🌱 Child Alert In County + Giving Machines Nashville + Kid Crashes Car

Hello, neighbors. I'm Miranda and I'll be filling in for Danielle today! It's Tuesday in Franklin, so let's get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Occasional rain and a t-storm. High: 67 Low: 48.

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Here are the top three stories today in Franklin:

1. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office issued a child alert early Monday afternoon. Anybody who sees a child alone near Old Natchez Trace Road and Moran Road is asked to contact 911 immediately. The child is a White male and is about eight years old, possibly with a white blanket around his shoulders. (WCSO Franklin via Twitter)
2. Giving Machines Nashville raised about $117,000 during the holiday season for local charities. The machines, placed around the Cool Springs Galleria, were set up to collect donations for five local charities: GraceWorks Ministries, Tennessee Resettlement Aid, Catholic Charities, Angel Heart Farms, and Achilles International. In addition, the funds benefited numerous international charities. (WKRN News 2)
3. A Saturday car accident was caused by a five-year-old who was allowed to drive the car, Nashville police say. According to a witness, they saw a vehicle occupied by 53-year-old John Edwin Harris and his son crash into a mailbox in the 8000 block of Charlotte Pike in nearby Nashville. The father then grabbed his son from the vehicle before fleeing the scene. Harris stated that his child jerked the steering wheel, causing the crash, according to an affidavit. (WSMV 4)

Today in Franklin:

• Toddler Time At Williamson County Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Computer Basics At Williamson County Public Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Franklin’s hiking and biking trails are one of its best-kept secrets. If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors any time of year, check out this list of the best nature escapes for you! (Visit Franklin, TN via Facebook)
• Nashville native Dr. Bobby Jones was honored with a new National Museum of African-American Music exhibit. (Tennessean)
• The city of Franklin is asking citizens to help name a snowplow! Submit your name idea through Jan. 31. (Press Release Desk)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.