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Articles written by Teresa Simpson


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  • Rebel Flat trestle dedicated

    Teresa Simpson, Franklin Connection|Updated Nov 7, 2023

    WINONA — The new Rebel Flat Cree trestle on the Palouse-Coulee City railroad line was dedicated Thursday morning, Nov. 2. Speakers included 9th Legislative District Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, McGregor Co. Chairman Alex McGregor and state Department of Transportation Rail, Freight and Ports Program Manager Jason Biggs. The new span replaces the 197-foot wooden trestle destroyed Aug. 19 in the Winona Fire, which burned 2,525 acres and several buildings. The new bridge n...

  • Old-Time Plowing Bee slated for this weekend

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette|Updated Apr 12, 2023

    COLFAX - The Palouse Empire Threshing Association Spring Farming Days will occur this weekend, April 15-16, at the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds on state Highway 26, west of Colfax, starting at around 9 a.m. Organizer Mike Schwartz stated that the event is a group effort between him and the other organizers. Schwartz explained that this would be the grain they harvest on Labor Day and that they won't plow this weekend. "They'll be fertilizing, spring tooth, and harrow," he said....

  • Cotton Booker crowned Oklahoma State auctioneer champion

    Teresa Simpson, Franklin Connection|Updated Mar 2, 2023

    OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — An Eastern Washington boy with family ties to Connell has been crowned the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association Bid Calling Champion. Colfax native Cotton Booker competed in and won the Feb. 11 event hosted by the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association. He is the grandson of veteran auctioneer D.L. Booker of Connell. Auctioneers from Oklahoma and beyond competed for the title of Champion in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Booker is currently a junior at O...

  • Coroner releases cause of death of WSU student

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette|Updated Mar 2, 2023

    PULLMAN — A Washington State University freshman found dead in his apartment died from alcohol and drug use. Whitman County Coroner Annie Pillers on Tuesday, Feb. 21, said the cause of death of Luke Morgan Tyler, 19, of Redmond, was acute intoxication due to combined effects from alcohol and bupropion use. Bupropion is used to treat depression. Tyler was found in his college apartment in Pullman on Jan. 22 by police. According to Tyler’s obituary, he is survived by his parents John and Colleen Tyler of Redmond, and his 17...

  • Sen. Schoesler's plans for 2023 Legislative session

    Teresa Simpson, Franklin Connection|Updated Dec 29, 2022

    RITZVILLE — In an interview with Legislative District No. 9 Sen. Mark Schoesler on Thursday, Nov. 15, talked about some of his plans for the 2023 session, and some of the main issues he intends to address. “I will be the ranking republican on the capital budget, and the capital budget is a less partisan part of Olympia,” Schoesler said, noting that he will familiarize himself with the budget, and “trying to influence the good and reduce a little of the bad.” Schoesler mentioned that the labor of commerce will have interesti...

  • Aspiring auctioneer follows Booker's footsteps

    Teresa Simpson, Franklin Connection|Updated Nov 3, 2022

    ELTOPIA — The grandson of a local auctioneer is successfully following in his grandfather's footsteps. Oklahoma State University student Cotton Booker, of Colfax, is one of four finalists in the running for National FFA Organization’s top achievement award in agribusiness. Booker is the grandson of longtime auctioneer Merle Booker of Eltopia. American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of American Degree recipients. The award recognizes FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural ski...

  • Train derails near Hooper

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette|Updated May 19, 2022

    HOOPER - A wheat train derailed along state Highway 26, west of the town of LaCrosse and east of Washtucna. Ten train cars derailed, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Janet Matkins said Tuesday, May 17. At least four covered hoppers were among the cars off the tracks. One spilled wheat. Matkins confirmed the Union Pacific train was hauling wheat, out-bound from Endicott. Watco, the company that operates the Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad, is investigating...

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