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Chamber clarifies Fall Festival date change

Connell, WA - Fall Festival traditionally falls on the second weekend of September with few exceptions. The interpretation of what the second weekend ends up being is made without regard for the length of the first weekend of September.

The Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce board recently voted to move the 2025 Fall Festival date to September 6 - which would place it following Labor Day weekend.

Distance from the Othello Fair dates and various entertainment bookings were the primary reasons for the move.

In further discussion amongst the board, the economic advantages of spreading guest attendance across two weekends were worth exploring (the second weekend being the Columbia Basin Jr Livestock Show sale).

In what may only be a one-time experiment, the move has generated undue controversy as rogue agents allege that the move was to "get away from the livestock show" (with some prejudice).

The Chamber board confirms that the move was strategic and in the interest of accommodating multiple requests from event managers, restaurants, and retailers.

Fall Festival 2025 is September 6th.

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North Franklin News | Issue 4

NORTH FRANKLIN NEWS - ISSUE 4 - OCT 16, 2024

  • We publish 1-2 Text Message Announcements like this each month.
  • A service of the Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Chamber members can add info to these announcements free of charge.

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The purpose of this North Franklin News system is to let you know what's going on in the community.

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Each issue will be different and we will continue to improve the format and content as we go forward.

If it looks similar to various social feeds, that is intentional. There is also submitted content and links to other local sources.

We have curated the feed with the most relevant and requested content in an easy-to-digest arrangement.

Thanks again!


jreagles

SIGN UP FOR VOLLEYBALL!

GIRLS GRADE 4TH-6TH

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2024 COMPETITIVE GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE!

This year registration is ONLINE ONLY!! Registration closes Friday October 18th (EXTENDED) so hurry on over and register your player/s!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING, we are in need of referees, and volunteers to make this league possible!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Now more than ever our girls will need our community to step up and help sponsor either individual players or teams! IF YOU ARE A LOCAL BUSINESS OR LOCAL FAMILY AND WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR A TEAM the process is easy!

HURRY OVER TO OUR WEBSITE TO REGISTER YOUR PLAYER TODAY!

Jr Eagles Youth Sports (connelljunioreagles.com)

Jr Eagles Sponsorships


People of the Year
Nominations Open

Man, Woman, Senior, Educator 

please check past nominations before nominating



City Council Agenda

October 16, 2024



PORTOFPASCO


Franklin Co. Fire Dist. 1



Connell Grange Supply

HELP WANTED



NFSD Transportation

NOW HIRING


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sunset

Transformers

One

Sunset Theatre
- OCT 18-20

Transformers One [PG]. Message us to reserve recliners!



Kaffrin's Coffee
Wild Olive's Charcuterie
Pizza Station
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Join us for an evening of fun and food! Dress up for our "Under the Sea" costume contest for the chance to win a prize!

 
 


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Did the recent Lamb Weston facility closure in Connell, WA affected you?
We're here to help! Join us at a job fair at Columbia Basin College on October 21st.


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Hometown Halloween

Downtown Connell

OCT 31 ~ 5:30pm

Trunk-or-Treat

BAILIE MEMORIAL YOUTH RANCH

Oct 31 ~ 5pm


Wine & Brew

NIGHT OUT FOR 21+

1

November

COMMUNITY CENTER 7pm-Midnight


Lone Crow Meats Store

NOW
OPEN

Lone Crow Ranch is owned and operated by Cody and Jen Hoseth. To keep things short and sweet, we raise quality cattle, feed them quality feeds, and provide quality cutting and wrapping for your beef and pork.


Annual Basin City Turkey Trot

Thursday, NOV 28 ~ 8:30am


WinterFest

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS

7

December

ALWAYS 1ST WEEK OF DECEMBER

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CHAMBER MENU

Contact

PO Box 401 Connell WA 99326 connellchamber@gmail.com

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Lamb Weston exits Connell


Lamb Weston Closure Shakes Connell Community

A major blow to the town of Connell, Washington: The announcement of Lamb Weston's plant closure has sent shockwaves through the community. The French fry manufacturer, a significant employer in the area, is shutting down its Connell operation and laying off hundreds of workers. This unexpected development has left many residents facing uncertainty and economic hardship.

Economic Impact: The closure of the Lamb Weston plant is expected to have a substantial impact on Connell's local economy. The loss of jobs will not only affect the workers directly but also ripple through the community, impacting businesses, schools, and other institutions. Mayor Lee Barrow has expressed concerns about the potential loss of revenue for the town, which relies heavily on the plant's economic activity.

Reasons for the Closure: Lamb Weston has cited a decline in demand for frozen potato products as the primary reason for the closure. The company has also indicated that the Connell plant is an older facility with higher operating costs. This decision is part of a broader strategy to optimize its operations and better align supply with demand.

Community Response: The news of the closure has been met with disappointment and concern by residents and local officials. Many are worried about Connell's future and the challenges ahead. Efforts are underway to assist displaced workers and explore potential economic development opportunities to mitigate the impact of the plant's closure. The Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce has organized a Job Fair on October 25, 2024 to aid in resident retention.


"over 40-50 years, for some in town, this is the only job they've ever had..."


Lamb Weston's Strategic Decision: A Closer Look

The closure of the Lamb Weston plant in Connell, Washington, is a significant event for the local community. However, it also reflects broader industry trends and corporate strategies. Here's a deeper dive into Lamb Weston's decision and the factors that influenced it:

Industry Trends

  • Softening Demand: Lamb Weston has attributed the closure to a decline in demand for frozen potato products, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors. This trend may be related to factors such as economic conditions, changing consumer preferences, and increased competition from other food options.
  • Rising Costs: The Connell plant is an older facility, and its operating costs may have become less competitive compared to newer, more efficient plants. This could be due to factors such as energy consumption, labor costs, or maintenance expenses.  

Corporate Strategy

  • Operational Efficiency: Lamb Weston's decision to close the Connell plant is part of a broader strategy to optimize its operations and improve efficiency. By closing older, less efficient facilities, the company can focus on its newer, more modern plants and reduce overall costs.  
  • Strategic Alignment: The closure may also be a part of Lamb Weston's efforts to better align its supply chain with demand. By closing the Connell plant, the company can reduce excess capacity and avoid producing more products than it can sell.

Factors Affecting Lamb Weston's Global Operations:

  1. Regional Demand Fluctuations: Different regions may experience varying levels of demand for frozen potato products due to economic conditions, cultural preferences, and competitive landscapes. If demand in Japan has declined significantly, it could contribute to a global oversupply that impacts profitability.
  2. Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain issues, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, can affect the availability of raw materials, transportation costs, and overall operational efficiency. These disruptions might have had a greater impact on certain regions, including Japan.  
  3. Competitive Pressures: Lamb Weston faces competition from other frozen food manufacturers both domestically and internationally. If competitors in Japan have gained market share or offered more attractive products, it could put pressure on Lamb Weston's operations in that region.
  4. Regulatory and Trade Barriers: Different countries have varying regulatory requirements and trade policies that can impact the cost and complexity of doing business. If Lamb Weston faces challenges related to these factors in Japan, it could affect its profitability and decision-making.  

business highlight

Lamb Weston first started in 1950 as a family business when F. Gilbert “Gib” Lamb purchased a defunct co-op plant in Weston, Or and incorporated it. He renovated the facility to become the most advanced pea processing plant in the US. In 1960, the water gun knife was invented – the first device to slice French fries in a high-velocity water flow – this quickly became the worldwide industry standard. They would have many inventions to come over the years. At Lamb Weston, they apply their inventive thinking to everything they do.

Connell History

In 1961, Lamb Weston officially entered the domestic potato processing market with the construction of a new processing plant in American Falls, ID. Over the next 10 years, the company developed additional processing plants in Connell and Quincy, WA and Hermiston, OR. New products were introduced over the years as well as new processing plants and expansions. They’ve earned and continue to earn – a reputation as an industry pioneer and one of the world’s leading suppliers of frozen potato products.

Lamb Weston was brought to Connell through the efforts of the North Franklin Development Group, an organization of local leaders. NFDG recognized the necessity of non-municipal and non-governmental forces putting together a development package that governing authorities could easily receive. Members included but not limited to: Jim Klindworth, David Hart, Gene Stocking, Molly Kunkel, Roger Bailie with later additions of Preston Hart, Steven Tomren, and Bevon Davis. The organization was disbanded in the 3rd quarter of 2024.

One of the largest employers in our community, the Connell plant employees approximately 375 people. The Connell plant used to fluctuate in the number of employees from harvest season to winter season but that is not longer the case. The Connell Lamb Weston plant runs approximately 300 days a year processing about 1,100 tons of potatoes a day! There are about 25 growers from the Columbia Basin and surrounding area that sell their crop to Lamb Weston. Offering many different potato products in their line – they have 30 different cut styles and 150 products. A few of the favorite products are lattice chips, crinkle cut fries, diced potatoes, and natural fries. Lamb Weston products are shipped all over the US as well as internationally.

Looking Ahead: While the closure of the Lamb Weston plant is a significant setback for Connell, the community remains resilient. It is hoped that through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the town can recover and find new paths for growth and prosperity.

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Harvest Foods upgrades Connell

SUMMARY

Connell, WA – The bustling town of Connell is buzzing with excitement as Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods prepares to unveil its brand-new grocery store. This long-awaited project marks a significant milestone for the community, promising a fresh shopping experience and a boost to local economic development.

The new store, located on the former landfill site, is a testament to the Montemayor family's commitment to serving the Tri-Cities area. With a focus on quality, convenience, and community support, Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods has become a beloved institution among residents.

The new building is designed to provide ample space for a wider variety of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and household essentials. Shoppers can expect a modern and inviting atmosphere with updated features and amenities.

Beyond the physical upgrades, Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods remains dedicated to its mission of supporting local farmers and businesses. By stocking shelves with locally sourced products, the store contributes to the region's agricultural economy and strengthens community ties.

As the opening date approaches, the anticipation in Connell continues to grow. The new Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods is poised to become a hub of activity, offering residents a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.

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

Franklin County Graphic

August 8, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge & Roman Corona Martinez

Crews work on digging out and leveling ground on the former landfill in preparation of the new store building project behind Connell’s Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods.

 

As equipment digs the ground behind the local, Connell Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods, anticipation grows for what will be a brand-new grocery store amongst community and staff alike.

Andrew Montemayor, General Manager of Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods, spoke with the Franklin County Graphic regarding the project. At first, he shared, their goal was to do a big remodel but looking at the numbers, that just wasn’t feasible so they looked at other options. Ultimately, they worked with the City of Connell to purchase land located directly behind their current location. In the end, they will be “building new from the ground up,” he said.

The land, like with the community center, is part of the former landfill. The Montemayors want to get it right, from the ground up, so to speak, so that issues that plagued the other lot don’t hinder their new building. At this time, crews are digging down and cleaning up the landfill area and creating a solid foundation to build upon.

The Prosser Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods (pictured above), also owned by the Montemayor family, is the most similar in size and style to what Connell’s new store will be, although Connell’s store will be unique to our Community.

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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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.

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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 >>


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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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.

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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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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 >>


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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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.