RECIDIVIST WENATCHEE OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 144 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 BANK ROBBERY

RICHLAND, WA — Washington State University GEAR UP has been awarded two new seven-year federal grants to help students across Washington prepare for success in high school, college and beyond. 

Totaling approximately $42 million in renewed funding, the awards will provide $6 million annually to support long-term partnerships between WSU GEAR UP and 18 school districts throughout the state. Through those partnerships, students and families will receive academic and career planning support beginning in middle school and continuing through high school graduation.

GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a federally funded initiative that helps students from economically disadvantaged schools overcome educational and financial barriers to career success.

“These grants represent an investment in the future of Washington students and communities,” said Jennifer Guerra, interim program director for WSU GEAR UP Harvest of Hope. “Through sustained partnerships with schools and families, we can help more students discover opportunities, build confidence in their abilities and develop a clear plan for achieving their goals after graduation.”

Through WSU GEAR UP, students at partnering schools gain access to services and programming aimed at academic preparation, college and career exploration, financial aid and financial literacy, postsecondary planning, student leadership experiences and more. GEAR UP staff also seek to provide opportunities for students to experience colleges and career pathways firsthand.

The multi-year structure of the grant funding allows WSU GEAR UP to work alongside students throughout the critical years of educational decision-making. By providing consistent support over time, the program helps students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue their goals after high school.

The two awards include the Harvest of Hope 6 grant, which provides $4.1 million annually and supports the following districts: 

• College Place School District 
• Highland School District 
• Kennewick School District 
• Moses Lake School District 
• Othello School District 
• Soap Lake School District 
• Walla Walla School District 
• Warden School District 

The One Vision Partnership 7 grant provides $1.9 million annually and supports: 

• Clarkston School District 
• Columbia-Burbank School District 
• Davenport School District 
• Ephrata School District 
• Finley School District 
• Kiona-Benton School District 
• Mabton School District 
• North Franklin School District 
• Pasco School District 
• Prosser School District 

WSU’s GEAR UP program is administered at the WSU Tri-Cities campus in Richland. 

CLARKSTON, WA — Clarkston School District Superintendent Thaynan Knowlton has announced plans to retire effective June 30, 2027, concluding 31 years of service in education.

Knowlton formally shared his retirement plans during the October 12 school board meeting, where the Board of Directors approved his retirement. Announcing his plans well in advance gives the Board time to consider leadership transition options and prepare for the district’s next superintendent.

Throughout his tenure in Clarkston, Knowlton has worked alongside educators, families and community partners to expand learning opportunities and strengthen support for students.

He guided the district through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, overseeing the transition to remote learning while keeping student learning and well-being at the center of the district’s response. As families’ educational needs evolved, he also helped establish Discovery Virtual School, providing an online learning option for students throughout Washington.

Knowlton also played a leadership role in advancing the School-Based Health Center at Clarkston High School through a partnership with TriState Health. The center is designed to reduce barriers to care by bringing physical, mental and behavioral health services directly to the school campus.

More recently, he guided the development of the district’s strategic plan for 2026 through 2032. Built with input from the Board, staff, students and community, the plan establishes shared priorities for academic achievement, community engagement, school culture and district stability.

Reflecting on his career, Knowlton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve students and work alongside dedicated educators and community members. “The Clarkston community and school district has been nothing but wonderful to me and my family. I want to thank the many educators and friends I have made here. This a very special place."

The Board will consider options for selecting the district’s next superintendent and share updates with staff, families and the community as the process develops. Knowlton will continue leading the district through his retirement date and work with the Board and administrative team to support a smooth transition.


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PROLIFIC NORTENOGANG MEMBER AND DRUG TRAFFICKER

SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

COLVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO 82 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR

ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING AT THE SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO