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...

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...