Prosser Record-Bulletin/Valley Publishing

06/14/2026

Do you know the history of the County you live in?

Benton County was created from what were then larger versions of Klickitat County and Yakima County on March 8, 1905. In 2025, we celebrated 120 years! The picture on the right shows dignitaries and townspeople celebrating the inauguration of Benton County at the Prosser Hotel on July 4, 1905. Our county was named after a Missouri statesman, Thomas Hart Benton, pictured on the left.

Benton County is one of the 33 counties in Washington that operates under the non-chartered “commission” form of government. Three Commissioners share administrative aegis with several other partisan officials independently elected to four-year terms of office. In Benton County, the Commissioners appoint a County Administrator to oversee all departments that do not fall under other elected officials.

06/14/2026

💙 Washington’s New Blue Envelope Program

Washington has launched a new Blue Envelope Program to help make traffic stops safer and less stressful for neurodivergent drivers, including individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, Tourette syndrome, and other conditions.

The program was created under House Bill 2323, signed into law this year. Starting June 11, 2026, drivers can request a free blue envelope from any Department of Licensing office.

Each envelope is designed to hold important documents—like your registration and proof of insurance—and includes simple communication tips for both the driver and the officer. These tips help reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops by encouraging calm communication, avoiding sensory triggers like bright lights or loud noises, and offering guidance on how to interact clearly and safely.

This voluntary program aims to support drivers who process the world differently and help ensure safer, smoother interactions for everyone on the road.

Alt text: “Two blue envelopes from the Washington State Department of Licensing’s Blue Envelope Program. One envelope provides guidance for first responders interacting with neurodivergent drivers, including tips about communication, sensory sensitivities, and allowing extra response time. The other envelope provides instructions for neurodivergent drivers during traffic stops, including keeping hands visible, staying calm, telling the officer ‘I have a blue envelope,’ and handing over documents when asked. The envelope also includes space for emergency contact information and holds vehicle registration and insurance.”

06/14/2026

06/10/2026

Flag and Flight Guest Greg Wooldridge, Captain US Navy (retired)
Greg Wooldridge is a veteran of 27 years in Naval Aviation. His flight experience is highlighted by his incredible flight time total of 8,300 hours, more than anyone in the Navy when he hung up his flight suit. High point of his flying career was leading the Navy’s famed Blue Angels a record three times. His team was the only team to fly an airshow over Moscow. Following his second tour as flight leader of the Blue Angels, he commanded the Navy’s premier Naval Air Station in Lemoore, California. While there his leadership led to the base being awarded the President’s Installation of Excellence Award as the best base in the Navy.

Delaying Navy retirement, he answered an urgent call to return to a struggling Blue Angels team for a third leadership stint. He turned the team around, leading them to a highly acclaimed 50th Anniversary year.

Following the Navy, Wooldridge went to FedEx Express as a pilot. While there he was designated a Line Check Airman. In that role he trained and did checks on fellow pilots. He was instrumental in improving safety throughout the aviation world through the implementation of a debrief protocol that was unique to the Blue Angels.

Based upon the multiple experiences of leading high performance organizations Wooldridge began speaking to companies, associations and teams across the U.S. and as far abroad as New Zealand. A sample of his clients includes Chevron, SAIC, Textron, and Mass Mutual. Many others have benefited from his first-hand knowledge of bringing success to a level unimaginable.

Wooldridge has built trust and experienced the same confidence in return. He continues to pursue excellence in many new endeavors calling for leadership and determination.

In 2021 with the backing of IMAX Corporation and JJ Abrams Bad Robot Productions, Wooldridge, as an executive producer, joined with an award-winning production team to film the documentary titled The Blue Angels. It is an IMAX full length theatrical followed with a 40-minute museum style film. The release date of the feature length was May 2024. The Institution version was released in January 2025

Wooldridge is a spokesman for the Oregon Vietnam Memorial project and has worked with Transitional Youth to raise awareness of the struggles facing troubled youth today in the Portland area. He serves on the board of the Oregon International Airshow and is a board member of the Evergreen Air and Space Museum (Spruce Goose).

Wooldridge “The Boss” will speak at 1:00 pm, June 13 in the airport auditorium.

06/10/2026

👉Request for Qualifications
Benton County is requesting Statements of Qualifications from professional consulting firms with expertise in architectural design to provide architectural and engineering (AE) design services for various small projects throughout Benton County.

Read full notice here: tinyurl.com/jk7kkxek
Benton County's Bid Opportunities/Purchasing (RFP, RFQ): tinyurl.com/jk54z9xz

06/10/2026

Why Sidewalks Matter? A safe sidewalk may seem like a small piece of infrastructure, but it makes a big difference in how people move through Prosser. Cracked, lifted, uneven, or blocked sidewalks can create trip hazards and make it harder for residents to safely walk through their neighborhoods.

Sidewalk conditions matter for everyone, including children walking to school, families with strollers, seniors, visitors, and residents who use mobility devices. Keeping sidewalks clear and in good repair helps make neighborhoods safer, more accessible, and more welcoming.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks next to their property. Common sidewalk issues include cracked panels, uneven sections, sunken sidewalk, tree root damage, vegetation blocking the path, and debris or other conditions that create hazards.

The Prosser Pathway Partnership Program was created to help homeowners manage sidewalk repair costs. For approved projects, the City and homeowner share repair costs through a standard 50/50 cost share. The City also coordinates repairs with other public works projects whenever possible so improvements can be completed more efficiently.

Together, residents and the City can reduce sidewalk hazards and help keep Prosser safe and accessible for everyone. For more information on the Pathway Partnership Program or to view some frequently asked questions regarding sidewalks, please visit www.cityofprosser.com/sidewalks.

06/10/2026

Thank you to the Class of 2026 for the new BBQ at the stadium. Can't wait to put it to use this Fall. Go Stangs!

06/10/2026

🌟 Benton County proudly supports the Special Olympics Washington Tri-Cities Area and the Arc of Tri-Cities who help provide essential services and opportunities to our athletes in the community. This past month, the Board of Commissioners were delighted with a visit from local champions to show off their medals and share more about the program. 💪🏅