Franklin Connection - Serving Franklin County, WA

PASCO — The Feb. 14 special election is under way. The Franklin County Auditor's Office mailed ballots to eligible voters Tuesday, Jan. 24. Anyone who is not currently registered to vote in Washington State can still register in... — Updated 1/27/2023

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

OLYMPIA — A Pierce County senator has introduced the Parents Bill of Rights” bill designed to give parents more control over the raising their children in the face of increasing government overreach. “Parents know what is bes... — Updated 1/27/2023

RITZVILLE — Ratepayers power bills are going to get a little more expensive this year. Big Bend Electric Cooperative announced last week that its customers are going to see a rate increase effective April 1. The average 5% increa... — Updated 1/26/2023

RITZVILLE — A local lawmaker says two environmental laws from the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee that took effect Jan. 1 are already causing a fuel price increase. Republican Sen. Mark Schoesler or... — Updated 1/26/2023

CONNELL — Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed 2023-25 budget includes about $15 million for the Connell Rail Interchange Project. The budget includes $10 million previously approved by the Legislature in 2015 as well as an additional... — Updated 1/26/2023

OTHELLO — A local man was hospitalized Sunday night after he was struck by a car early Sunday morning, Jan. 15. Augustino P. De Los Santos, 23, of Othello, was transported to the local hospital after he apparently walked into... — Updated 1/26/2023

OTHELLO — A local man was booked into the Benton County Jail after being arrested for multiple crimes Jan. 5. Ruben Cantu Jr., 29, was booked into the jail on charges of second-degree vehicle prowl, second-degree theft,... — Updated 1/26/2023

OLYMPIA — Consumers will be able to purchase more low-THC liquid-infused products in a single purchase if a bill in the Legislature wins approval. “HB 1249 is necessary to ensure that the evolution of consumer preference, and... — Updated 1/26/2023

RITZVILLE — A local lawmaker has introduced legislation to create the Washington State Commission on Boys and Men to address the well-being of boys and men across. “There are many issues that impact men and boys. Yet, there is... — Updated 1/26/2023

WARDEN — The Washington State Patrol is investigating an alleged alcohol/drug-related Sunday afternoon crash, Jan. 22, that left four people injured. Othello residents Breanna Rodriguez, 20, Rafael Sanchez Andrade, 24, Alvin... — Updated 1/26/2023

SPOKANE VALLEY -- The state Department of Fish and Wildlife released its Monthly Wolf Report for November on Dec. 12. Included in the report was a meeting held by the Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) in Spokane Valley from Nov. 2-3 that a... — Updated 12/29/2022

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... — Updated 12/29/2022

Extreme winter weather can make vehicle breakdowns especially dangerous. The National Safety Council encourages drivers to be prepared at all times by keeping these items in the trunk:  Properly inflatedspare tire, wheelwrench... — Updated 11/20/2022

OLYMPIA — Democratic Secretary of State Steve Hobbs may owe his re-election Nov. 8 to Rep. Brad Klippert. Hobbs defeated independent Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson to retain the office, the first time a Democrat has been... — Updated 11/20/2022

PASCO — A Benton City woman is facing charges in a three-vehicle crash in which she was injured Thursday, Nov. 17, on Interstate 182. Helen L. Shuler, 57, was transported to a Richland hospital following the 7:06 a.m. crash near... — Updated 11/20/2022

PULLMAN – The Washington State Patrol has stepped up its patrols in advance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday and increased student travel to and from Washington State University. The increased patrols will run through Nov. 26, off... — Updated 11/20/2022