🌱 TN Gun Violence Deemed Public Health Crisis + Herban Market Expands

Morning, neighbors. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Franklin Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 59 Low: 42.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Franklin:

1. A Nashville doctor is calling gun violence a public health crisis as the city reached eight homicides already in 2023. Dr. Kelsey Gastineau, who is a pediatrician and a firearm injury prevention researcher, explained firearm injuries are at the top of the list of causes of death among children and teens in Tennessee. Gastineau added there needs to be awareness that gun violence impacts certain communities more than others, and that this is a multi-faceted issue. (WKRN News 2)
2. Williamson County Schools will be holding a "Classified Career Fair" on Jan. 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the Williamson County Administrative Complex in Franklin. There will be positions open for special education paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, School Age Child Care (SACC) staff, and summer counselors and maintenance workers. Those who attend the fair will be able to talk with representatives from each department to learn more about the positions. (WKRN News 2)
3. Hattie Jane's, an ice cream shop in Franklin, closed down in December, but the space will not be vacant for much longer. Herban Market plans on expanding into the former Hattie Jane's space which may include the addition of more seating for the restaurant or more kitchen space. The owners also announced new chefs that will be joining them: Chef de Cuisine Erick De Valle, Pastry Chef Nate Huddleston, and Chef Bobby. (Williamson Source)

Today in Franklin:

• Casablanca, At The Franklin Theatre (2:30 PM)
• WillCo Connected! Business Mixer, At Williamson County Chamber Of Commerce (4:00 PM)
• Skills: Getting Started With Mac, At Apple CoolSprings Galleria (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Reminder to cast your votes for the annual Downtown Franklin Awards before Jan. 22. All Downtown Franklin businesses are welcome to join or renew membership at any time to be placed on the ballot. (Downtown Franklin via Facebook)
• Church Street between 5th and 4th Avenues in downtown Franklin will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today (Jan. 10) for sewer repair. Anyone who works in the area will be given access; otherwise, please use an alternative route. (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• Please join the Franklin Fire Department in congratulating Firefighter-Paramedic Michael Henry and Engineer Paul Seltz on their promotion to the rank of lieutenant. Congratulations are also in order for Firefighter Greg Tucker and his promotion to the rank of engineer! (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— 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.