Articles written by Roger Harnack
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Commissioners may have to repay wages
PASCO – Two former and three current Franklin County commissioners may have to return nearly $89,000 in wages following an audit of payroll practices for the board. Commissioner... — Updated 5/26/2023
State moves to downgrade wolves
OLYMPIA – Wolves may be downgraded from an endangered species to “sensitive” under a proposed reclassification by state Department of Fish and Wildlife staff. The gray wolf was already removed by the federal endangered... — Updated 5/19/2023
Chinook season open from The Dalles to Wallula
WALLULA – The spring Chinook salmon fishing season is open for only a week between The Dalles Dam and Wallula Junction. From about 1,300 feet upstream of The Dalles Dam to the Orgon-Washington border, salmon may be retained from... — Updated 5/19/2023
Othello High School locked down
OTHELLO – The local high school was locked down Wednesday, May 10, after a reported threat. According to a report, city police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to the high school, 340 S. Seventh St., at 11:18... — Updated 5/19/2023
Failure to act legalizes drugs
The state Legislature is headed back to Olympia this week for a special session specifically to deal with the prospect of all drugs becoming legal July 1. Sen. Mark Schoesler,... — Updated 5/19/2023
Explosive racing at Nitro
Hundreds of motorcyle racers from across North America the braved Rattlesnake Ridge near Vernita during three days of action during the Washington Nitro Nationals from May 6-8.... — Updated 5/19/2023
Special session called for 'Blake fix'
RITZVILLE – Sen. Mark Schoesler and other state lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a special session beginning May 16. “After returning home to Ritzville early last week following the end of this year’s legislative... — Updated 5/19/2023
Most charges dropped in Basin City attack
OTHELLO – All but two charges have been dropped against a local man accused of attacking a co-worker with a tree branch in an orchard near Basin City on May 2. Omar Eusebio Zuniga, 40, of Othello, remained in the Franklin County... — Updated 5/19/2023
Man arrested in Othello burglary
OTHELLO – A local man was arrested and booked into jail Friday, April 28, after allegedly being caught after burglarizing a house in the 600 block of South Fourth Avenue. Angel... — Updated 5/19/2023
Governor won't seek fourth term
OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee won’t be seeking a fourth term. Inslee, a Democrat from Bainbridge Island, announced Monday, May 1, that he’s ready to move on. “Today I announced I will not seek a fourth term,” he said.... — Updated 5/19/2023
Access road honors former mayor
WASHTUCNA – The access road to the new Waste Management landfill is being named in honor of a former longtime mayor who staunchly supported the development. The access road is... — Updated 5/19/2023
Landfill breaks ground
WASHTUCNA – Near 50 people turned out Thursday, April 20, for a ground-breaking ceremony for a new landfill more than 30 years in the making. Waste Management managers and... — Updated 5/19/2023
Crash slows I-90 traffic
RITZVILLE – Westbound Interstate 90 traffic was slowed for more than four hours Sunday, April 9, following a two-vehicle crash. According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred about 1:26 p.m. in the passing lane of... — Updated 5/19/2023
Many new gun restrictions loom
OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign multiple new firearms restrictions into law in the coming two weeks. House Bill 1143 passed the Senate 28-18 on Saturday, April 7. That bill is now before the governor. On the same... — Updated 5/19/2023
Numerous new gun restrictions loom
OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign multiple new firearms restrictions into law in the coming two weeks. House Bill 1143 passed the Senate 28-18 on Saturday, April 7. That bill is now before the governor. On the same... — Updated 4/12/2023
Avista requests power rate hike
SPOKANE VALLEY – Avista ratepayers will face higher bills beginning July 1 if a proposed rate hike is approved by the state Utilities and Transportation Commission. Avista has requested price adjustments, including electricity... — Updated 4/12/2023
Local robbery suspect arrested
OTHELLO — A local man was arrested for robbery after deputies used a Taser to subdue him following a pursuit. Andres Garza, 35, of Othello, was booked into the Franklin County Jail on Friday, March 31. He is facing charges of... — Updated 4/12/2023
No drought on the horizon for state
CONNELL — The March drought report shows good news for farmers across much of Washington state and Franklin County. According to the report released earlier this month, the state... — Updated 3/29/2023
Patrol begins WSU spring break emphasis
WASHTUCNA — Expect to see more Washington State Patrol troopers on the road from March 9-19. The agency will be operating its Washington State University spring break emphasis in Spokane, Whitman, Grant, Kittitas and Adams... — Updated 3/6/2023
Bill would create farrier program for inmates
OLYMPIA — Coyote Ridge Corrections Center inmate may have an opportunity to learn how to care for horses under a bill that passed the House of Representatives on Monday, Feb. 27. House Bill 1543, introduced by 9th Legislative Dis... — Updated 3/2/2023
Irrigation districts may move to all-mail elections
OLYMPIA - Under a bill making its way through the Legislature, irrigation districts would be required to move to all-mail ballots for elections. Senate Bill 5709, introduced by... — Updated 3/2/2023
Connell ranked most affordable city in state to own home
CONNELL — A recent study by SmartAsset shows that Connell is the most affordable city for homeowners in the state of Washington. The financial analysis released by the company used an "affordability index" comparing costs of... — Updated 3/2/2023
Farm fuel tax exemptions fail to pass
OLYMPIA — Farmers and ranchers will be likely continue to be taxed on agricultural diesel fuel after House and Senate committees last week failed to advance exemption bills. Senate Bill 5728, introduced by Sen. Perry Dozier,... — Updated 2/21/2023
Hatton fertilizer firm seeking USDA grant
HATTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering a grant award to a local company to expand fertilizer production. Perfect Blend, LLC, manufactures organic plant food at its 771 Kulm Road location northwest of Hatton.... — Updated 1/27/2023
Pasco man hospitalized following fatal crash
VERNITA — A Pasco man was hospitalized Thursday, Jan. 26, following a crash that killed another driver. The Washington State Patrol is withholding the name, age and hometown of the driver pending notification of next of kin. The... — Updated 1/27/2023
