🌱 Wrongful Death Lawsuit + Google Fiber Coming To Franklin

Hi all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Franklin Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 83 Low: 55.
• Friday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 79 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories today in and around Franklin:

1. HCA Healthcare, the parent company of TriStar Centennial Medical Center in nearby Nashville, is facing a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the wife of Bobby Ray Stark, who died after catching fire in his hospital bed on Thanksgiving Day in 2022. Stark, who had undergone a balloon lithotripsy procedure to address arterial deposits following a foot amputation, suffered an irregular heartbeat and required defibrillation. However, the presence of oxygen being administered to Stark through a mask at 100 percent concentration created an oxygen-rich environment that ignited when the defibrillator was used, resulting in his fatal injuries. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the medical staff in not properly addressing the oxygen supply and electrode placement. The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages as determined by a jury. (Subscription: Tennessean)
2. Franklin is set to join Nashville and Smyrna as cities in the state where Google Fiber will be available. The expansion into Franklin reflects the city's growth and Google's desire to be a part of it, according to Ryun Jackson, manager of Government & Community Affairs for Google Fiber. Construction for the fiber network is expected to begin in early 2024, with the aim of providing service to Franklin customers later that year, although potential construction delays may occur. (Subscription: Tennessean)
3. Sondra Martin of Franklin Elementary has been named a semi-finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Martin, who teaches fourth grade, is the elementary semi-finalist for the mid-Cumberland region, which is one of the nine Centers of Regional Excellence (COREs) across the state. Martin has been teaching for 11 years and at Franklin Elementary for the past three. (Williamson Source)

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Today and tomorrow in Franklin:

Thursday, May 25

• Ms. Liz’s Preschool Story Time At Main Library Franklin (10:00 AM)
• Capital Investment Committee Meeting At City Hall Board Room (3:30 PM)
• Crafter's Night Out At Leiper's Fork Public Library (4:30 PM)

Friday, May 26

• Introduction To Microsoft Publisher At Main Library Franklin (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Franklin wished a happy birthday to Alderman Jason Potts! Potts has an extensive history with the city, which you can read here. (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• Discover the ultimate guide to enjoying the sunny patio season in Franklin with your furry friend by exploring the newly released Visit Franklin's Summer 2023 Guide. (Visit Franklin, TN via Facebook)
• Franklin Tomorrow will host its next FrankTalks lecture on Monday, Jun. 12, featuring author Jay Sheridan and photographer Robin Hood, who will discuss their upcoming collaborative book, "Historic Franklin: Along the Harpeth." (Franklin Tomorrow via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.