MILITARY SERVICE leaves a lasting mark — one that extends far beyond the years spent in uniform. For Shiro Burnette Sr., who served from 1989 to 1993 during Operation Desert Storm, that mark is...

IN COMMUNITIES across the country, the sacrifices of military service members are often acknowledged through ceremonies, memorials, and public expressions of gratitude. While meaningful, these...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Fiesta Grill. IF YOU could be sitting here right now...

THE FIRST Badges and Bobbers event brought together local families, first responders, and community partners for an evening centered on fishing, connection, and building relationships. More than 150...

By Hannah Bradley and Mary Beth Henley FARM CITY Day has become a cherished Franklin County tradition that many families and students look forward to each year. The event is rooted in community, a...

SEWANEE ELEMENTARY School is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone — 100 years of education, community, and shared investment in the lives of local children. For those closest to the school,...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Club 29 Nutrition. THERE ARE some places you go for a...

THE 7TH Annual May Expo was held on May 2 at the Townsend Cultural Center, bringing together local businesses and community members in Winchester for a day focused on small-business engagement....

BREANNA SMITH has always had a passion for fashion and helping others feel confident. In 2019, she turned that passion into a business, launching her first boutique, Proverbs Thirty-One Boutique,...

IN AN age of big-box retailers and online ordering, small hometown businesses continue to play an important role in strengthening local communities. For Jeff and Sherry Frame, owners of Poultry...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Swiss Pantry. WHEN YOU leave Winchester and head...

CAR ENTHUSIASTS and community members attended the 15th Semi-Annual Spring Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show on April 11 at Franklin County High School, located at 833 Bypass Rd. in Winchester....

A STUDENT IN our community today will walk the halls of Congress with a pinned American flag on their chest. A student in our community today will pray their knees still hold when their nerves get...

NEARLY 30 years into her career, Wendy Wells continues to approach the classroom with the same purpose that first drew her to education. At the heart of her work is connection, guiding students to...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Southern Sugar Saloon. JUST OFF the historic square...

IN CLASSROOMS across Tennessee, Brandi Danley has built a career defined by innovation, difference-making, and an undeniable belief in the potential of her students. More than an educator, she is a...

WHEN WE think about the basic requirements of a thriving community, our minds naturally go to the grocery stores that feed us, the banks that hold our futures, and the schools that educate our...

LAURA LOWNDES, director of Trinity Episcopal Church’s food pantry, did not expect Franklin County to be her forever home when she moved to Winchester in 1960. Still, after 65 years, she’s done it...

FRANKLIN COUNTY'S chapter of the Kiwanis Club, an international organization rooted in community service, was established in 1999 when a couple relocated here for work. The husband, according to...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Hensley’s Sports Loft. SATURDAY NIGHTS are made for...

PURPLE, GREEN, and gold beads cascade over tables and hang from lights. Masquerade masks shimmer with sequins and feathers. A wrought-iron streetlight decoration declares that guests are at the...

LOVE IS one of those things we recognize instantly, even when we struggle to explain it. We feel it before we understand it. We see it in the quiet moments that never make headlines, and in our...

“I HAVE GROWN up and lived in the best of times, and I am very thankful that Jesus has given me such a beautiful life.” — Roy Smith Jr. For more than nine decades, Roy “Junior” Smith Jr. has lived...

IN WINCHESTER, the Southern Association for Reading Advancement (SARA) Early Learning Center is addressing one of the most critical — and often overlooked — needs in early childhood education:...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Italia’s Orange Blossom Pizzeria. ITALIA’S ORANGE...

ON TWO crisp December nights, headlights glowed softer, and the air smelled faintly of pine as something new twinkled to life at Tims Ford State Park. Where summer campers usually gather beneath the...

A WAITING ROOM chair creaks as someone shifts their weight. A cup of water sweats onto the lobby’s tile floor. Somewhere down the hall, a name is called. Life pauses in places like this. It always...

FOR MORE than three decades, Sherry Barstad has dedicated her career to health care, with the last 13 years focused on pediatric primary care. Though her early nursing background was exclusively...

DEVEREAU WILLIAMS, a musician and producer from Winchester, has always regarded music as more than just sound; it is a continuous thread that links family, faith, and purpose. From humble beginnings...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited The Donut Shoppe. THERE’S SOMETHING special about a...

DOWNTOWN WINCHESTER once again transformed into a winter wonderland as the community gathered for this year’s ‘Tis the Season celebration — a full day marked by holiday cheer, family traditions, and...

THE CALL comes in, and the world doesn’t slow down. The clock feels like it ticks faster, but our heroes stay strong. The firefighter is halfway through dinner. The nurse just pulled into the...

GIGI GASKINS never set out to become a hatmaker. The idea came to her in the most unexpected way as she was sitting in a movie theater watching the opening scenes of “Coco Before Chanel.” On the...

FOR 28 years, Samantha Steele has been a central figure in her county’s emergency communications system. As the assistant 911 director, 911 dispatcher, and terminal agency coordinator, she has...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited La Finka Mexican Grill. LA FINKA Mexican Grill in...

EACH OCTOBER, the city of Winchester hosts Boo Bash, an annual event that brings families together for an evening of Halloween-themed activities. This year’s celebration, held in front of the Red...

IN MARCH of last year, my cousin’s work schedule became incompatible with raising his first pet, a brown and white Bernedoodle puppy. I took her in, not knowing just how much she would change, well,...

THE SUN sets over Isla Medina’s cattle farm, where she is still outside feeding the cows and finishing up her evening work. She’s been awake since the early morning hours, cleaning stalls, feeding...

Content courtesy of Emily Holland, executive director of Animal Harbor IT WASN’T until later in life that Skip Nielsen and his wife, Helga, felt the rescue bug bite hard. In 2021, they made a simple...

THE HOLIDAYS are one of the most difficult seasons for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The traditions shared and the memories held dear surrounding Christmastime are a source...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Paleteria y Fruteria. RIGHT IN the middle of downtown...

THE ANNUAL Fall Heritage Festival brings together communities from across the region for a weekend celebration in downtown Cowan. Held on Tennessee Avenue and Front Street on either side of the...

THE CREAK of an old wooden floor, the worn edges of a brick building, the way a nameplate on a storefront shines a little softer with age. These are not just small details from the past. They are...

IT WAS 1862 when the typically quiet town of Winchester faced an unwelcome disruption. Embroiled in the Civil War, Union soldiers came to occupy the town, and though they would not take innocent...

SUNLIGHT TOUCHES the valley as far as the eye can see from atop the Cumberland Plateau. Sister (Sr.) Hannah, Community of St. Mary, takes breakfast with her Sisters at the Community of St. Mary...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Shenanigans. DID YOU know that Shenanigans is the...

THE SMOOTH, black granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., stand as a permanent monument to fallen heroes. While five million people visit annually, not everyone is able...

“FRANKENSTEIN,” PUBLISHED in 1818, is considered the first science fiction novel. The Gothic story cracked open an entire genre of literature that has endless new entries today. It inspired...

DEAN AND Peggy Hanger never imagined they’d build a legacy that would stretch across counties, generations, and decades, but to no surprise, hard work, humility, and a deep love for people paved a...

PLANTING A summer vegetable garden, installing a fence to keep your animals safe, replacing a mailbox post, or simply digging a hole for a single shrub may seem harmless. But according to the Elk...

BROTHERS AND co-owners of Pioneer Equipment Co. Inc., Parker and Morgan Smith, cruised past the north end of the Winchester square. Their coupe dipped below the Boulevard bridge, and as they whirled...

RUSSELL BARNETT built his automotive business the same way he raised his family: with integrity, faith, and an unfailing commitment to putting people first. When his father, Albert Barnett, started...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited Skip’s Grill. TONIGHT, I stopped at Skip’s Grill,...

THE SCENT of warm butter-covered popcorn and the huge roar of the crowd… does anything bring you back faster than a Friday night under the stadium lights? For me, it’s a flood of memories: the...

“AGE IS just a number,” the old saying goes — and the ladies of the Tennessee Stealers and Tennessee Dinos prove it weekly at basketball practice and annually in Senior Olympics competitions across...

IT WAS another Friday night under the bright stadium lights for Franklin County High School varsity football player Dawson Sowers, who was in his senior year. The tension on the field was palpable,...

GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Franklin County. This month, Shannon Beebe visited M. Sweets Bakery and Cafe. JUST OVER the train tracks...

IF YOU’VE ever seen a fighter jet cut across the sky, you know what powerful looks like. You know what freedom sounds like. That roar overhead reminds us that we live in a country where people put...

THE BIBLE felt heavier than it should have as she held it for the first time. Its wide, empty margins waited for her to fill them. Somewhere between the shelves at Barnes & Noble and her...

GRIEF OFTEN hollows out the world we once knew. When someone we love dies, we’re left holding memories that feel too weightless for the weight of our sorrow. Without something lasting to anchor...

A FAMILY LOADS up their navy blue Jeep in Tennessee and takes a cross-country road trip. It’ll take several days to get to the Sequoia National Park in California. There may be hours when the Jeep...

FIRST, THE fire alarm sounded, then the phone rang off the hook. That’s when Tommy Myers went into action. Pulling on boots, headwear, and courage, he rode with other firefighters to save lives....

ROWESVILLE BAPTIST Church is off the beaten path, tucked in the woods where a creek runs under the bridge that leads to the parking lot. The white walls of the building shine in the sunlight, and a...

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENTS, carnival rides, live music, loads of craft vendors and a world-famous barbecue competition — this was the annual High on the Hog Festival where there’s always “smokin’ good...

WHEN YOU choose a locally owned business over a national chain, you’re not just spending your money, you’re planting it. And the roots of that investment reach deep. Every dollar counts, and it...

 AS THE founders of Back Bone BrewWorks, Blake Skeets and Tyler Rens are working toward opening Franklin County’s first brewery, a dream that has been years in the making. “We live in Winchester,...

A STUDENT IN our community today will walk the halls of Congress with a pinned American flag on their chest. A student in our community today will pray their knees still hold when their nerves get...

SANDY SCHULTZ sat in her first-year nursing class at Middle Tennessee State University. Heavy textbooks rested in her lap.. She stared at human anatomy diagrams, feeling disconnected, as if they...

JOSH NEAL, the principal of Winchester Christian Academy’s Upper School, remembers his eighth grade year as the moment that jumpstarted his career in education. “There were a couple of teachers...

IN THE tiny “classroom” of her childhood playroom, Diane Gipson was already a teacher. Barbie dolls and teddy bears sat in neat rows, listening intently as Gipson pointed to chalk scribbles on a...

SLOW-COOKED BARBECUE fused with the cozy scent of wood smoke as Bob Reynolds leaned out of the Squidbilly Vittles BBQ food truck window, greeting the growing line of customers with a smile. Behind...

LAURA LOWNDES sat quietly beside her father in the car. It was her favorite time of day when the world slowed down, and she could simply be with her dad. Maybe it was the engine's steady rumble, the...

SCENTS OF coffee and fresh-baked biscuits collide with the crisp bite of winter air as the doors of First United Methodist Church at Winchester creak open at dawn. Inside, warm air welcomes guests,...

THE SOUNDS of the self-checkout registers beep through the entire store. The short lines of people with baskets and carts move across the reflective tile like a conveyor belt and out the door. Uh,...

You know that first breath of spring? The way the warmer air gives you goosebumps — the air is soft, full of promise, carrying hints of something new. After months of cold, we step outside, and for...

“North Carolina needs us,” Megan Moorehead thought to herself.  The moment her phone rang, Moorehead knew something was wrong. It had been days since she’d heard from her friend in North...

Seventy-five years ago, Isaac Hall laid the first brick in a foundation that would stand the test of time — not in mortar and stone, but in trust and integrity. On brisk mornings, when the sun broke...

You know that first breath of spring? The way the warmer air gives you goosebumps — the air is soft, full of promise, carrying hints of something new. After months of cold, we step outside, and for...

A nurse walked down the hallway his mother walked decades before he did. Beep … beep … he could hear the sounds from patients’ rooms. He kept a small keepsake pinned to his scrubs, a pin his mother...

“CHEESE!” The photographer’s voice resounded in the studio, but the young boy standing in front of the camera didn’t move. His eyes were wide and apprehensive. He darted around the room, avoiding...

The body has its own language and innate wisdom that orchestrates every heartbeat, breath, and motion without conscious effort. Yet, with its persistent demands and often sedentary routines, the...

Health care disparities continue to grow, particularly in rural America, and the stakes have never been higher. Approximately 20% of Americans reside in rural areas, yet fewer than one-tenth of...

The people of the year 1000 faced division, uncertainty, and fear for the future. They didn’t know it then, but they stood at the edge of change, transitioning from the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages....

Many families gathered to cheer on their children as the Friday night lights flickered to life, illuminating the football field. Jake Beard proudly stood in the stands and witnessed his students'...

Philip Hill's career in physiotherapy, like many in the athletic world, began with his own injuries.  “I played sports and got injured, and I liked helping people,” he said. “I wanted to stay a part...

The damp dirt yielded under Jack Bell's hand. A glint of something caught his eye. It was a fragment of stone, half-buried, hinting at glimpses of the past. This is the thrill of the hunt — when...

Franklin County has a local steakhouse that opens from November to May. Oasis Steakhouse delivers an impressive dining experience that combines your choice of a daily lunch buffet with mouthwatering...

AUTUMN SETTLES into our town like a puppy in a warm bed. There’s a magic in the air that only this season can bring. Golden leaves drift gently from the trees, painting the sidewalks in shades of...

MIDDLE TENNESSEE represents new beginnings, summer vacations, or job relocations for some. But for many, it symbolizes history. Betty (Newman) Fraley, born in 1934 on Bradley’s Creek in Coffee...

CAROLYN WISEMAN walked into her office. The purr of the air conditioning unit replaced the sirens she once knew so well. Her desk, covered with paperwork and meeting agendas, reveals a new chapter....

THE MORNING light painted Winchester's brick buildings in warm colors as Yvonne Stewart strolled down first Avenue on her way to work. She paused to watch a group of young people laughing and...

DO YOU ever crave something to eat so much that you can’t stop thinking about a specific style of food or a particular dish? I do. Today, I couldn’t stop thinking about sushi, so I decided to...

SHE FLASHES her lights and pushes the gas pedal a little harder. The walkie-talkie is too quiet, so she spins the dial and makes her bulletproof vest a little more comfortable. She worked hard to...

LIFE AS a firefighter requires immense bravery, but for Zachary Langford, the greatest reward is being able to say, "I helped." The piercing fire alarm of a nearby building would jolt anyone awake....

TWICE A year, the charming community of Belvidere comes together for an event that has become a staple on the local calendar — the biannual Belvidere Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry. This special...

VERONICA LEECH spent over 30 years erasing and rewriting equations on dry-erase boards in school systems. Her distinctive handwriting, and even more so her zeal for learning, are well remembered by...

AS I sit here enjoying some of my favorite breakfast tacos at Walnut Hill Coffee Company, I can’t help but marvel at the ambiance. I think to myself, “How could one coffee shop change the entire...

OUR FOOD nourishes us, from the soil beneath our feet to the table where we gather with family and friends. The hot sun beams from the sky into the field of sprouting seeds. Farmers rise early,...

THE SUN gracefully illuminates the Moore family’s farm, and its hues create a breathtaking glow across its fields. In the early morning light, you might find Kelly and Gina Moore and their sons,...

THERE WAS a time in our history when farm-to-table was a daily affair. Back then, families gathered around the table to enjoy hot chicken, biscuits, corn, and fresh apple pies. Neighbors would swap...

FRANKLIN COUNTY’S 4-H youth program has long been a foundation for youth development, offering various opportunities for youth to grow, learn, and excel. This year, the program soared to new heights...

I’M A morning person. I love a good sunrise — not just watching it but also going to Sunrise (The Breakfast Place) in Decherd. So, for my adventure this month, I decided I wanted breakfast....

WHEN THE stadium lights blaze and the roar of the crowd echoes, true fans know the game-day experience begins in the parking lot. Celebrate your team’s spirit with these tailgating recipes, which...

YOU WILL come across something unique and special on the square in downtown Winchester. Filo’s Tavern is a made-from-scratch kitchen that uses the best locally sourced ingredients, even partnering...

THE PEEWEE football field radiated with the electric energy of anticipation. Under the floodlights, it was a tableau of youthful stamina and raw potential. Cleats crunched on the turf, helmets...

EMILY CORTNER’S love for horses began almost before she could walk. As a child, she was immersed in the world of equestrian sports thanks to her father, a long-time horse trainer. Growing up in an...

ALYSSA ARCHER’S phone buzzed with scholarship offers after she placed fifth at state this year, rising up from last year’s sixth-place win. But her journey to the top of the wrestling mat wasn’t...

THE CROWD fills the stands, row after row, of people in our high school’s colors. The family in front of you sits down with a fresh hot dog from the concession stand. It’s still steaming with a...

WHEN I was 8, I wanted to be a teacher. I remember my third grade teacher clicking the chalk on the green board on the wall. And when I was 9, I wanted to be a director. My parents bought me a...

FROM THE pulpit, Devron Holman, the associate pastor for Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, preaches with passion and conviction. His words are like a soothing balm for the weary soul as he...

STEPHANIE MAYFIELD stood atop the roof, the wind whipping through her hair and the vast expanse of the sky stretching before her. The freshly cut wood and the scent of asphalt shingles collided,...

FARRAR JEAN Ford’s childhood was a series of hospital stays and operating rooms, each leaving its mark on her. Born with a genetic disorder that necessitated numerous orthopedic surgeries, Ford's...

SINCE INDEPENDENCE Day is this month, I decided to drive to Cowan and eat at Paw Paw’s Country Cookin. Mrs. “Paw Paw” is an Army veteran, so what better time to try a new restaurant and thank her...

AS THE warm summer sun shines high in the Southern sky, it’s time to embrace the vibrant flavors of the season. Our July recipes showcase the best of summer’s produce, from juicy peaches and crisp...

IF YOU took a snapshot of any moment in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct our wrongs, to heal, and to...

IMAGINE A world overflowing with trash overshadowed by plastic mountains. This unsettling vision could have been a reality for Franklin County until Carol Fulmer, our "Recycling Queen," and her...

TWENTY YEARS ago, Beri Fraley’s calloused hands gripped a rifle in the unforgiving deserts of Iraq. Back then, Fraley wasn't yet a seasoned businessman but a National Guard captain leading a patrol...

WE OFTEN overlook the significance of basic abilities such as independence, clear sight, good hearing, problem-solving skills, and easy access to essential resources. Navigating the challenges...

WHAT BETTER time to indulge in the ultimate celebration of all things American: backyard barbecues, July Fourth festivities, and the comforting flavors of home? Let’s salute the classic dishes that...

FOR MOTHER’S Day this year, I went to dinner with my youngest daughter at Piezan Pizzeria Italiano, located on the square in downtown Winchester. I wasn’t going for pizza, though. I wanted to be...

SUMMER IS coming. And surely your home will sit empty for a week in this heat. The playful cheers of the kids on summer break go missing for a week that was planned for a year. The dishes sit in the...

THREE YEARS ago, on Aug. 11, 2021, Angela Averett planted the seeds for a harbor of connectivity in the Franklin County community. Her simple post on the Nextdoor app aimed to connect newcomers,...

AN ABUNDANCE of conversations ripples across the church parking lot, punctuated by the rattle of car trunks opening. Every third Saturday, Huntland United Methodist Church (UMC) buzzes with...

THE EARLY morning sun cast long shadows across the still waters of Woods Reservoir in Franklin County. A gentle breeze ruffles the surface, creating soft ripples that shine brightly in the golden...

I LOVE THE water. It can be any type — a swimming pool, a beach, or a lake. Birds flying, wildlife drinking, and people enjoying activities bring so much joy to so many. What better way to spend an...

THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...

AS YOU step out of your car, the atmosphere at Clark Memorial Elementary School seems to beam with positivity. You take a deep breath as you stand outside the school, absorbing the electrifying...

ΤHE SCENT of simmering garlic and oregano hung heavy in the air, clinging to the worn denim apron tied around his 16-year-old frame. Condensation gathered on the stainless steel counter as he sliced...

A BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED Craftsman home, painted in a calming sky blue with crisp white trim, reflects the friendly, bright, and refreshing atmosphere awaiting young scholars. Annette Martinez once...

THE FIRST dogwood blooms unfurl while other trees wake up from their long winter nap. Images of Easter, spring break, and picnics flood our feeds and keep us daydreaming of the warmer days ahead....

IN 2018, a new addition to our local culinary scene emerged, bringing with it the authentic flavors of Mexico that have since captivated the taste buds of many. Some say if you blink, you may just...

THE METAL beams tick, tick, tick with every inch the cart climbs to the top of the hill. The experienced thrill-seekers in the front cart raise their hands as the coaster inches toward the climax of...

GRACE CENTER of Hope, a nonprofit founded by visionary Dr. Ashley Dewitt, welcomes the laughter and dreams of children seeking a safe place for after-school activities. The community center bustles...

FOR MOST of us, sleep comes easily. We lay down at night, heads meeting our soft pillow, cocooning us like warm clouds. Our tired muscles loosen, welcoming the plush embrace of our mattresses. We...

ORIGINATING IN Chicago, the Rotary Club movement, now a global force, was initially conceived to unite business leaders in service to their communities. The Franklin County A.M. Rotary Club...

AS A food enthusiast, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Jefferson’s - Winchester, a new gem that recently graced our local scene. Nestled in Winchester’s downtown square, this...

IN THE quiet corners around us, away from negativity, thrive the true heartbeats of our community — the local charities and the selfless individuals who support them. It’s in these spaces, often...

A CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY faced life-altering challenges yet found strength and resilience through community support. Matthew Ratcliffe, a young man with a promising football career ahead, encountered a...

RAISED IN the tranquility of nature, Dr. Helton's love for animals found its roots in Upstate New York. Her journey eventually led her to Tennessee for veterinary school and ultimately to the heart...

AS YOU walk the halls of Isaiah 117 House locations all across America, you’ll witness the uniformity in warmth, kindness, and bright smiles. These homes have an aura like a soothing embrace,...

WHEN YOU think of the name “Vivid Journey,” what do you picture? For me, it’s brightness and lots of color. I think of white, puffy clouds in the sky as you are lying on your back, watching a...

IT’S HOLDING the door open for the person behind you. It’s sending a sweet text when they cross your mind. It’s stopping by to say “hi” when they’ve had a bad day. Showing up and showing love is...

EDEN KILGORE is a young girl, wise beyond her years, who wears many hats — a student, an athlete, a business owner, a volunteer, and a public speaker. One couldn’t help but wonder how she manages to...

MAGGIE AND Grant Gipson’s love story began on a crisp autumn evening on the bleachers at a Franklin County High School football game. It was in the eighth grade when mutual friends played...

IN EARLY 2020, Jordan Atkisson and his wife found themselves at a pastor's conference in Louisiana, where a person who had recovered from a drug addiction shared a powerful message. This moment...

THE FIRST sounds of life are screams and cries of joy. Oxygen fills little lungs for the first time. The lights above are bright. And the beeping machines from every corner of the room can be...

IN OUR lifetime, we all come to that inevitable moment when we find ourselves navigating various online listings, sifting through countless advertisements for long-term skilled care facilities for...

BORN AND raised in Monteagle, Sandy Bolin's roots run deep in the Volunteer State. Ms. Sandy started working at Dairy Queen at the tender age of 16, which instilled in her the value of hard work and...

FOR DR. Scott Holder, the journey began in his hometown of Franklin County, where he attended Franklin County High School. Fast forward 44 years, and he’s become an integral figure in the community,...

AS A FRANKLIN County High School (FCHS) teenager, Kristen Hannah Brown felt lucky to get out. Forget dreams and aspirations; Brown was just counting the days until her graduation in 2001. In...

ALONG WITH December’s hustle and bustle, our kitchens come alive with the spirit of the holidays. As friends and families gather, delightful treats take center stage, each dish a connection to...

LIKE THE cozy warmth of a heated blanket, Good News and the holidays are in the air once again. The season of festive lights, crackling fireplaces, and familiar carols is upon us, inviting a sense...

WE ENCOUNTER unsung heroes who walk among us without recognition. They may not be wearing a cape and a mask, but they’re a hero regardless. Their unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice makes...

Refreshing Lemonade Stand Serves Double Purpose for Foster Care Fundraising  Visitors and staff at Franklin County Courthouse enjoyed a refreshing lemonade stand that served a dual purpose: to raise...

NOTHING EXCITES me more than the idea of autumn. The trees are beautiful and never fail to take your breath away and then give it back to you. The perfect Saturday is a cool breeze coming in from...

AUTUMN BRINGS a bounty of delicious foods to enjoy as the weather cools down. From sweet to savory, there are plenty of flavors to savor during the fall season. Nothing quite beats a warm apple...

WHEN THE summer weather rolls into Franklin County, it brings with it the annual High on the Hog festival. This year was the 36th year that our Kiwanis Club hosted this celebration to raise money...

"BE THE person you’d want to see if you were looking through someone else’s eyes,” said Kelly Master, the local entrepreneurial inspiration who owns Hair Candy and Simply Be Youtiful. Hair Candy is...

OUR HOMETOWN sports is not simply a spectacle of athletic prowess; it is a celebration of the human spirit — an embodiment of the unwavering bond that emerges when we come together to support our...

DOTSON’S PRODUCE and Greenhouse has been a part of this community for a long time. So long, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when it put down roots in Franklin County. “A few years ago, the paper did a...

EVERYONE IN Franklin County loves our area for different reasons. Some people love the opportunities to get involved with their neighbors, some enjoy the beautiful places that bring us outdoors, and...

Artisan Depot becomes pollinator garden MAYOR MARK Ledbetter announced that the Artisan Depot Gallery’s pollinator garden, featuring Karen Ingle’s mural, is now a certified Monarch Way Station....

IT’S THAT time of year again when friends gather, jerseys are donned, and anticipation fills the air. Whether you’re an avid sports fan or simply enjoy the camaraderie, there’s one thing that can...

AS THE sun casts its golden glow upon our world, we find ourselves awakening to the delights of summer – the vibrant colors, the warm breezes, and the echoes of laughter and togetherness. With the...

AS THE workweek ends in Franklin County, residents eagerly anticipate Food Truck Fridays, a beloved culinary event that unites the community. This weekly extravaganza, which features a rotating...

BORN IN Chicago, Joy Stovall grew up about 90 miles northwest of Rockford, Illinois. There, she discovered her love for springboard diving and found herself competing at just 5 years old. At age 10,...

FRANKLIN COUNTY has long been known for its natural beauty and Southern charm, from the rolling hills to the picturesque lakes. But in recent years, there’s been a surge of new restaurants quickly...

FRANKLIN COUNTY has become a hub for community engagement and business growth. One event that continues to significantly impact the local scene is the 5 O'Dock Somewhere social networking event....

AS THE lazy days of summer drift into the warm embrace of August, our taste buds welcome the vibrant flavors offered by nature. The richness of the harvest season arrives as farmers markets brim...

AS A member of a group of people that only make up about 14% of the country’s population, and as a woman, I have faced unique challenges and experiences that have shaped my identity and journey of...

WE SAW the sky but little else through the window in the room where we sat. The gray and white clouds marched briskly by as blues and grays traded places.  She was convinced the clouds would...

AS SUMMER heats up, so do our grills and smokers, giving our kitchens a well-deserved break. Casual worknight dinners, weekend celebrations, and holiday parties bring together families for good food...

WHEN I think of the next generation, I feel excitement. I want this issue of Good News to be a joyous celebration of the young adults who will be the leaders of tomorrow, carrying the torch of...

THE FRANKLIN County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for this year’s annual junior leadership program. The adult program is in its 26th year, and the youth program is in its 21st year. The program...

IF YOU ask Norman Eicher what makes his family-owned company different, he’ll tell you it’s simple: Mountain View is driven by its people and values. According to their shared purpose statement, the...

WHEN BRENT and Lisa Poole set out to find a place to call “home,” they knew they wanted a place where they could share in the community’s journey. Brent, originally from the vibrant state of...

THE SOUND of music fills the air as the audience closes their eyes and lifts their hands, lost in the moment. Christian music concerts offer an unparalleled experience that touches the soul and...

THE AIR is thick and heavy, like a woolen blanket draped over the landscape. The sun blazes down, casting a golden glow over the world below. The grass is tall and green, swaying in the breeze like...

AH, RETIREMENT! We dream about it, save for it, and imagine how we’ll fill our days. While many seniors and retirees find countless ways to spend their time, others discover extra time on their...

THE BREEZE carries a hickory-smoked aroma from the nearby grill throughout the backyard as the family laughs and catches up in the early summer sunshine. It’s Dad’s day, but any excuse to get...

IT IS the best of times; it is (sometimes) the worst of times. I have three children, ages 16, 12, and 5. It’s not lost on me how fast they grow. Now, with a child who is nearing 18, it really does...

ART INVITES us into a space of creativity, purpose, self-expression, and fulfillment. Step into a world of originality, wonder, and diversity at the Franklin County Arts Guild’s exhibition space,...

THE DESIRE to connect with nature remains strong amidst a world dominated by technology. Visitors flock to Tims Ford State Park in search of a unique outdoor experience full of rich history and...

IT IS that time of the year again when the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of community members prepare for another Poker Run event on Tims Ford Lake, scheduled for June 10....

EVER CATCH the aroma of a memory? You know the one — your mama’s Sunday pot roast, fried onions and potatoes, chocolate chip cookies, or cinnamon rolls? We do our best to recreate them for our...

THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...

STAR OLYMPIAN Usain Bolt is known as the fastest man in the world, and his reputation was cemented when he won the gold medal in the 100-meter race at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London...

LYNCH-RIGSBY REALTY & Auction is not just any ordinary real estate company. It’s a team of seasoned experts who strive to make their clients’ real estate journey successful from beginning to...

Farmers markets are a place where community, food, and culture unite. They offer a unique experience that transports you from the hustle and bustle of daily life to a place where time moves slower,...

YOU CAN find pop-up consignment sales everywhere, but sales that double as community builders are hard to come by. Gina Moore’s 29th annual spring/summer pop-up shop was held March 4-11 at Monterey...

Sometimes life just isn’t what it seems.  There are situations where we view each other through the fishbowl of life. We watch from outside, sure of what we’re seeing. Meanwhile, inside, life is its...

I THINK OF education the same way I think of the spring season. In that time of year, out of season and lifeless-looking trees begin to bloom and become like new. The new nutrients, new water, and...

DAN WILLIAMS found a photo of an unknown soldier while walking past Glenn Grant’s picture frame shop in Winchester. Grant was retiring at the time, and Williams stepped inside to congratulate him on...

HUNTLAND HIGH School’s head football coach, Kermit Reed, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to create togetherness for the Huntland Hornets through longevity, improving, and rebuilding Huntland’s...

IF YOU ask a parent how important their child’s academic, physical, mental, and emotional development is, they would probably reply, “extremely important.” You would then direct them to a program...

WE FEEL the most comfortable when we know where we’re going. Knowing our destination, all the familiar landmarks along the way, and where we’ll settle in once we’ve arrived gives us a sense of...

IN THE story “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley, a man approaches a boy throwing starfish back into the ocean. The boy is in a hurry but is taking care of putting them back into the ocean. The man...

KIDS ARE barreling through the door after school, complaining that they are starving! It’s the age-old gripe of children, no matter how old. We all know that kiddos often get hungry between meals....

MEMORIES OF books, card catalogs, and hushing librarians come to mind when we recall the libraries of our childhood. We can almost smell that perfect mixture of paper, dust, and nostalgia. Those...

IT’S THE curse of getting older — you know — being told that we are acting like our parents by taking on their traits, actions, and beliefs. And it’s true. Now, at 39, I find it happening to me,...

THE TEST of history has proven that women have been foundational, like a sturdy rock that can withstand a storm. They overcame obstacles century after century, constantly adapting to the needs of...

AT ONLY 20 years old, Mackenzie Caldwell has made Winchester history as the first full-time female firefighter at the Winchester Fire Department.  While she’s incredibly humble about the...

ACROSS THE area, women meet each month to lift each other, support each other, share ideas, and give advice. With gatherings now taking place in Winchester, Tullahoma, and Manchester, the meetings...

IMAGINE LIFE is a car, and our goal is to make it from one side of the country to the other. The only way to do that is by having a full tank of gas. What is the gas in our lives, as humans, that...

ROSES ARE red, violets are blue, treat your loved one to a treat that is made by you! Whether you’re celebrating the beginnings of a new relationship, or spending the day with your longtime...

THIS QUOTE from the late and legendary women’s basketball coach, Pat Summitt, speaks about how one should approach a new situation or challenge. You must have the right attitude and belief in...

ALTRUISM IS the unselfish concern for other people — doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because of obligation, but because it is just who they are. It is how they operate and what...

NEW LIFE is creating a healthy quality of life for individuals in Franklin County. Since 1979, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has worked to bring awareness, change, and hope to individuals with mental and...

Daughters, nieces, and granddaughters enjoy an evening with their favorite men in their life for the annual Father-Daughter Dance. Hosted by the United Way of Franklin County, the event will take...

AFTER YEARS of partnership and friendships, Moore-Cortner Funeral Home and Watson- North Funeral Home are joining together to serve the Winchester community and provide the best grieving and healing...

THERE MIGHT not be a better person in your corner than Christine Hopkins. She is hope encased in human form and is determined to leave each person she encounters better than when she found them. Her...

THEY SAY honesty is the best policy. For Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller, it is the bottom line and at the core of his beliefs as a lawman, father, and human. Fuller was recently elected for his...

THE MOVIE theater can be a magical place. One of my fondest cinematic memories is being 8 years old and going to see the Rocketeer in 1991. The theater was packed with no seats left, and my sister...

THE 1960S was a decade filled with transition and turbulent times. Overseas, the Vietnam War was raging. War protests were taking place across the country. Martin Luther King Jr. led peaceful...

CELEBRATING THE community and all things art was the Artisan Depot. The Depot held a month-long series of workshops to bring out the creativity in everyone from the novice to the master. The series...

THE FAMOUSLY KIND and good-hearted television host, Mister Rogers, often spoke about the importance of helping each other. For over 30 decades he came into our homes each day through his show...

RECENTLY UNVEILING a unique reading experience for children and readers of all ages was the Franklin County Library with their latest project, the Stand Tall Trail Tale, that opened to the public in...

ON A rainy Wednesday in August, over 200 people packed into the quaint Christ Church in Monteagle. They sat shoulder to shoulder in pews and stood elbow to elbow alongside the walls. Each was there...

FOR THE past 23 years, Chris Hawkersmith has been working tirelessly to help his students be the best that they can be, both mentally and physically. Now he is getting the opportunity to continue...

ONCE A month Franklin County’s industries, manufacturers, and local educators come together to observe how they help each other, learn more about each other, and assist each other in the continued...

EACH YEAR, the Franklin County community comes together for a weekend of fun, playing softball while raising money for local athletes and remembering two of their own. Their gathering is for the...

EACH MONDAY, Heather Jolley gets her two children ready for school and drops them off. She makes sure to tell them she loves them and how proud she is of each of them. A kiss for her husband, David,...

THE SUN shines bright, encouraging all that it touches to get moving and start the day. It’s a nice morning, for the middle of August. The cooler air is a reminder that summer is on its way out, and...

WHEN TRAGEDY and hardship strike, we want to help. We demonstrate our love and care in various ways, but feeding those hit hard meets a basic need and fuels them to manage their situations. Few...

THE CITY of Winchester recently welcomed Liz Ausdenmoore as the executive director for the Winchester Downtown Program (WDTP). Ausdenmoore is no stranger to Winchester, having been a frequent...

BIG CHANGES are coming to the city of Decherd. The city was among 10 communities recently chosen to participate in the Tennessee Downtowns program. Other communities chosen included Alexandria,...

THE FRANKLIN County School District was recently recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) in the Best for All Districts for strategic spending on student achievement. Franklin...

TENNESSEE VALLEY Authority (TVA) Economic Development is investing in Franklin County and its workforce. Recently, TVA Economic Development created Workforce Invest, a grant-matching program, to...

HUNTLAND HIGH School senior Ashtyn Danley was recently named the 2021-22 Gatorade Tennessee Softball Player of the Year. In addition to the honor, Danley is also the first to be chosen from Huntland...

It’s finally here! Although the outside temperature argues for summer, your school spirit knows it’s fall. Tonight you’ve chosen shorts and flip-flops, but soon it will be flannel shirts, pants, and...

FRIDAY NIGHT football is composed of many layers. It’s a quilt of school colors, students, players, coaches, band members, and more. But cheerleaders are the thread binding it all and creating...

VROOM, VROOM. He raced forward without thinking of his surroundings, not into oncoming traffic but into the view of the Tennessee/LSU game. A quick swat on his young behind sent him driving away...

THE ELECTRIFYING atmosphere under Friday night lights is majorly fueled by loyal fans scattered across stadium seats. Young children with painted faces, parents with cushioned seats, and...

SUMMERTIME IS the perfect time for many things. Barbecuing, swimming, fireworks, ice cream, just to name a few. It’s also the perfect time for outdoor music. Grabbing a couple of chairs or a blanket...

THE CLASSROOM is like railroad tracks. Hard workers spent years, decades—centuries even—laying the groundwork for the trains to run smoothly from coast to coast. They’re strong. And they last for...

DEFINING THE meaning of teacher requires more than Merriam-Webster; it takes a deeper look and a second glance. More than a job with a summer-long vacation, teachers are motivated by their love for...

IT MIGHT be one of the most exciting yet stressful times of the year, rivaling that of Christmas. It requires preparation, planning, logistics, time, and money. I’m almost sure there are military...

SURROUNDED BY a sea of classmates, a student filled with potential may feel invisible or wish he could disappear. Another student’s highest aim might be to coast through school until graduation. One...

WITH THE first cup of steaming coffee in my hand and the stiffness still in my joints, I gently ease into my spot on the couch. A fresh, new day offers a blank page, although the to-do list in my...

JUST OFF the winding asphalt of Lynchburg Road in the Broadview community, sits the picturesque scene of the quaint and friendly farm, Morris Acres, where the sounds of children laughing and sheep...

INVITING NATURE lovers of all ages and types is the quaint and friendly Meadow Trail at the South Cumberland State Park. Conveniently located at the park’s welcome and information center, just off...

CONFETTI, APPLAUSE, and the cheers of hundreds of students were heard when Megan Geer was named principal for Decherd Elementary. The unveiling of her new position took place the morning before the...

KELLI RILEY is a busy person. Whether it is bringing new industry to Franklin County as the director for the Industrial Development Board, coordinating with the high schools to facilitate a smooth...

FRANKLIN COUNTY High School (FCHS) is sending a group of student athletes off to what they hope will be both a successful collegiate and athletic experience. Eight students of the high school were...

THE WORDS “back to school” can stir up many different emotions. Some young parents hear “school” and are instantly filled with dread and anxiety. Leaving their wide eyed babes for the first time can...

The sounds of Sondheim, Strauss, Adams, Rimsky-Korsakov, and more could be heard among the trees, wildlife, and Gothic architecture of the University of the South for the 65th Annual Sewanee Summer...

IF YOU took a snapshot of any 10 years in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct that, to heal, and to...

Here are fun facts to challenge your players:  DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: John Hancock’s was the first and only one on July Fourth. The remaining signatures were added over time,...

WHEN VIKTOR Makela arrived in America from Finland, the Statue of Liberty welcomed him. He brought more than a few material possessions with him; he arrived with a heart filled with dreams. Makela...

WE WELCOME a summer celebration more than ever, and Independence Day is the perfect time to gather for food, fun, fireworks, and flag-waving. There’s an event near you, so there’s no excuse for...

HMMM AAAHH. It smells like the weekend. Those grilled pineapple burgers will be lip-smacking, mouthwatering, and juicy down to the last bite. However, what lies on the grill is much more than your...

WHEN I was a young buck, I decided if there was a rule, I was going to break it. There have been many distinct times in my life when I have felt suffocated by others’ control, expectations, or...

Franklin County High School (FCHS) recently held a mock prom disaster in the school’s parking lot. The event was scheduled before events such as prom and graduation, to educate students on the...

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER Week was recently observed April 17-23. To further mark the importance of the week, President Joe Biden declared it National Volunteer Week in a presidential proclamation to...

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS in designing a flier for a friend’s business have led to a quarter century of business for Catherine Murray. Known affectionately by the community as “Cat,” she is the sole owner...

WHAT HAPPENS when local industry and a high school team up? They create an endless amount of opportunities for students to find employment in their own hometown, post-graduation, and they offer...

SENIOR YEAR for a high school student can be lots of things. It’s a time of wrapping up your secondary education, spending as much time as possible with your friends before graduation, and making...

THE ANNUAL High on the Hog Festival welcomed the summer festival season. For the past 35 years the festival has been welcoming locals and visitors alike with seven days worth of events that all do...

Tims Ford Reservoir is 10,600 acres in South Central Tennessee, a major portion of which is located in Franklin County. The lake is considered one of the most picturesque in Tennessee. It’s regarded...

It’s hard to want to eat a large meal after a long day working or playing out in the blistering heat. You know you need something substantial to sustain you, yet you’re so worn out. Those hearty...

Located below Tims Ford Dam, the Elk River is popular for panfish and trout fishing. The tailwaters below the dam are about 50 feet wide with gravel bars and intermittent deep pools. For...

Whether it’s relaxation or adventure you’re seeking, you don’t have to look far to find it. Middle Tennessee’s waterways will refresh and restore you. A lazy float with nature’s soundtrack of...

HAVE YOU ever given something away and later felt regret settle in? Last summer, I was push-mowing our grass. I thoroughly enjoy breaking a sweat and getting a little exercise while doing yard work....

According to nature.org, the Duck River is one of the state’s most scenic waterways and North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river. It is located entirely within the state of...

Right in our own backyard, we have access to one of the most di- verse ecosystems in the world. Henry Horton State Park (HHSP) neighbors the peaceful Duck River and is waiting to be explored. The...

TENNESSEE MAY not have sandy shores. We may not have Buckingham Palace sitting in our backyard. Vacation spots all around the world, from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower, attract tourists from far and...

THE QUAINT city of Cowan has welcomed the spring season with colorful and meaningful art exhibits that can be enjoyed by all at the town’s local art hub, The Artisan Depot. The gallery premiered its...

MOUNTAINEER, JOHN Muir, stated that "in every walk with nature, one receives far more that he seeks." Tims Ford State Park offers several trails that awaken the soul and leaves its travelers with a...

Local industry is helping students further their interests and knowledge of technology with grants and donations recently made from Nissan, Harbor Freights Tools and Southern Tennessee Rural Health...

HELPING TO increase student in- terest in the growing field of Sci- ence, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Huntland Schools was recently awarded a grant from the Tennessee Val- ley...

WHILE THE season is over for the Franklin County High School girls soccer team, the team is still celebrating a season of success and lessons learned. The team, headed up by coach Kent Bean,...

CAN YOU imagine showing up to what is now the Winchester public square only to find rolling hills, trees, and ferocious wild animals? You would have likely walked for months or rode horseback if you...

Sometimes you have to get away. All you can think about is the gentle rocking of your favorite horse as he carries you over fallen logs through rippling creeks. You can see the hills and hollows...

WHAT ARE the marks of a fun and vibrant community? It’s both the community’s willingness and ability to gather together to celebrate just about anything and everything. You shouldn’t wait for a...

MANCHESTER IS full of wonderful businesses and wonderful opportunities. One such opportunity available for the community is the Manchester Arts Center, supported and run by the Manchester Municipal...

THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER dictionary defines the word selfless as “someone who has no concern for self, or unselfish.” As the world keeps turning, it may feel like selfless people are few and far between....

Easter parades may have passed on by, but its many other traditions are alive and well. Even though the internet has changed how we watch movies, families still watch “The Ten Commandments” every...

WEBSTER MAY define selflessness as having no concern for self, but givers in our community give the world and our lives deeper meaning. They take to heart the well-being and care of others and place...

AS MORNING’S first light nudged the last of the darkness, Mary Magdalene walked with heavy heart and feet along the dirt road. The garden’s birdsong and fragrant blossoms, usually welcomed,...

THE DREAM never ultimately left Kyle. Night after night, he faithfully clocked into his job at the auto manufacturing plant. There were weeks it didn’t once cross his mind. There were weeks it was...

Natural disasters, economic turndown, a global pandemic, political upheaval, and other gloom and doom headlines scream at us from the media. Shortages, both real and rumored, have become common. The...

WHAT STARTED out as a Mother’s Day Out (MDO) program for children ages 2 and 3, in 2007, has steadily grown into a trusted and dependable school for children of all ages. After the first two years...

THE FUTURE of Franklin County’s 136 acres, the East Moon Property, is looking brighter. The property located on Highway 64 has remained undeveloped and unappealing to developers due to the lack of...

SQUARING UP for a jump shot, a basketball player takes an elbow to the face. His opponent does everything in his power to challenge his offense, even by utilizing excessive force. This is gritty...

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Tennessee, is a place like no other. It provides a time of peace and relaxation to thousands of guests from all over the country. While its lakes, nature, things to do, and...

FEW PATHS to positive personal growth are more noble than resolving to help others through increased acts of generosity and kindness. According to Psychology Today, doing good for others—no matter...

LONG BEFORE the sun rises over the horizon, Mama is up putting dishes in the oven and ironing everyone’s Sunday best. Then, it’s a hurried push out the door and into the car. Pulling into the church...

HAVE YOU ever experienced the kindness of a stranger at just the right time? Barely hanging on, something as simple as a genuine compliment could send tears streaming down your face in an instance....