🌱 WCS Merit Scholar Finalists + Firefighters Walk For Mental Health

Hello, friends. Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your fresh copy of the Franklin Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Franklin Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Franklin long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Some sun, breezy and warm. High: 83 Low: 45.
• Friday: Cooler with a shower. High: 55 Low: 45.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Franklin, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Franklin Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories in Franklin today:

1. A total of 77 high schoolers from Williams County Schools have been named National Merit Finalists. This sets a new record for the district, beating 2022's record of 71 qualifying students. WCS has had more than 50 students receive this recognition more than five years in a row. Students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test to enter into the program, which selects around 15,000 finalists to be considered for the coveted Merit Scholarships. Those scholarships will be awarded starting in March. (Williamson Source)
2. Members of the Franklin Firefighters Association and the Franklin Fire Department participated in a "Walk for Dustin" walk and trekked over 27.3 miles across the city. The two-day event, part of Project 303, aims to generate discussion and break stigmas around the impact of mental health disorders on first-responders. The Franklin community has been supportive of the initiative, with local aldermen signing the Project 303 flag and state representatives are working to create legislation supporting the movement. (Williamson Herald)
3. Tesla Motors is opening up shop in Franklin around the middle of this year. The business will take over the 57,447 sq ft. building at 300 Shingle Way in Franklin and will be one of the largest flagship stores in America. The full service location will include a vehicle gallery, service center, and Superchargers. (rutherfordsource.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in and around Franklin:

Thursday, February 23

• Ms. Liz’s Preschool Story Time At Main Library Franklin (10:00 AM)
• Werkstatt 360 Ribbon Cutting At 214 Overlook Circle, Brentwood (11:00 AM)

Friday, February 24

• Policy Talks At Columbia State Community College Community Room (7:30 AM)
• All About The Libby App At Main Library Franklin (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Franklin Fire Department is doing free car seat checks on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. For more information on those conducting the checks and the location, click here. (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• Tennessee's only Sur La Table down the road in Brentwood has closed. The store’s items are still available for purchase online. (Williamson Source)
• Skunk mating season is brining some stinky issues to counties surrounding Nashville. If you think a skunk has gotten trapped in your home, AC unit, or elsewhere on your property, be sure to contact your local wildlife removal services. (WSMV 4)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Wholesale Nursery Co — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 28)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 2)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (March 24)
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You're all caught up for today! See you soon for another 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.