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Fire quickly grows to over 500 acres

July 16, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge

The Franklin County Graphic initially notified readers through their Facebook page of fire call that came in near Kahlotus on Monday, July 15.

Kahlotus, WA - Reports of a fire came in at 2:19 pm. Franklin County Fire District 2 (FCFD2) resonded to Devil’s Canyon Road.

FCFD2 stated the fire was located in Box Canyon between Windust and Lower Monumental Dam.

Other fire crews joined them as winds and dry brush drove the fire to quickly spread.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office mobilized state fire assistance including a helicopter that took water from the river to douse the fire.

By 7pm, the fire was listed as affecting over 560 acres.

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.

Kylie Glendenning is Miss Tri-Cities 2025

SUMMARY

Tri-Cities, WA - In a dazzling display of talent and grace, Kylie Glendenning was crowned Miss Tri-Cities 2025. The announcement, made at the annual Miss Tri-Cities pageant, sent shockwaves of excitement through the local community.

Glendenning, a recent graduate of Connell High School, has been a force to be reckoned with in the pageant world. Her passion for her platform, which focuses on raising awareness about sex trafficking, has been both inspiring and impactful. With her newfound title, she will have an even greater platform to advocate for those affected by this heinous crime.

Beyond her impressive platform, Glendenning's talent shines bright. From her captivating stage presence to her powerful vocals, she has consistently wowed judges and audiences alike. Her ability to connect with the audience on a personal level is a testament to her genuine charisma.

As Miss Tri-Cities, Glendenning will have the opportunity to represent her community at various events and charitable endeavors. Her reign is sure to be marked by her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Congratulations to Kylie Glendenning on her well-deserved victory! We can't wait to see all that she accomplishes as Miss Tri-Cities.

Summary provided as an archive of the information in the case that the original article is unavailable.

Franklin County Graphic

June 25, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge

Hadley Bleazard- Miss Tri-Cities Teen with Miss Washington Hermona Girmay and Kylie Glendenning Miss Tri-Cities.

First to be named was Miss Tri-Cities Teen which went to Hadley Bleazard, a student in the Pasco School District, and the daughter of Kevin and Alayna Bleazard. When Bleazard’s name was called, you could hear cheers ring out from the audience. It appeared she had quite the cheering squad.

Miss Connell 2022 Kylie Glendenning was in total disbelief as her name was called on Saturday, July 20. Glendenning stepped forward, nearly flabbergasted, that she had just received the honor of being named Miss Tri-Cities 2025.

Glendenning is the daughter of Matt and Christina (Tina) Glendenning of Mesa, and a 2023 alum of Connell High School.

Glendenning later told the Franklin County Graphic, “A quote that was really on my heart this weekend was the verse, ‘Not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts. - Zechariah 4:6.’...I’m excited to represent the Tri-Cities and combat trafficking to protect our youth and empower survivors to step into a life of freedom.”

Glendenning initially competed in 2023, taking the runner up spot and grand total of $5,900 in scholarships. At that time she told us, “Through Miss Tri-Cities I’ve been able to earn scholarships to afford my masters degree in clinical mental health counseling to one day work with sex trafficked survivors. I’ve gotten the opportunity to partner with Mirror Ministries and fund-raised restorative care packages for sex-trafficked survivors.”

Miss Tri-Cities strives to inspire and motivate the accomplishments and personal achievements of these young women to reach their educational goals and dreams. The organization's website shared, "Opportunities are provided for young women to expand a quest for knowledge and acquire skills to better equip them for future success."

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

Franklin County Graphic / News - 06/25/2024

Odessa Groundwater replacement project moves forward

July 25, 2024

The Odessa Groundwater Replacement project moved forward as the first fused joint of the 24” HDPE Pipe on the EL 86.4 A line was completed Tuesday, June 25. Line completed to 100 feet.

Franklin County Graphic / News - 06/25/2024

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 >>

Franklin County Graphic / News - 03/28/2024

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.

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

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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