Williamson Weekly: Franklin Farmers Market to Move Locations

Franklin Farmers Market will begin operating in its new location on Jan. 3. 

The market will be open each Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at 120 Aldersgate Way on the campus of Franklin First United Methodist Church, with parking available onsite. The market was previously offered at The Factory at Franklin.

The search for a new location began in 2022 after the market was unable to reach an agreement with The Factory. The new site will also include the construction of a pavilion to accommodate the vendors, as well as triple the parking spaces of the previous site.  

The nonprofit organization was founded in 2002 and offers around 100 vendors, including produce, cheeses, herbs and crafts. This includes partnerships with 70 farms.

Last fall, the Franklin Farmers Market announced a $4 million funding drive for the move. 

“We are relying on the support of the public, businesses, and all who appreciate the Franklin Farmers Market to help us secure a prosperous future of local farm food for our community for generations to come,” the organization stated on its website.  

FPD Announces Record Recruiting Class 

The Franklin Police Department recently swore in seven new officers, representing the largest recruiting class in department history, according to a press release. 

All of the new officers are recent graduates of the Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy at Walters State Community College. The new officers include Isabella Blakeman, a Mount Pleasant native who formerly worked as a diesel mechanic and horse trainer; Timothy Malone, a U.S. Navy veteran and Smyrna native who spent 28 years in the medical device industry; Jerrel Ngo, a former accountant from Orange County, Calif.; and Landon Norwood, a Franklin County High School graduate and U.S. Army veteran. Also joining the department are University of Tennessee graduate and Spring Hill native Brandon O’Brien; U.S. Marine Corps veteran Evan Stewart; and Todd Yost, who previously coached college baseball, including at Lipscomb University. 

“This group represents the strength, diversity, and dedication we seek in our officers,” FPD Chief Deb Faulkner said in the release. “Their backgrounds, life experiences and commitment to service will be tremendous assets to our department and to the people of Franklin.”

The department announced in late November that it was recruiting new members, with entry-level pay starting at $65,000 and opportunities to advance into specialty units. The Franklin Police Department is still accepting applications for additional officers. 

One WillCo Scores $15K Grant 

One WillCo, a local advocacy group that focuses on education equity for students of color, has been awarded a $15,000 grant, Williamson Herald reported. 

The unrestricted grant from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will help continue the organization’s work in child and youth development. It is part of the foundation’s Community Impact Grant program, which has three focus areas: arts and creative culture, child/youth development and education, and positive mental health. 

“We are so proud of the relationship CFMT has with nonprofits to allow us to continue our support for students through empowerment that is very impactful during this time,” said Revida Rahman, co-founder of One WillCo.