public.records

Keep public records open to the public

Public records must remain open and accessible A special report urges the mobilization of civic leaders, organizations, businesses and all residents to work together to save the state’s Public Records Act.
The report is available online for viewing and downloading at washcog.org.
State lawmakers and the courts continue to whittle away at the landmark public records law, which was adopted...

Read full article on Franklin Connection >>


The Franklin Connection is an online news and sports site dedicated to Franklin County, Washington, and the surrounding communities. The publication offers news, marketing, advertising and online services to the residents of Pasco, Basin City, Mesa, Eltopia, Connell, Kahlotus and Burbank.


file-1

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 >>


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.

254638[1]

Sonny's Tavern reopens in Washtucna

WASHTUCNA – Headlights lit up Main Street on Thursday, Oct. 26, as diners headed to the newly re-opened Sonny's Tavern for their first night open since the business's acquisition by Bridget and Paul Coon.

Farmers, firefighters and first responders, who were the inaugural guests during the opening service, were greeted with smiling faces of Farm Bureau representatives, the familiar smell of frying chicken and the sight local farm brands that were burned into the interior walls and supports upon entering.

The opening day event began at 4 p.m., with several tables of locals and supporters already full. By 4:30 p.m., Sonny's was already at half capacity as servers and cooks were working out some of the opening day jitters. By 5 p.m., only one or two seats were left without a guest.

Read full article on Franklin Connection >>


The Franklin Connection is an online news and sports site dedicated to Franklin County, Washington, and the surrounding communities. The publication offers news, marketing, advertising and online services to the residents of Pasco, Basin City, Mesa, Eltopia, Connell, Kahlotus and Burbank.


359852132_237116182520697_452473090395548107_n

Harvest In Bloom Market OCT 14


Event by In Bloom Boutique

Connell, Washington

Duration: 5 hr

Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10am-3pm.

In Bloom Boutique invites you to join us for our first annual HARVEST IN BLOOM Market.

FACEBOOK Event Page (press here)

🍂 This vendor market will be held on our century-old family farm located at 120 Paradise Rd, Connell, WA. (Look for the red barn!)

🛍️ Shop from the very BEST vendors of our community, from clothing & home decor to pumpkins, plants, & flowers. Be sure to take a class (or two!), pamper yourself with a spa treatment & stay for lunch!

➡️ Visit https://yourinbloom.com/events-classes for all the details & to register for classes. 

10083206_39fcdfbe59714008a3f7eb3a0115b0df

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.

file-1

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 >>


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.

369463314_963837634646425_134793297748378168_n copy

C Street Vault, aka Old Legion Building progress

New trusses arrived this week for the C Street Vault, aka Old Legion Building. Demo inside is making progress too thanks to our helpers this week: Brandon Schouviller, Tucker Loeber, Penelope Hathaway, Levi Danz, Shelly Harper and Connie Heider Koch.

Thank you to the following who have donated this past week: Helen Tobin, Ella Mae Hudlow Hudson, Eppich Grain, Community First Bank, Rande Gjerstad, B&R Aerial Crop Care, 395 Farms (Hart), Karla Hays and Bob and Connie Koch. Without all of you, this building would be soooo SAD!

We still need lots of help! Our community is amazing. Please send donations to POBox 1185 Connell Wa 99326

cbjls-47

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.”

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.

366314239_321941486850178_5119932534352063025_n

Joshua Snyder Photography - Starfield

I went out Saturday night northeast of Connell, Washington hoping for a fantastic viewing of the Perseid meteor shower. After about an hour of continuous shooting with little to show for it, my patience waned and I moved on to more fruitful subjects. Thankfully with a nearly new moon and only slightly smoky skies, the Milky Way was highly visible.

Joshua Snyder Photography is in Connell, WA

from Facebook