By: Andrew Rice (The Center Square) - Voters in Washington’s fourth congressional district decide in the Aug. 4 primary which candidates will represent central Washington in the general election without an incumbent on the ballot. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., is not running for reelection to the central district. In his place, six Republicans, one Democrat and two independent candidates are vying for the congressman’s position. The Center Square spoke to candidates in the dist

Three vie to become your next Sheriff July 30, 2026 By: C&K Trowbridge Monty Huber Chris Lee Kohl St. Peter The Aug. 4 primary election will narrow the three candidates for Franklin County sheriff to the voters' top two choices. With Sheriff Jim Raymond announcing his retirement, this election season will determine who our next sheriff will be. The top two candidates in the August 4 primary will go on to the November general election. The top candidate there

Mike Meads Memorial Livestock Show fills up CBJLS Barn July 28, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Showmanship was on display at the Columbia Basin Junior Livestock Barns on Saturday, July 25. The Mike Meads Memorial Livestock Show, better known as the “Summer Showcase,” filled up the show barn at the Columbia Basin Junior Livestock (CBJLS) grounds in Connell on Saturday, July 25. This show emphasizes the efforts young showmen are putting to prepare for the upcoming fair season,

The North Franklin School District (NFSD) is inviting community members, parents, and local stakeholders to apply for seats on a new Community Facilities Task Force (CFTF), a volunteer advisory committee that will help shape the District's long-range facilities plan. The CFTF will bring together approximately 20 community members and stakeholders alongside representatives from the School Board, faculty and student body to study district facility needs and develop recommendati

Deputies arrest two July 15, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Franklin County is seeing an increase in agricultural thefts. Over the past several weeks, there have been multiple cases involving the theft of brass sprinklers from irrigation equipment. Brass may be a relativley low value item, yet the impact to area farmers is significant, often resulting in thousands of dollars in replacement costs. Franklin County Sheriff's Deputies have been investigating these cases and on Tue

July 9, 2026 Photo colage by: Katherine Trowbridge & Brenda Vasquez The Stars and Strips - Royalty in the parade Family Farming Local candidates Vehicles and businesses Dancing Horses!! Bubbles! Water fight!!! People - Community!

July 9, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge BASIN CITY — The seventh annual Basin City Freedom Rodeo, once again, lived up to its reputation of celebrating the American spirit of independence, drawing crowds July 2-4 for three days of world-class rodeo action, patriotic tributes, and small-town traditions. What began in 2020 as a community effort during a time of uncertainty to revive a long-forgotten arena, has grown into a premier PRCA rodeo. As one announcer reflected during the

July 9, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Connell WA - Connell celebrated America’s 250th birthday in grand fashion as volunteers from across the community came together to organize an afternoon and evening filled with patriotism, family fun, music, food, and fireworks. The celebration, held July 4, was intentionally scheduled to begin later in the day, allowing residents time to attend the Basin City Parade, or enjoy family traditions before gathering together at Pioneer Park.

July 1, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge The seventh annual Basin City Freedom Rodeo is set to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in PRCA Rodeo style. Freedom Rodeo President Kameron Jenks shared, “As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, we invite everyone to join us at the 2026 Freedom Rodeo July 2, 3, 4 for a celebration of our nation’s freedom, Western Heritage, and community. Since the Freedom Rodeo began in 2020, it has grown from a vision of bri

July 1, 2026 By: Katherine Trowbridge Join the party this July 4th at Connell's Pioneer Park for old fashioned fun and barbecue for the whole family. Local volunteers have planned a variety of events to celebrate America's 250th Birthday Party with you! It all kicks off at 4pm with the National Anthem and reading of the Declaration of Independence moving into the all American picnic BBQ (by donation) complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie. Throughout the event ther