Articles written by Roger Harnack
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No confidence in county administrator?
PASCO — Franklin County Administrator Keith Johnson narrowly survived what can only be called a vote of no confidence during a county commission meeting this morning, Tuesday, Feb. 23. A clash over county administration resulted... — Updated 2/23/2021
Soap Lake reserve and K-9 officer arrested
SOAP LAKE – A local reserve and K-9 police officer remains in the Franklin County Jail today after a drunken driving-related arrest last night, Feb. 18, north of Pasco. Reserve and K-9 Officer Shane Jones, 49, was arrested... — Updated 2/19/2021
Most area school sports delayed at least two weeks
UPDATE: On Saturday, Feb. 13, Franklin County and the surrounding area were moved to Phase 2, allowing football, and girls volleyball, soccer and slowpitch softball games to proceed as previously scheduled. PASCO — With Gov. Jay... — Updated 2/16/2021
McKinney, McKay credited for area move to Phase 2
YAKIMA – Two Central Washington county commissioners are being credited for Saturday’s local move to “Phase 2” of Gov. Jay Inslee’s current coronavirus recovery plan. Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney and Benton... — Updated 2/16/2021
Tri-Cities area to remain in Phase 1
PASCO — Franklin County and the greater Tri-Cities area will not be allowed to move to the so-called "Phase 2" next week. That's the word from Gov. Jay Inslee during a press... — Updated 2/12/2021
Bill requiring classes for kayakers, paddleboarders may be scuttled
OLYMPIA – A bill that would've required boating classes for kayakers, canoeists, paddleboarders and even some surfers appears to have been scuttled. House Bill 1018 is the subject... — Updated 2/11/2021
Rep. Dye opposes House Bill 1084
OLYMPIA – Rep. Mary Dye spoke out Tuesday against House Bill 1084, which would prohibit the use of natural gas in new homes and buildings. Dye, R-Pomeroy, represents Franklin... — Updated 2/9/2021
Whitman under fire in Olympia
The culture, heritage and history of Eastern Washington - indeed all of Washington and Oregon history - is under fire again in Olympia. I'm talking about an effort this year in the... — Updated 2/5/2021
Gov. Inslee keeps Eastern Washington locked down
OLYMPIA – Eastern Washington businesses will have to wait at least two more weeks for coronavirus relief following a gubernatorial press conference at 2:30 p.m. today, Jan. 28. During the press conference, Gov. Inslee said he wil... — Updated 1/29/2021
Man arrested in connection with bodies found in car
OTHELLO – A local man has been arrested in connection with an abandoned vehicle containing several bodies found Thursday, Jan. 28. Mauricio Nava Garibay, 28, of Othello was booked into the Adams County Jail for first-degree... — Updated 1/29/2021
Elderly woman released from jail following drug smuggling arrest
PASCO – An elderly local woman has been released from jail following her arrest on charges related to allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into the Franklin County Jail. Rosa Rodriguez Castillo, 75, of Pasco, was arrested... — Updated 1/28/2021
Billig: Shutdown edict may loosen
OLYMPIA – Sen. Majority Leader Andy Billig said Wednesday night that Eastern Washington residents will be “glad” about changes in coronavirus edicts relating to business opening expected to be announced today. “There is... — Updated 1/28/2021
To pray or not to pray
PASCO — To open with a prayer or not. That’s an issue now brewing in Franklin County Commission meetings. Since being named chairman, Clint Didier has reopened the door for commissioners to offer a prayer or a moment of... — Updated 1/27/2021
Rosenau named Franklin County assessor
PASCO — In a split decision, financier John Rosenau has been named as Franklin County assessor. Rosenau edged Franklin County Deputy Assessor Piper Mitchell and applicant James Gimenez in the Franklin County Commission selection... — Updated 1/27/2021
Four lawmakers file bill to create 51st state
SPOKANE VALLEY - Four Republican lawmakers have signed onto a new bill designed to encourage splitting Washington into two separate states. Reps. Bob McCaslin and Rob Chase, both... — Updated 1/20/2021
Governor's virus proclamations extended indefinitely
OLYMPIA – Following a state Senate vote, Gov. Jay Inslee’s coronavirus-related orders will remain intact indefinitely. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8402 passed the Senate along a partyline vote, 28-19, with the House... — Updated 1/14/2021
Newhouse votes to impeach Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eastern Washington's two Republican congressional representatives were on opposite sides of the House vote to impreach President Donald Trump for a second time. Fourth Congressional District Rep. Dan Newhouse o... — Updated 1/13/2021
Didier concerned by governor's newest plan
PASCO — Franklin County Commission Chairman Clint Didier is concerned about the governor's attempt to strip health care authority away from local agencies. During the commission meeting Tuesday morning, Didier called on the... — Updated 1/13/2021
Gov. Inslee, 'tear down this wall'
Protests are nothing new in Olympia. Each year, thousands of protesters converge on legislative sessions to rally for special causes, object to government activities and generally... — Updated 1/13/2021
Two arrested on opening day of legislative session
OLYMPIA – Two people were arrested this morning, Monday, Jan. 11, as the Legislature entered session behind locked gates. Early in the morning, a woman parked her RV in front of... — Updated 1/11/2021
Guardsmen, troopers ready for protests
OLYMPIA -- The Washington National Guard and the Washington State Patrol took up positions around the Capitol today in advance of the opening of the legislative session. Their... — Updated 1/10/2021
Protesters target Pasco liquor board office
PASCO — Call it a bartenders' version of the Boston Tea Party. On Wednesday, Jan. 6, approximately 40 protesters gathered in front of the state Liquor and Cannabis Board office,... — Updated 1/8/2021
Didier elected to lead Franklin County
PASCO – In his first vote as a Franklin County Commissioner, Rocky Mullen cast the deciding vote on who will lead the county for the next year. By a 2-1 vote Tuesday morning,... — Updated 1/5/2021
McMorris Rodgers to oppose Electoral College
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eastern Washington's two U.S. House representatives will be on opposites sides of the vote to accept the Electoral College numbers when Congress meets in session Wednesday. Fifth Congressional District Rep.... — Updated 1/5/2021
Franklin County Assessor Peter McEnderfer steps down
PASCO — Franklin County Assessor Peter McEnderfer announced his resignation this morning, Tuesday, Jan. 5, during a meeting of the county commission. “I am informing you of my resignation effective Jan. 31,” he said, in a pre... — Updated 1/5/2021
