Good morning, Pasco.

Renovation at the MLK Center is nearly complete with Phase One, which has made classrooms and community areas safe for children and families and is set to open early this year.

City officials are gathering funds for Phase Two so that more upgrades can begin shortly.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Pasco now offers tours to the public every Wednesday starting at 11 a.m.—the tours highlight volunteer work and give community members a closer look at the bank's services.

This Saturday, meet adoptable Olaf (a six month old spaniel shepherd mix) at PetSmart in Kennewick from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He is available through POPP's foster to adopt program and is seeking his forever home.

Residents in Pasco will soon see a new Ross Dress for Less opening at the former Rite Aid location on 20th Avenue near Safeway.

Councilman Leo Perales said more details on construction and the opening will be shared as plans are finalized.

A sober New Year's Eve celebration took place in Richland on Dec.

31, offering an alcohol-free option for residents to welcome the new year.

Washington workers will receive a minimum wage increase to $17.13 per hour effective today—a 2.8% boost from $16.66—that makes the state the highest paying nationally.

A Pasco resident said rising living costs and increased productivity drove the change.

Today, anglers fishing for salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River must buy an additional endorsement with their fishing license for $8.75 for those 16 and older plus $7.10 for 15-year-olds and seniors 70 and older, with fees dedicated solely to restoring local fisheries.

Adoptable Olaf is a friendly six month old spaniel and shepherd mix who will appear at PetSmart in Kennewick this Saturday from 11 AM until 3 PM.

He is available through POPP’s foster to adopt program & ready to find his new home.

Pasco residents can explore 9 winter casserole recipes that offer stress-free, hearty meals, including dishes like Chicken and Rice and Cheesy Taco casseroles, to ease dinner planning on cold evenings.