Franklin County Graphic, Author at Connell, Washington

Franklin County Graphic

Connell,WA / Franklin County Graphic

Franklin County buildings named to Washington State Heritage Register

By: Katherine Trowbridge & Shelly Harper

The Pasco Aviation Museum, owned by the Port of Pasco, along with the North Franklin Heritage Museum’s 1904 Presbyterian Church, were voted on to the Washington Heritage Register on Friday, March 15 by the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

Museum Administrator Shelly Harper applied to put the old church on the Washington Heritage Register nearly a year ago.

The Washington Heritage Register is an official listing of historically significant sites and properties found though out the state. The registry list includes districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that have been identified and documented as being significant in local or state history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

Listing in the Washington Heritage Register is strictly an honorary designation and raises public awareness about historic and cultural values.

Until March 15, there were only four buildings on the register from Franklin County; the Franklin County Courthouse (Pasco), the Moore Mansion (Pasco), the Carnegie Library (which is now the Franklin County Museum in Pasco), and Morning Star Baptist Church (Pasco). With the addition of the Pasco Aviation Museum and North Franklin Heritage Museum’s Presbyterian Church, there are now six buildings from Franklin County on the register with the Presbyterian Church (Connell) being the oldest of the six buildings.

The Pasco Aviation Museum is located in the old control tower, which was once part of Seattle’s Sand Point Naval Air Station during World War II. It became one of the three largest training bases for aviators in the United States. The Naval Air Station was just part of the military presence in Pasco during World War II and along with Hanford, played a big part in our area’s role during WWII.

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

The Franklin County Graphic (FCG) newspaper opened in 1954 under founding editor Dave Adams to fulfill the need for community news. Today, it continues as a locally owned and operated, weekly source of community news and information across Franklin County.

Erika Guzman named Miss Connell 2024

March 21, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge

Miss Connell 2024 Erika Guzman (center) gives a wave to the community. Pictured with Miss Connell 2024 Representatives (l-r) Miranda Garza and Vianney Martinez.

The 2024 Miss Connell Scholarship Program brought the “Colors of India” to the stage as it showcased five talented young ladies. The event brought out community support on both Friday (dress rehearsal) and Saturday evening, March 15 and 16.

The five contestants were joined on stage by the 2024 Escorts, and assisted backstage by their little sisters. Also joining them for the opening number and final moments were the 2023 Finalists and award winners, amid a backdrop of the Taj Mahal.

The program featured the fitness, talent, poise, and interview categories, as judges took note.

The program featured a lot of talent including former Miss Connell Contestants. Allie Danz (2017) with her Weapons Kata “Heart of Courage.” Danz has performed all over and is grateful for her experience with Junior Miss. McKenzie Clyde (2023 talent winner) clogged “Perm” and brought the move that may have been the highlight of the night. Sariah Hales (2023 Miss Connell) also performed her talent, a speed painting of Abraham Lincoln to “Remember Me”.

The five contestants also provided some outstanding talents to keep the crowd entertained. Miranda Garza loves baking, a skill that is part of her family's heritage, however, it’s a little hard to showcase on stage, or is it? Garza found a great way to feature baking in her vocal performance of “What Baking Can Do” that also honored her mom. Kimberly Gonzalez also honored her heritage, singing, “Paloma Negra.” Vianney Martinez honored her favorite painter with her speed painting in tribute to Frida Kahlo.

Jaqueline Guzman performed the monologue “Coat Hanger Project” showcasing the hardships of art class.

Erika Guzman rounded out the talent with her dance performance to “Know Your Worth.” She encouraged the audience to take in the words of the song.

“Jai Ho,” an audience game, and laughter rounded out the evening with Emcee’s Lauren Smith and Dave Specht leading it all.

The audience also included some royalty as Miss Spokane Valley and the newly crowned Miss Ritzville Finalists joined the final program. Also highlighted were former Miss Connell participants attending, as well as Little Miss Connell participants who eagerly await the day they can participate, as well as aspiring escorts.

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

It takes a lot of people to create such a magical night.

Franklin County Graphic / News - 03/21/2024

Council authorizes rezone to commercial property

March 14, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge

The Connell City Council held a closed record hearing to consider approval of a rezone for 66.67 acres of property at the north end of Connell.

The request is for a rezone from urban reserve to commercial general of property located between Coyote Ridge Correctional Center and Highway 395. Open record hearing was heard by the planning commission with the applicant, staff, and one member of the public speaking on the issue.

Despite the advice of AHBL and City Administrator Cathleen Koch, the planning commission moved the item forward to council with a recommendation for approval.

In the staff report AHBL, represented by Emily, expressed their recommendation would be to deny, stating she spoke on behalf of and as an extension of the city staff. She stated that staff sees the rezone as “premature” going on to highlight the lack of water and sewer availability to the site.

Amy Grey, realtor representing the applicant Karl Singh, stated that their end goal is to ask for this change so that this land can be put into its highest and best use. She went on to state that they would like to put it up for sale and market the land in a way that benefits the community. She saw that someone would want to come and put something in that would need a lot of acreage but not take a lot of water. Grey did state that the water line goes up to the north corner of the property. “Let’s find somebody who wants to come in and help build it out. It seems like a win win. Hopefully then they’ll be paying taxes. You know that would be a great thing, right?”, she said, adding that Singh wants to put it up for sale and in the process work with the city to put it out there upfront as to what is needed in order to set the buyer up for success. Grey sees that there will be a lot of building in the next five years.

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

Franklin County Graphic / News - 03/15/2024

Connell continues to grow. . . Small businesses seek opportunities

March 12, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge

As Connell continues to grow, small businesses are seeking opportunities here.

A new option is coming to downtown Connell. The Old Highway Tavern building in downtown Connell was recently rented and will be opening soon as a restaurant with breakfast options. They are also looking to have a lounge (bar) as well. More on this story to come.

On the topic of growth, we keep hearing of small businesses looking for retail space. The problem is that our community doesn’t have a lot of options. While there are a lot of vacant buildings - the owners of said buildings are not seeking to open these options for use.

Lone Crow told us recently, "That is why we bought a bank!"

Some businesses, like Coyote Concealment, have gone to Othello where options were available and others are looking that direction.

So how do we solve this problem? There are several options from transforming existing buildings into spaces that can be renovated and rented to creating opportunities for builders who could create new buildings with spaces for local retail use.

The museum is currently doing just that with their C-Street Vault project as they transform the historic downtown building into several uses.

Creatively thinking in regards to planning is also key when opportunity is knocking on our door step.

After all, Franklin County is the fastest growing county in the state. While our small communities seem to be seeing slow growth compared to Pasco don't be fooled, growth is coming to all of Franklin County and we should be ready when it knocks.

Franklin County Graphic / News - 03/13/2024

NFSD Superintendent announces retirement

By: Katherine Trowbridge

February 29, 2024

At their regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 26, the board of directors for the North Franklin School District (NFSD) accepted the resignation of Superintendent Jim Jacobs, effective June 30, 2024.

Superintendent Jacobs has led the NFSD for the past six years. Throughout his 27-year career in the district, Jacobs has served in numerous positions, including teacher, summer school director, elementary principal, junior high principal, superintendent and regional representative to the WASA Board of Directors.

Jacobs’ motto is “Kids First, Education Always,” and this shows in his relationships with students, staff and parents throughout the years, a district press release stated.

The board of directors accepted the resignation with a very reluctant sigh of yes during their board meeting held Monday, Feb. 26 after the motion was made by Patti Walker with the words, “Reluctantly and with great sadness…”

Jim Jacobs told the board, “It’s been a great career. I’ve either been serving my country or this district for the past 32 years. I’m just tired.” He went on to share that he is not seeking employment elsewhere. The board did ask if he would still drive school buses, to which he replied, “if needed.”

On behalf of the NFSD Board of Directors, Chairperson Terry Utecht stated, “It’s hard to imagine the North Franklin School District without Jim Jacobs in it, as he has served in many different aspects for over 27 years. The district has been blessed with Jim’s dedicated leadership for the past six years. He is a true leader in every sense of the word. The board is deeply saddened to see him go, but we are confident that the district is in a very healthy position which will help facilitate a smooth transition. We are excited to see what opportunities lie ahead for Jim and his family.”

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

Franklin County Graphic / News - 03/01/2024

Dorothy Forgey - Celebrating 100 years

By: Katherine Trowbridge

February 29, 2024

Dorothy Forgey was joined by family and friends at a celebration of her 100th year of life on Saturday, Feb. 11. Dot, as she is affectionately called by her grandchildren, wasn't in favor of the celebration and told her daughter so. Despite her reluctance, she was excited to see many who came and expressed her gratitude to all who came to celebrate with her.

Guests shared a variety of memories with us from her days as a waitress at the Golden Harvest and Hazy’s to her days as a bus driver, her kind heart, and her sense of humor.

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Franklin County Graphic / News - 02/29/2024

Papa Ray’s Welcomes new owners as Robinson’s bid a fond farewell to customers

January 4, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge

Ray Robinson proudly hands over the reins to brothers Gary (l) and Kanwardeep Singh (r).

Ray and Rachel Robinson and their family have turned over the reins of namesake restaurant to the Singh brothers, Kanwardeep Singh (Singh) and Gary Singh. The Robisons expressed, “We really feel like they’ll be a great addition to the community. They are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”

Singh shared their passion and excitement for this new venture the brothers are stepping into. They had been looking at operating a local small business and found this opportunity. Singh loves to cook and brought his brother along on this new venture.

The brothers came to America, 13 years ago, from Panjabi in Northern India. Their homeland is very much like our farming community. The farms mostly grow potatoes and vegetables there. Their family heritage is in farming.

They had been living in Seattle, and managed a couple 7-11 stores there but longed for community. Singh moved to Moses Lake in 2023 as an opportunity opened up for his wife, who is in the medical field, to further her education at Big Bend Community College. The couple also has a young daughter. Gary is looking to purchase a home in Connell and integrate himself in the community.

For fans of Papa Ray’s, you will be excited to hear their goal is to keep the restaurant and menu items and the name as is. They have no intentions of changing what Ray has built and look forward to honoring his legacy by keeping the name intact. Although, the brothers shared they did add a little bit of themselves by bringing in an Indian style “Tandoori Pizza” which is a curry style pizza. They also added the “loaded shotgun” which is all the flavors of Papa Ray’s menu in one pizza. The brothers are also in the process of obtaining a liquor license so they can add beer and wine to the menu.

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

Franklin County Graphic / News - 01/03/2024

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Lady Eagles Soccer Begins Season at Othello

By: Jeff Stoker

Othello – The Connell Lady Eagles (0-1) traveled to Othello on Saturday, September 2 to challenge the Lady Huskies in their season opener. The Lady Huskies (1-0) dominated the match from start to finish, running away with the 9-1 victory. It was a disappointing start to the new season for the Lady Eagles, who are looking to earn a repeat trip to state to take care of some unfinished business.

The Lady Eagles will travel to Wapato on Tuesday, September 5 to face the Lady Wolves (0-0). The roar warriors will continue with a difficult opening schedule by traveling to Toppenish (0-0) on Thursday, September 7 and again to Union Gap on Tuesday, September 12 to face the La Salle Lady Lightning (0-0) before hosting Reardan (0-0) on Thursday, September 14 for the home opener. Come out to the Yakima Valley and support your Lady Eagles soccer team before welcoming them home.

Franklin County Graphic / News - 09/05/2023

Football Kicks Off Season at Othello

By: Jeff Stoker

Othello – The Connell High School (0-1) football team faced off against rival Othello (1-0) on Friday, September 1 in Othello. The Huskies looked to put the Eagles away early, jumping to a 20-0 lead in the second quarter. The Eagles did not bow to the early deficit however and clawed their way back into the game. Despite a valiant effort to come back and win, the Eagles fell to the Huskies 27-20.

Carson Lloyd passed for three touchdowns in the comeback effort, completing 19 of his 36 passes for 179 yards. Jackson Forsyth led the rushing attack with 82 yards on the ground on 10 carries. Kellen Riner led the team with 9 receptions and 74 yards and one of Lloyd’s touchdown passes. Mathieu Cope and Joshua Forsyth also had a receiving touchdown in the losing effort.

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

Connell High School / Franklin County Graphic / News - 09/05/2023

Livestock Booster fundraising for local youth projects

The North Franklin Livestock Booster (NFLB) is pleased to announce its inception. NFLB was established to use funds acquired to help boost kids with livestock projects at our three terminal fairs.

Organizers shared, “There are times that kids simply do not get enough at auction to pay for their project. NFLB recognizes that these kids work hard and we want to help these kids stay in agriculture by helping to boost those prices. NFLB is sustained by donations of money and time. Our goal is to gather funds, with donations from our community, to then use at the three fairs this fall.”

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Franklin County Graphic / News - 08/22/2023

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