  about the proposal with the public this spring.

Community members with questions may contact Whealan at 509-967-2496 or wwhealan@bcfd4.org.

Trios Foundation to name award winners at breakfast

The Trios Foundation is holding its annual breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick.

The winner of the Jim Mokler Outstanding Leadership award will be presented to a community member who has made significant contributions and to the Tri-Cities. In addition to highlighting the foundation’s past and upcoming activities, $12,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students pursing or continuing a health care education.

The event is free and open to the public but registration is required. To register, call 509-221-5776 or email mandy.wallner@trioshealth.org.

Comment period on Hanford tunnels ends April 12

The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office is holding a 60-day public comment period through April 12 for a Class 3 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit.

The modification addresses the stabilization of tunnels 1 and 2 at Purex until final closure decisions are made and implemented.

A public meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. March 14 in the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive. Visit the Hanford events calendar at Hanford.gov for more information.

Vit plant procurement tops $211M in Tri-Cities in FY17

Hanford’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant’s procurement topped $211 million in the 2017 fiscal year.

Bechtel National announced that $126 million of the vit plant’s procurement was spent in Oregon and Washington, including $94 million in the Tri-Cities on services and goods such as tools, electrical supplies and more.

Bechtel has spent more than $4 billion on goods and services during the construction of the vit plant, including $1.94 billion in Oregon and Washington and $1.36 billion in the Tri-Cities.

Tickets on sale for Rascal Rodeo fundraiser

Tickets for the Honky Tonk Hoedown, a Rascal Rodeo fundraiser, will be on sale at Kennewick Ranch & Home through March 19 or by calling 509-528-5947.

The annual event includes silent and live auctions and testimonials, along with a buffet dinner. This year’s event is March 23 at the Red Lion in Pasco.

Rascal Rodeo is a nonprofit with a mission to produce rodeo events for special needs people of all ages. In 2018, there are more than a dozen rodeos scheduled throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

For more information about Rascal Rodeo, visit rascalrodeo.org.

Outage map created for Benton PUD customers

A new outage center has been added to Benton PUD’s website at BentonPUD.org. featuring a real-time outage map. The map also has been added to the Benton PUD’s SmartHub app.

The map shows the general location of the outage, whether it is planned, the number of customers without power and work crew status. Specific addresses without power will not be listed. The map can be accessed on line or via the app.

Customers enrolled in SmartHub also can sign up for text and email alerts on BentonPUD.org. To report an outage, call 888-582-2176 or go to SmartHub on a computer or app on a mobile device.

Kennewick’s Hansen Park improvements underway 

Improvements are underway at the existing 25-acre Hansen Park at the south end of Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick.

Work includes two picnic shelters, a restroom, 4,210 linear feet of asphalt path, benches, trash receptacles, parking lot, street lights, water lines, irrigation, sewer service, community vegetable garden and a community heritage garden.

Estimated completion date is the end of July.

Visitors to the park are asked to be aware of and steer clear of construction.

Portions of the project will also include community volunteers. Those interested in volunteering can go to go2kennewick.com/543/Volunteer-Opportunities for more information.

Emerging leaders series to help entrepreneurs 

A program best described as a 26 week mini-MBA for small businesses will be held in Spokane.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2018 Emerging Leaders initiative is aimed at executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets.

Deadline to apply is March 1.

The free series includes nearly 100 hours of classroom time. It also provides opportunities for small business owners to work with experienced coaches and mentors, attend workshops, and develop connections with their peers, local leaders and the financial community.

Interested executives can learn more at sba.gov/emergingleaders, or by calling 509-353-2800.

Legends Casino Hotel announces grant deadline

The deadline for nonprofits to apply for Legends Casino Hotel’s annual Yakama Cares grant is March 31.

In 2017, more than $507,272 was distributed to 200 area nonprofits. Grant recipients included schools, senior services, veteran services, food banks, shelters, and many more in Benton, Franklin, Kittitas, Klickitat, Adams and Yakima counties.

A committee of five community members and Yakama Nation Legends Casino employees receives an average of 500 to 800 applications annually to evaluate.

The applications undergo multiple rounds of cuts before the final selection.

Charitable organizations whose service area lies within a 100-mile radius of the Legends Casino Hotel campus and which work to address a youth/educational need, elder care and activities or a medical benefit to the community receive priority consideration.

The application can be found at legendscasino.com/yakama-cares.

Chamber wins award for economic gardening program

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce received an Outstanding Chamber Program Award for its Economic Gardening program.

The chamber received the award at the Western Association of Chamber Executives, or WACE, annual conference in Henderson, Nevada, on Feb. 6.

The awards recognize programs in the core competency areas of strengthening the local economy, promoting and improving the community, political action, representing interest of businesses with government, and/or networking and building business relationships.

Programs nominated for the award must be able to be replicated by other chambers.

The chamber’s economic gardening program is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

In partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, economic gardening provides regional second-stage businesses with guidance from the National Center of Economic Gardening’s National Strategic Research Team, a team of specialists from across the country who will deliver economic gardening services specifically tailored to each business.

The chamber received the award along with chambers from Tacoma; Irvine, California; Surprise, Arizona; and Fort Collins, Colorado.

BBB extends scholarship deadline to Feb. 27

The Better Business Bureau Northwest & Pacific is extending the application deadline for the 2018 Students of Integrity Scholarship.

The new deadline for applications is Feb. 27.

The BBB will award a $10,000 scholarship to a high school junior or senior in the region, which includes the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Western Wyoming.

Students apply for the scholarship by creating a 90-second video demonstrating how BBB helps people become better consumers.

Before submitting an application, students are advised to review the scholarship rules and regulations at go.bbb.org/scholarship-rules-regulations to make sure their application will meet the scholarship guidelines.

BBB has prepared a to-do list for students who would like to apply.

Finalists will be announced Feb. 28, with the recipient announced March 15.

For more information and to view the video made by 2017’s scholarship winner, visit go.bbb.org/nw-scholarship.