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....
Leading With Heart
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Jeriah Brumfield
Hearts and Hands of Gold
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,...
A Life Rooted in Middle Tennessee
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...
Revitalizing Winchester
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...
Honoring Richard Ellis
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...
Homegrown Heroes
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...
Kalyn Lindsey: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
“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...
A Lifeline In The Skies
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...
Destiny Wilkinson: A Daughter’s Duty
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...
Belvidere Volunteer Fire Department: Belvidere Traditions Continue
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...
Zachary Langford.: The Heart of A Firefighter
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....
Two Generations, One Mission
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...
Brad and Patti Coverdale: A Little Chicken Oasis
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...
The Moore Family: Planting Seeds for Generations
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,...
John Ferrell: Sweet Success
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,...
Celebrating Local Bounty
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...
4-H Youth Program Reaches New Heights
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...
Mac’s Meat: Farm-to-Fork
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...
Andrew Ragland: Ministry and Mentorship
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: A Champion of Walking Horse Traditions
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: No Limits
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...
Harrison Camp: Process Over Product
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....
Evan Keller: Balancing Books and Baseball
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: Academic and Athletic Ambitions
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...
Farrar Jean Ford: Former Pageant Queen’s Dreams
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...
Stephanie Mayfield: ‘Big Change Starts In Small Places’
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,...
Devron Holman: A Minister’s Dreams Come True
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...
Rooted in Faith, Growing With Family
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....
Tiffany Partin: ‘Dreams Are Achievable’
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...
Angie Sanders : A Vision of Change
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...
Harold Jones: A Life Well Built
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...
Carol Fulmer: Recycling Gets Fun. The County Wins.
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...
Ray Cobb: A Lens of Courage
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...
Syrenna Patrick: A Veteran’s Voice
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...
Beri Fraley: Desert Sands Meet Main Street
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...
The Bondurant Family: Fresh Air, Sweet Treats, and Family Fun
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...
Family Traditions Emerge at the Elk River
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...
Jerry Little Reflects on Cherished Memories at Woods Reservoir.
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...
A Look Inside Huntland Methodist Church’s Treasured Grocery Giveaway.
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...
Coffee, Cocktails, and Unexpected Sisterhood
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,...
Mountain Mobile Meals Is on the Rise.
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 Local Child Care Center Cultivates Imagination and Empathy in a Cozy Bungalow.
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...
Where the Music Meets the Mission
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...
Franklin County’s Trusted Paint Expert Defies Setbacks and Builds a Community Mainstay.
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...
The Danley Family Has Kept Homes Cozy for 50 Years.
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...
Winton Auction & Realty Has a Future Rooted in Service and Collaboration.
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...
The Grace Center of Hope Blends Education, Spirituality,
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...
Debbie Edens Brings Comfort and Joy Through Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
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...
Franklin County A.M. Rotary Club’s Hands-on Approach to Community Involvement
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...
Exploring Summer Magic at St. Andrew’s Sewanee
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...
Brightening Days & Building Futures
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...
Turning the Page to Retirement, a Former Educator Faces New and Exciting Opportunities.
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...
A Car Accident Inspires the Ratcliffes to Turn Challenges Into Opportunities.
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...
Midtown Veterinary Clinic’s Commitment to Animal Welfare
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...
Isaiah 117 House Offers Hope to Foster Children.
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,...
Campora Family Resource Center Is a One-Stop Shop for Hope, Generosity, and Change.
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...
The Diverse Chapters of Pastor Jim Thomas’ Service to God and the Community
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...
Sue Fulmer’s Influential Path to Community Advocacy and Connection
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...
Rebuilding, Reviving, Restoring, and Recovering Souls
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...
Exploring Ya-Ya Sisters’ Two Decades of Laughter, Support, and Unforgettable Memories.
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...
The Influence of Family and Upbringing on Jim and Holly’s Life
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...
The Unbreakable Bond of Maggie and Grant Gipson
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...
The Walker Way: A Tale of Love, Resilience, and Community Commitment
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...
Balancing Academics, Passion, and Community Impact
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...
Healing Through Compassion Is Emily Horton’s Personal Mission
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...
A Taste of Hope With Ms. Sandy Bolin
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...
Delivering Generations of Wellness in Franklin County
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,...
Franklin County Therapist Ensures Mental Health for All.
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...
Lauren Laurino’s Holistic Health Mission That Transcends Borders
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...
Becky Campbell’s Mission Is to Heal and Revitalize Her Community.
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...
The Table – Bridging Disparities With Food and Fellowship
A HIDDEN TRUTH exists that often eludes our attention — the existence of the less fortunate population. These individuals remain easily overlooked as we venture through our daily lives. Among the...
The 59th Annual Cowan Christmas Parade Continues to Unite Generations in Festive Tradition.
THE COWAN Christmas Parade is an event that has brought joy, unity, and family traditions to the community for nearly six decades. Each year, the event fills the community with love, charm, great...
Two Passionate Visionaries Rekindle Winchester’s Christmas Tradition.
RICKY TIPPS and Montana Medina’s childhoods were highlighted by the town’s treasured tree-lighting event and other festive traditions during the holiday season. However, as time passed, this beloved...
A Journey to Illuminate Hearts Beyond the Holidays
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,...
Santa Comes to Town Event Promotes a Season of Giving in Franklin County.
THE HOLIDAY season is a time of giving, sharing, and coming together as a community. The unifying Santa Comes to Town event in historic downtown Winchester strengthens this sentiment. At the...
Ryan Fuller – A Second-Generation Hero Continues His Father’s Legacy to Create Camaraderie in the Community.
MEET RYAN FULLER, a second-generation hero who has dedicated his life to safeguarding the Winchester community as a proud member of the Winchester Police Department. Born and raised in this...
Lamar Howard – Local Police Officer Promotes an Engaging and Thriving Community
IN THE heart of the beautiful city of Winchester is a heroic figure quietly working to protect and serve — police officer Lamar Howard. With a strong sense of duty and a warm, inviting spirit,...
How Bradd Holden Found Healing and Inspiration Through Creativity
TO KNOW him is to love him. Mr. Bradd Holden is a man with a heart of gold who has stolen the hearts of everyone at Elk River Health and Nursing Center in Winchester. This warm and welcoming...
Belvidere Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Fish Fry Celebrates Community and Tradition.
THE BELVIDERE Volunteer Fire Department has been a pillar of strength and support for its residents for many years. While their daily sacrifices to ensure neighbors’ safety and well-being are...
Anita Soluna’s Selfless Service in Peru
IN THE beautiful country of Peru, the air was thick with humidity, and the scent of rich earth and vibrant flora filled the senses. Towering trees draped in emerald greens formed a great canopy...
Megan Lingerfelt Shares South Cumberland’s Rich History Through Her Awe-Inspiring Mural Creation.
IN A display of artistic brilliance and community engagement, artist Megan Lingerfelt has concluded an extraordinary six-day endeavor in Grundy County, leaving behind Tracy City’s first magnificent...
Five Generations Strong: A Journey Rooted in Franklin County’s Agricultural Heritage
STEP ONTO the vibrant and historic grounds of the Woodall Family Farm in Decherd, and immerse yourself in a history deeply rooted in agriculture. The Woodalls have birthed passionate agricultural...
South Cumberland Farmers Market’s Online Hub Cultivates Quality and Community.
IN ATHENS, Georgia, a passionate advocate of local farmers breathed life into an innovative software that revolutionized connections with nearby growers. Locally Grown emerged as a beacon of hope,...
Granddaddy’s Farm Welcomes All Ages to Come and Enjoy the Fall Season.
FALL IS an exciting time around these parts. Its arrival brings a sense of warmth, comfort, and joy, with many things to look forward to during the season. High school and college football are...
Lyndi and Darrin’s Mission to Make Franklin County Feel Like Home.
BEAN ACRES Farm Camp, bordering Tims Ford Lake, located on 48 acres of family-owned farmland in Franklin County, has become a cherished haven for children over the past four years. Lyndi Bean and...
Food Truck Fridays Event Is Back on the Scene.
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...
Uncovering the Hidden Gems in Our Community and Embracing a Brand-New Culinary Experience.
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...
Clayton Knight’s Game-Changing Nutrition Hub Transforms Smalltown Living.
FAR BEYOND traditional wellness, our charming town has a hub of its own — a place where health education and delicious health-conscious drinks collide to create a better, happier life and community....
Culinary Treasures of Sewanee: A Dining Experience to Remember, Curated by Tom Anderson and Cynthia Krueger
IN THE charming town of Sewanee, a culinary gem awaits those seeking a unique dining experience. La Bella Pearl, a Mediterranean oasis housed in an eye-catching orange building with black and white...
Local Businesses Thrive at Franklin County’s Inclusive Networking Event.
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....
Joy Stovall Dominates the Gymnastics Scene All Over the U.S.
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,...
Lupita Pell Brings a Small Taste of Mexico to the Community of Winchester.
LIKE MANY young adults leaving the nest, Lupita Pell left South Mexico with a vision and aspirations. With her mother, two sisters, and nieces and nephews still in her hometown of Oahaca, she knew...
Faith: Discovering Your Unique Purpose Through the Lens of Faith
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...
Monteagle’s Historic Gathering Place Transformed Through Generations.
IN THE historic and charming town of Monteagle stands an old quaint stucco building that had been a witness to many generations. This building, built in 1939 by Raymond and Hazel Sanders, was...
The Beautiful Story Behind Mot’s Shaved Ice Stand
UPON ARRIVING at Mot's Shaved Ice stand for the first time, your attention is drawn not to their shimmering "OPEN" sign but to the warm and inviting smiles of the staff inside the stand as they...
Explore the Musical Roots and Evolution of Self-Taught Musician Zachary Brooks, From Drumming Pots to Winning Hearts.
GOD GAVE him the gift of music. Zachary Brooks spent his high school years performing music he created, using live instruments like the piano, drums, and sounds that captivated his audience. ...
Kaleob Ashley Used Roadblocks as Building Blocks to Live the Life of His Dreams.
KALEOB ASHLEY learned about the power of faith and perseverance at an early age. The 23-year-old Airbnb owner, coach, real estate investor, minister, and Huntland alum earned his undergraduate...
Brent and Lisa Poole – Retired Firefighter and Wife Establish Residential Childcare.
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...
Examining Dr. Cary Holman’s Unwavering Commitment to Improving the Education System.
DR. CARY Holman, director of Franklin County Schools, embodies excellence from his visionary outlook to his relentless pursuit of education and deep love for his community. Born and raised in...
The Franklin County Educational Foundation Is Committed to Investing in Today’s Youth and the Future Leaders of Our Community.
WHAT BEGAN as a small gathering of people, at the request of director of schools Amie Lonas, in late 2016, soon expanded to a large group of business people, professionals, and community leaders to...
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