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Connell’s Corteva Seed Plant celebrated its 40th anniversary on August 5, gathering community members and employees for a day of recognition, storytelling, and a tour. The plant, which opened in 1985, emphasizes research and development in collaboration with local growers and has grown significantly over the years.
As a leading advocate for Second Amendment rights, I must tell you the 2025 legislative session illuminated an undeniable truth: Our colleagues in Olympia’s majority party do not respect our gun rights and are determined to dismantle them.
While we repelled some outrageous attacks, a dangerous precedent has been set. Your constitutional freedoms now hang in the balance.
We saw aggressive attempts to expand “gun-free zones” and impose new taxes on responsible firearm owners. These flawed ideas would do nothing for public safety while unquestionably limiting the ability of law-abiding Washingtonians to exercise their rights.
Working together, and with the much-appreciated support of the thousands who weighed in during committee hearings, we defeated many egregious proposals. Still, one deeply troubling measure regrettably became law: House Bill 1163, which directly betrays the trust you place in lawmakers to protect your freedoms.
When it takes effect in May 2027, this new law means responsible gun owners will face an unnecessary and unconstitutional hurdle to purchase a firearm. You'll need a state-issued permit, requiring a certified training course that includes live-fire exercises. This training simply doesn't exist at the scale needed across our state, effectively blocking gun ownership.
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.
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The new Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods store opened on June 11, 2025, in Connell, welcoming customers with a patriotic exterior and an expansive interior featuring various departments. Andrew Montemayor reported positive feedback from visitors, expressing excitement for the community and anticipation for the old store's demolition and new parking lot development.
The North Franklin School District in Washington faces significant financial challenges for the 2025-26 school year due to declining enrollment and the end of temporary federal COVID relief funds. Superintendent Brian Moore highlights rising operational costs, with a loss of approximately $500,000 in funding due to enrollment drops over five years.
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The May 15 event at the museum drew over 200 attendees as the community celebrated the near completion of the C-Street Vault project, which requires $150,000 to finish before Connell Days. Fundraising efforts raised nearly $20,000, contributing to transforming a historic building into a hotel and restaurant.
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On April 28, 2025, the North Franklin School District Board appointed Todd Hausman as Connell Elementary's new Principal, following a recommendation from Superintendent Brian Moore. Hausman previously served as Associate Principal at Morgan Owens Elementary and has extensive teaching experience at multiple schools in varied grades.
NORTH FRANKLIN NEWS - ISSUE 6 - JAN 31, 2025
The purpose of this North Franklin News system is to let you know what's going on in the community.
Messages up to 1-2 times a month direct to your phone, without requiring you to be on any form of social media or needing to log in to something.
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!
Join us for Coffee Talk with the GCACC at the Visitors Center.
Come chat and see what’s going on around town!
on the first Tuesday of the month.
CHAMBER COFFEE SOCIAL 6:30am-7:30am & 5pm-6pm @ VISITORS CENTER
First Tuesday / Every Month:
The basketball league is back for the third season under the Connell Junior Eagles. Megan Hafer is the girls' basketball coordinator. This year 3rd-6th grade girls will start practicing February 10th. Games will be weekdays, and the season will end Saturday March 22nd.
This league focuses on the basic fundamental principles.
We are working with our high school coach to continue a fundamental program to develop skills, emphasize fun, and build competitors.
If you can help coach or ref at any capacity, please enroll as a volunteer.
Girls' registration closes February 3rd.
Parents of K-2nd grade, look for some open gym clinics to happen this year. We are working with some of our high school players to offer some fundamental clinics.
We are currently looking at a coed basketball camp at the end of the season and potentially the summer too. Be on the lookout!
Jr Eagles Sponsorships
During the January 8, 2025, Commission Meeting, the Port of Pasco Commission nominated
Hans Engelke to fill the District 3 Port of Pasco Commission Vacancy. Per RCW 42.12.080,
the Port is posting a minimum 15-day notice of this nomination on the Port of Pasco
website, at the Port of Pasco Administrative Office, and at the Tri-Cities Airport Administrative Office.
NOW HIRING
Sunset Theatre 7:30pm Dog Man [PG]. Message us to reserve recliners!
I have had some of you comment that you are interested in our upcoming Speed Puzzling event to be held on Saturday, February 8th at 11am.
We need anyone who is interested in bringing a team or flying solo on this to sign up at the link below before this Friday, Jan 31st or we will have to cancel due to lack of interest.
Location: Connell
Date: Tue, Feb 11 2025 ~ 5 - 7pm
Planning on attending college? Our experienced financial aid experts are here to guide you through the FAFSA or WAFSA application process.
Dinner will be provided for attendees, while supplies last. Visit studentaid.gov to set up an account before attending.
For more information, contact cbcoutreach@columbiabasin.edu
LOCAL NEWS · LOCAL SOURCES
![8fd667_d754397d27f14446bccabd8ae0da48b0~mv2[1]](https://www.connellwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/8fd667_d754397d27f14446bccabd8ae0da48b0mv21.jpg)
Connell’s Corteva Seed Plant celebrated its 40th anniversary on August 5, gathering community members and employees for a day of recognition, storytelling, and a tour. The plant, which opened in 1985, emphasizes research and development in collaboration with local growers and has grown significantly over the years.
![8fd667_9b2ce72cc3d448b19d05df7ae422e19c~mv2[1]](https://www.connellwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8fd667_9b2ce72cc3d448b19d05df7ae422e19cmv21.jpg)
The new Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods store opened on June 11, 2025, in Connell, welcoming customers with a patriotic exterior and an expansive interior featuring various departments. Andrew Montemayor reported positive feedback from visitors, expressing excitement for the community and anticipation for the old store's demolition and new parking lot development.
January 22, 2024
By: Katherine Trowbridge
The City of Connell was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to assess the readiness of the City’s industrial sites and explore opportunities for economic growth. Connell Mayor Lee Barrow and Port of Pasco Director of Economic Development & Marketing, Stephen McFadden, presented to the CERB board last week, hearing shortly after of the award.
Their presentation focused on the need with the closure of Lamb Weston last October, amd the impacts of that closure. It also looked at infrastructure, the need for job opportunities, and where we go from here.
“Our top priority is identifying opportunities that bring new, family-wage jobs to Connell, helping to offset the economic impacts of the Lamb Weston closure,” said Mayor Lee Barrow.
The Franklin County Graphic (FCG) is a locally owned and operated, weekly source of community news and information across Franklin County. The Franklin County Graphic is a Legal Newspaper (approved January 11, 1955).
ConnellWA.com--
Teen Birth Rates Plummet in the US, But Disparities Remain
Teen birth rates in the United States have seen a dramatic decline in recent decades, according to several recent reports. Data reveals a significant decrease across various demographics, though disparities persist, particularly among racial and ethnic groups.
A TechTarget report, citing National Vital Statistics Reports, indicates a 69% drop in teen births nationwide between 2000 and 2022. This includes a 67% decrease in first births and a more substantial 79% decline in second or higher-order births, suggesting successful efforts in preventing repeat teen pregnancies.
The Pew Research Center confirms this trend, noting that the 2018 birth rate for 15-19 year-olds was less than half of what it was a decade prior. While these declines are encouraging, the picture is not uniform across all populations.
Although birth rates have fallen for all racial and ethnic groups, significant disparities remain. As of 2018, Hispanic and Black teen birth rates were nearly double that of White teens, and more than five times the rate for Asian and Pacific Islanders, according to Pew. TechTarget's data shows the following declines from 2000 to 2022:
These figures highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges faced by different communities. The TechTarget report also notes that the decline is more pronounced among younger teens (15-17) than older teens (18-19).
Several factors are believed to have contributed to this overall decline. These include delayed sexual activity, increased contraceptive use, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants, and potentially even the influence of media portrayals of teen motherhood, according to a Brookings report cited by Pew. While the Great Recession initially played a role, the decline has continued even with economic recovery.
Locally, Washington State provides an example of varying trends. The Franklin Connection reports Adams County saw an 18% decline in teen birth rates over the past five years, while neighboring Franklin County experienced a 14% decrease.
Experts emphasize the importance of continued efforts to sustain this progress. This includes ensuring access to reproductive health services, comprehensive sex education, and addressing underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to disparities. The decline in teen births, particularly repeat births, suggests that existing interventions are working, but further work is needed to ensure equitable outcomes for all young people.
December 17, 2024
MESA, WA – A fire on the evening of December 16, 2024, completely destroyed JC's Mesa Grocery, the only grocery store serving the town of Mesa, Washington. The fire, which began around 9:15 pm, has left the community grappling with the loss of this vital resource.
Multiple fire departments, including FCFD1, FCFD4 - Basin City, and the City of Connell Fire Department, responded to the blaze, with support from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin County Hospital District. Despite their efforts, the store suffered extensive damage and is considered a total loss. The fire is believed to have started near the cashier's station before spreading throughout the building, including the roof.
The destruction of JC's Mesa Grocery represents a significant hardship for Mesa residents and those in surrounding areas who relied on the store for everyday necessities. The store provided convenient access to groceries, and its absence will require residents to travel much further for essential items.
The store owner and his family were present at the scene and are reportedly in shock. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the fire marshal. Due to the extensive structural damage, the store is not expected to reopen in the near future, and the long-term future of the grocery store remains uncertain. The community now faces the challenge of finding a solution to replace this critical resource.
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