Good morning, Pasco.

Benton Franklin Humane Society will host its 8th Annual Fast and Furriest Walk/Run on October 4th at 10 a.m. at Columbia Point Marina Park in Richland, where participants can run a 5k course or take a one mile fun walk to help homeless pets.

Participants may register on the day and join a costume contest for prizes * awards will be given for fastest, furriest, and best dressed finishers.

After Rite Aid’s second bankruptcy left many empty storefronts in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, CVS will soon take over 64 stores—bringing new retail options in areas like the Tri-Cities while Dollar General expands into vacant drugstore sites.

This shift promises more shopping choices for local communities.

Washington State Department of Health warned licensed health workers that scammers are sending emails, calls, and letters impersonating officials from its Office of Health Professions+ aiming to collect personal information and payments, and it urged them to verify any suspicious messages by contacting the OHP directly.

Pasco School District celebrated the grand opening of Orion High School on Tuesday morning—its new career and college academy welcomed 160 freshmen and community members for tours and a drumline performance.

The campus at 1901 East Salt Lake Street marked the second high school opening this week—built with funds from the 2023 bond measure to address growing enrollment.

College-bound students in Pasco have time to apply for aid despite research showing over $100 million in scholarships and $4.4 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed in past years because many did not complete the FAFSA.

Julie Pettitt-Booth from Montana State University Billings said the process is confusing—making it hard for applicants to secure the funding they need.

On August 18, Pasco City Council appointed David Milne as mayor and Charles Grimm as mayor pro-tem after former mayor Pete Serrano resigned to serve as interim U.S. District Attorney.

The council is accepting applications from District 4 residents from August 19 to September 2—reviews will occur on September 8 and interviews on September 15.

Pasco City Council is seeking applications for the new District 4 seat—vacated when former Mayor Pete Serrano resigned to serve as interim U.S. attorney for Eastern Washington until December 31st.

Applicants must be registered voters living in Pasco, and the application is open until September 2nd.

Environmental sampling found soil spores that can cause Valley Fever in Benton, Yakima and Kittitas Counties.

The Washington Department of Health said testing in other areas is limited — more work is needed to determine if additional places have the fungus.

Columbia Crossing Swim

4-6 p.m. — Columbia River — Registration fee required — Compete in a thrilling 1.5 mile open water swim across the scenic Columbia River.