🌱 Marker For Franklin's First Black Biz Owner + In-N-Out Tax Break

Hey, friends. It's Thursday in Franklin and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

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Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cloudy, a t-shower in spots. High: 74 Low: 64.
• Friday: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 83 Low: 63.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Franklin today:

1. An over 100-year-old building in downtown Franklin recently received a historic marker honoring the city's first Black business owner. The marker honors A.N.C. Williams, who was born into slavery and later opened a shoe repair shop after emancipation, the first Black-owned business in Franklin. Williams later opened and operated a general merchandise store and was the founding minister of the Cummins Street Christian Church. You can view the marker at 418 Main St. (Tennessean)
2. The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a 10-year property tax abatement for the highly anticipated Franklin In-N-Out headquarters. The tax break comes in the form of a payment in lieu of tax, aka PILOT, program. Construction on the corporate office and restaurant is slated to begin in late 2024. (Tennessean)
3. More families and supporters of Covenant School shooting victims have filed court documents asking the judge to not release the shooter's "manifesto." According to the documents, releasing the writings of the Nashville shooter could result in psychological consequences for the survivors and families. (WKRN News 2)

Today and tomorrow in Franklin:

Thursday, June 22

• Music In The Park At McEwen Northside (6:00 PM)
• Throwback Thursday Comedy Night: The Three Amigos At Franklin Theatre (7:00 PM)

Friday, June 23

• Family Firefly Hikes At Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary (6:30 PM)
• Movies In The Park: Indiana Jones Raiders Of The Lost Ark At Pinkerton Park (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This Saturday, Jun. 24, the Williamson County Public Library System will host a Summer Essentials Craft event for ages 12-18. During the event, teens can craft sunglasses and a reusable water bottle, with all supplies included. You can sign up here. (Franklin Tomorrow via Facebook)
• Two longtime downtown Franklin residents — a bestselling author and a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer — collaborated on a book about Franklin, "Historic Franklin: Along the Harpeth." The book is available for purchase at various local spots, including Landmark Booksellers, the Franklin Visitors Center, and Tin Cottage, and proceeds benefit the Friends of Franklin Parks Fund. (News Channel 5 Nashville)
• Coming up on Friday, Jul. 7, Williamson County Parks and Recreation will host a Pickleball Party for those ages 50+. The Hawaiian-themed event will take place at the academy park from 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Williamson County Parks and Recreation)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Wholesale Nursery Co — (Visit website)
• Franklin, Tennessee Tours — (Visit Website)
• Elizabeth Leanza, Synergy Realty - Realtor — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 27)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.