April 16, 2026 By: C&K Trowbridge GOVERNOR FERGUSON SIGNS TORRES’ CRASH PREVENTION BILL - Senator Nikki Torres is joined by Representative Mark Klicker, Franklin County Commissioner Stephen Bauman, WSP Trooper Dustin Drout, and Kahlotus Mayor Michael Robitaille, along with others from the house and senate in support of, as Governor Bob Ferguson signs Torres’ Crash Prevention Bill into law on March 29, 2026 in Yakima. The new speed limit signs were placed on Thursday, April 9,

April 14, 2026 Franklin County officials announced they are asking the community to weigh in on the future direction of the county as they are currently in the process of updating the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Counties across the state are required to update the comprehensive plan once every 10 years under Washington State’s Growth Management Act.  Franklin County will be working on the plan, gathering community input, and setting policy to guide the county with the goal o

April 9, 2026 Hi there, my name is Miurlin Escalante and I am the office manager and proofreader at the Graphic. Although I work mainly in the office, some of you may have seen me around the schools covering varying events like play day, sporting events, concerts, or around the community taking pictures of events like Fall Festival or Halloween. I am trying to get out more and get to know the community and its members more every day so be on the lookout for me. I try my bes

April 9, 2026 Good morning, on this inaugural Local News Day…  This is Katherine, many of you have come to know me, over the years, as the face of the Graphic. The one out in the community - often seen taking photos at school and community events.  But there’s more to what I do than just taking good photos that capture our community's celebrations. I also sit quietly in on city council, school board, and other meetings. More often than not, the only one in the audience, besid

Hello Neighbors, Yes, neighbors, not just readers - we aren’t just your Local News, we are your local neighbors - in the community, and in business. As our front page stated - Today, April 9, is the first of its kind… and we invite you to celebrate with us on this inaugural Local News Day, a day to honor the people behind the stories that tell the everyday life of our communities … This is not just a day of recognition, but a day of action as people, businesses, and organizat

rehearsals underway for spring play April 9, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Rehearsals are in full swing for the N. Franklin Commuity Theatre’s (NFCT) upcoming production. The NFCT was searching for princes, peasants, step-relatives with attitude, and at least one person willing to lose a shoe, during auditions for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella which took place March 2 and 3. With 38 people auditioning, it wasn’t hard to find someone for every role. A total of 34 local

April 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond will retire at the end of the year. Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond made his impending retirement official on Friday, April 3. It seems the campaign season got a head start with signs for Sheriff going up even before the first day of Spring. Raymond reflected on this in his stating that, “seeing signage appear on the streets and across social media prompted me to announce my retirement after 45 years

March 12, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Moises Magana stands inside the new Feed Store room at The Old Brick Store in Connell (center). What began as a conversation between a husband and wife as they drove past a vacant building, has evolved into a new Farm Feed Store in Connell. Moises Magana shared the story with us. “I was driving by the US Bank and told Jodi [his wife] ‘You know what? This US Bank will be great for a feed store because it’s right by the highway and Connel

March 12, 2026 By: C&K Trowbridge Traffic is seen backed up for miles between Mesa and Connell, northbound Highwy 395 on Thursday morning. A 46 year old Everett man was killed early this morning on highway 395. The fatal accident occured on Northbound Highway 395, halfway between Mesa and Connell on Thursday, March 12. The ncident closed down the roadway to one lane from 6:30 am until after 10:00 am. Traffic was backed up for over two miles in the area of the accident. The W

March 3, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Franklin County Commissioner and current Chairman of the Board, Clint Didier, will be seeking his third and final term in office. Franklin County Commissioner Clint Didier officially announced his candidacy for re-election to a third and final term on Thursday, Feb. 26.  Didier touted a variety of accomplishments in his time at the County thus far– from restoring the road fund and infrastructure to “restoring fiscal sanity to county gove