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...
CHERIE WILLIAMS never set out to be a teacher. In fact, she was certain she wouldn’t be. Growing up, she was inspired by Mary Tyler Moore’s iconic television persona and dreamed endlessly of city...
THE FIRST time Paula Watts picked up her instrument in North Middle School’s band room, the world suddenly made a little more sense. Students tuned their instruments, chair legs scraped against the...
KIM FOSTER still smiles when she thinks back to the day she earned that sticker in Ms. Dean’s class. That one small gesture made her feel seen, unique, and capable of achieving anything she set her...
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...
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...
WHAT DOES it mean to be part of a community? Is it simply sharing a space, celebrating victories, and exchanging smiles and stories? Is it coming together to help those in need, offering a leg up...
LIFE MEANDERS like a backroad, winding through twists, turns, and the occasional hidden treasure. For Janet "Gail" Castle, those winding paths have led her into a life of helping others heal. From...
SUSAN BINKLEY walks the construction site with both pride and purpose, her eyes scanning the 24,000-square-foot building. The sun catches the gleaming metal roof of a sprawling barn-like structure,...
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 Vietnam veterans returned to a home they hardly recognized — a country overshadowed by protests, riots, and resentment. For many of them, the reception was almost as cold as the battles they had...
There’s magic to John and Virginia (Jenny) Smith’s story, the kind of charm you only find in a Southern home with a porch swing that’s seen many sunsets and family gatherings. For over 30 years,...
“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...
During the 1970s, weekends in Franklin County meant gathering with friends at the local Dairy Queen. It was a time when life moved slower, and the small things like milkshakes and fries created...
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...
“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...
In the stillness of early morning, Gina Weddington steps into her workplace — a treatment center at Elk River Health and Nursing Center of Winchester. Her arrival is humble and unassuming, but her...
For Diane Bolin, nursing was a lifelong dream that survived detours, setbacks, and the weighty responsibilities of raising a family. Her road to nursing had many twists and turns, but her family’s...
It's a lively dental office. The soft conversations create a friendly and comfortable environment. Dr. Ethan Tindall, dressed in a crisp white coat, moves swiftly between patient rooms, his demeanor...
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...
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'...
On a crisp autumn morning in 2021, Robin Gilliam found herself walking into the Franklin County Senior Center, not as a director, but as a temporary fill-in for the meals-on-wheels program. The...
In the dimly lit hallways of the Franklin County and Coffee County Recovery courts, a new kind of hope now walks the halls where remnants of past mistakes once lingered. Allen Burnette was once...
The gravel crunched beneath the tires as the car slowed to a stop at the end of a winding driveway, kicking up a small cloud of dust in the cool air. Delores Janush peered through the windshield at...
FROM THE first time he laid eyes on Cowan’s gorgeous city landscapes, Johnny Hand felt an undeniable pull. It was as if the hills, valleys, and warm-hearted people welcomed him with open arms,...
JOHN WINE led a group of teens on a mission trip in the sweltering heat of a Louisiana summer, working on a house without power. As sweat trickled down their faces, the reality of the need struck...
WHAT WILL your legacy be? This question often lingers in our minds, prompting us to reflect on how we hope to be remembered and the impact we want to leave behind. For some, legacy is found in the...
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...
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....
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...
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...
“ONE OF my favorite quotes — which I keep posted in my office and read daily — is, ‘Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, that is not...
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....
THE PATROL car engine rumbled through young Destiny Wilkinson’s shoes. Her nose pressed against the cool window. The world became blurry with flashing red and blue lights as her dad, Deputy Rusty...
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...
THE EMERGENCY phone rang, cutting through the morning silence at Erlanger Health System. This sound was familiar, yet one that never failed to send a rush of adrenaline through the LIFE FORCE Air...
IN THE beautiful city of Belvidere, Brad and Patti Coverdale are transforming their humble plot of land into a thriving, sustainable enterprise known as Chicken Little Farm. This farm specializes in...
MAC’S MEAT Processing has transformed local food traditions in our town since 1969. Established by Hugh “Mac” McCormick, this family-owned business has continuously grown and adapted over the years...
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...
JOHN FERRELL squinted into the sun, watching honeybees lumber from flower to flower. It wasn’t the same frantic buzzing that irritated him as a child. This time, he saw the intentional movements,...
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...
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 LATE summer sun blankets the soccer practice field, filling the atmosphere with exhilarating energy. A group of young girls hustles through drills, their focus sharp and their movements swift....
THE CRACK of the bat against the leather ball pierced through the air. Evan Keller crouched behind the plate, the worn mitt an extension of his own hand. Keller had seen this field many times...
EMMA OWENS' passion for softball didn’t stem from any particular event — it was ingrained in her by her mother, who had played throughout high school. Owens was fascinated by the distant sounds of...
AT JUST 12 years old, Angie Sanders’ mother was brutally murdered at the hands of an abusive ex-boyfriend. It was a nightmare that never seemed to end. The trauma left scars that wouldn’t heal for...
TIFFANY PARTIN’S heart raced as the sound of the engine faded to silence. She was already on high alert from an ambulance call, and now she raced toward the injured motorcycle rider being wheeled...
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...
TRADING IN the familiar clanging of milk pails for the invigorating fragrance of a thousand blooms may not seem like the ideal experience for many farmers, but this was Verna and Sam Lapp’s reality....
AT JONES Hardware, the scent of fresh-cut lumber pairs with the excitement of shopping for hardware supplies, making it the perfect destination for first-time movers, demolition projects, or...
IN THE pitch-black darkness of an Iraqi night, with the desert sand swirling around her, Syrenna Patrick found herself in a surreal moment of clarity. Bullets zipped through the air, mirroring the...
A YOUNG RAY Cobb, barely out of his teens, crouches behind a sandbag in a mock Vietnamese village. Sweat beads are on his forehead, and condensation gathers on his vintage camera lens. The distant...
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...
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,...
STEP INTO the Bondurant family’s world: a serene escape where the ebb and flow of Tims Ford Lake ownership has shaped not just a marina but a legacy. With roots embedded in the waves since 1984, the...
AS SUMMER approaches, families eagerly anticipate the break from daily routines, preparing to embark on new adventures. Friends load up their RVs, ready to hit the open road and create unforgettable...
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...
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...
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...
A SHROUD OF pre-dawn darkness blanketed Southern California as Monday morning arrived. As the rest of the world slept, Tony Stone, a soldier turned civilian, sat at his kitchen table, bathed in the...
MICHAEL T. Danley the current owner of Danley Heating and Air, didn't initially plan to follow in his grandfather's (Edward Thomas Danley) and father's (William "Bill" Thomas Danley) footsteps in...
FOR OVER seven decades, Winton Auction & Realty has been a cornerstone of Franklin County, its weathered brick facade whispering tales of community spirit and dedication. Founded in 1948 by Bob...
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...
ANGIE FULLER’S students have seen her orchestrating engaging lessons in math and science and blossomed into inquisitive scholars for over 30 years. Inspired by a dedicated mentor who recognized her...
IN OUR FLOURISHING town, a powerful revolution is underway, led by a group of passionate teenagers who created a coalition known as Teens Making a New Tomorrow. The guiding lights of the movement...
WHEN ENVISIONING summer camp, what image comes to mind? Is it the smell of the half-burnt marshmallows perched atop the bonfire, yearning to unite with graham crackers and chocolate Hershey bars? Is...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
HISTORY WHISPERS through the halls of the old Townsend School, now the heart of transformation at Campora Family Resource Center. Its time-honored history touches the lives of children and families...
SUE FULMER’S transformative journey commenced in classroom halls, transitioning from an aide to a teacher, ultimately finding her purpose as the site manager/family partner at Head Start. During a...
PASTOR JIM Thomas, the man behind the pulpit at Payne’s Baptist Church, was blessed with a journey that spans military service, a career in law, and the skies as a helicopter pilot. Thomas’ story...
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...
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...
IN THIS thriving community lies a love story that has stood the test of time. Dennis and CleiJo Walker, a couple with 55 years of marriage under their belt, share their journey of love, support, and...
THERE’S NO better remedy for the soul than the profound connection of friendship love, known as “philia” in Greek. In 2002, a close-knit group of friends embarked on a journey inspired by the film...
JIM AND Holly Cortner’s love story unfolds, intertwined with the legacy of their shared values and dedicated service to the community. Jim’s upbringing, which consisted of early morning rises with...
THERE IS a servant’s heart in this community whose mission in life centers around healing and revitalizing their hometown one day at a time. This selflessness has touched many hearts and has opened...
LAUREN LAURINO, a self-proclaimed “hybrid Jersey girl,” embarked on a transformative journey from her urban upbringing in the Northeast to the tranquil landscapes of Tennessee. Her childhood, marked...
WHEN YOU hear the word “therapy,” what comes to mind? It’s encouraging to witness the growing recognition of mental health care’s essential role in our lives today. In a world filled with everyday...
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...
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...
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,...
IN THE heartwarming Winchester community and beyond, one luminous gem shines with brilliance – Pam Peck. Her presence is a treasured blessing, an embodiment of love itself. Pam is a cherished wife,...
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