Early on, Lauren Smith knew she wanted to own and operate her own business. Her passion for design led her to pursue interior design as a career and in 2013, after graduating from the University of Idaho with a degree in Interior Design, Lauren started 509 Design & Décor. Having been raised in this area, Lauren incorporated her roots in the community by coupling the area code with her passions, establishing the name 509 Design & Décor.

Being a cottage business, Lauren runs her business out of her home but ultimately her “work space” is in her client’s homes. Lauren has done residential remodels, new construction, professional offices, and commercial spaces. In 2014, she decorated a house in the Tri-Cities Parade of Homes and has assisted on 3 other parade homes. In 2014, Lauren added the component of weddings and events design/coordinating to her business. She enjoys all aspects of a wedding and is able to help the soon-to-be bride and groom in any and every way possible – from invitation design, decorations, planning, day of/on site coordinating with vendors. This helps to ensure that the bride and groom are relieved from the stress of the wedding day and are rather able to enjoy the special moments throughout the day while leaving the “to-do’s” for Lauren to manage and execute. In 2015 Lauren extended her business services to include rentals. She now offers a variety of decorations, linens, lighting, tables, chairs, and more.

Lauren’s business philosophy is “Every design, event, and wedding starts with a conversation and a vision”. To schedule a consultation visit, please contact Lauren at 509-989-9788 or at 509design.decor@gmail.com. You will get to sit down one on one with Lauren and go through the room/home/project and talk about the vision, goal and concept for your space. With this you will get a full design experience with sketches, design, and custom selected materials just for you.

Known to have “a little bit of everything”, The Old Brick Store in downtown Connell is family owned and operated by Jamie Kuehny along with her parents Dale & Cari Kuehny. All 8 family members, including her 5 siblings, help out in some way at the store. The Kuehny family took over operation of what was formerly known as “The Old Hardware Store” from John & Carol Lindner on March 1, 2016. Since the building was built in 1896, it has been many different businesses including a blacksmith shop, a bottle club during the prohibition era, a farm equipment dealership, and a hardware store that included selling fine furniture, appliances, home wares, and toys just to name a few. It even had a bowling alley in the basement at one time.

Jamie had always been interested in owning a store that incorporated her family, community, history, and the art of recycling. She was able to accomplish all that by establishing The Old Brick Store. The store offers antiques, collectibles, hardware, home décor, heirlooms, furniture, tools, farm supplies, apparel, and so much more. A lot
of their merchandise is acquired through purchasing abandoned storage units and estate sales. New pieces are constantly being added and the items usually have a quick turnover rate. If you don’t visit the store often, chances are, you are missing some good buys. If you have pieces you would like to sell, stop by and visit with them. Jamie loves adding new items to the store, especially pieces that have history behind them.

When asked about the success of the business, Jamie replied “We so appreciate all our customers. Many have become like family to us.” When you’re looking for something unique or want to find something you didn’t know you needed or wanted until you saw it, stop by. The Old Brick Store is located at 203 N. Columbia Ave. in downtown Connell. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturdays 10am - 6pm, Sundays 11am - 4pm, closed on Mondays. Be sure to check out their website www.theoldbrickstore.com and follow them on Facebook.

Sunset Theatre has been owned and operated by Dirk & Jeri Reinauer for the last 26 years. Originally built in 1952, the theatre has received many improvements under their ownership. The Reinauer family has updated the lobby, added a digital projection system, a new sound system, and screen curtains. The most recent update occurred in 2016 with the addition of 16 new reclining seats and 86 rockers in the center of the theatre. Newly released movies on the big screen can be seen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting at 7:30pm. During the summer months, the hours are extended to include Monday and Tuesday evenings as well. The theatre makes a great venue to host large groups…just call to make arrangements. Attached to the theatre is the video rental business offering an extensive selection of DVD movies and games. The video rental store is open daily from 12:00pm to 8:00pm with the exception of opening at 3:00pm on Sundays and closed on Wednesdays.

So…to enjoy a newly released movie, very reasonable ticket and concession prices, GREAT tasting popcorn, and comfortable seating, all while supporting a local business, check out Sunset Theatre and Video located at 102 N.Columbia, in downtown Connell. To find out the current movie showing, a thorough listing of the DVD rentals, hours & prices, history background of the theatre and much more about their business, check out their awesome website at www.sunsettheatre.com