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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 >>


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.

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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.

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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.