Williamson Scene

06/05/2026

June 6 will mark the sixth year for the Franklin Pride festival.

After facing opposition in previous years, the path to a permit at Harlinsdale Farm was smooth this year, Franklin Pride president Clayton Klutts tells the Williamson Scene. The nonprofit organization is also charging an admission fee for the first time — $5 for 18 and up, with 18 and under admitted for free.

“In the absence of some of the larger corporate sponsors, we just felt that this was the year that we need to implement that.” Klutts says. “We wouldn't ever try to charge a high enough ticket price that it would fully cover all the costs. We’ll always need our sponsors, because we want to be able to keep the ticket price low.”

Read more via the link in our bio.

06/03/2026

Voting is open for Williamson's Best! 🗳️

Having trouble voting? Here is a step by step guide on how to vote for your favorite businesses in Williamson County.

Have you voted yet? Click the link via our bio or visit vote.williamsonscene.com today.

06/01/2026

We hit the streets and asked Williamson County residents just how well they know Williamson County! 🎤

Tell us: What’s your favorite family-friendly spot to take the family?

And don’t forget to cast your vote for Williamson’s Best! Visit vote.williamsonscene.com or click the link in our bio to vote today.

05/28/2026

"The Republicans do not own this county,” Williamson County Democratic Party Chairman Ragan Grossman told a crowd of more than 200 people in the front yard of a Franklin farmhouse on May 17, just days after Republican gerrymandering split Shelby County into three congressional districts and shifted the maps throughout the state.

“This is a proving ground for Democrats,” Grossman said. “We have networks here. We have resources here. We have influence here. The question is not whether we can make a difference, the question is whether we're willing to.”

Numerous Democratic candidates for school board and county commission to state and federal offices attended the rally. Several elected officials and candidates spoke, including Columbia Mayor and 5th Congressional District candidate Chaz Molder.

Molder relaunched his bid to unseat incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, following the redistricting, which split Williamson County between District 5 and District 9. That means that the county no longer has any portion of the 7th Congressional District."

Read more and view photos from Hamilton Matthew Masters here: https://bit.ly/4f7S2SN

05/27/2026

"Ninth Congressional District candidate and state Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) is hitting the campaign trail following the general assembly’s gerrymandering of Memphis into three congressional districts, including a series of vital stops in Williamson County.

On May 20, Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) introduced Taylor at a Republican Women of Williamson County, calling him “someone who stepped up to the plate, who can deliver, who can run a campaign, can do it quickly,” noting his rising role in the state legislature throughout the 114th General Assembly. Taylor is also set to attend a Williamson County Republican Party event on May 28.

“I ran for Congress in 2002 against (U.S. Sen) Marsha Blackburn when she first was elected to Congress, and all I can say is you ain't had a butt whippin’ until you get you one of them Marsha Blackburn ones,” Taylor said to a roar of laughter from the audience, adding that he would only run for the 9th with Blackburn and Johnson’s support."

Read more via the link in our bio.

05/20/2026

Voting is OPEN for Williamson's Best 2026!
And defending their 2025 Food + Drink titles are...

Saffire Restaurant — Best Restaurant
Martin's BBQ Joint — Best BBQ
Jasmine Restaurant — Best Cheap Eats
Leiper's Fork Distillery — Best Distillery

We know you already have places you recommend in every group chat. Whose name belongs on the 2026 list? You tell us!

→ vote.williamsonscene.com

Voting closes June 14.

05/20/2026

Police tracked the teens to the Franklin Laquinta Inn hotel, where they were barricaded inside of a room before they peacefully surrendered to crisis negotiators around 6 a.m. on Friday morning after some five hours of negotiations.

Two teens have been charged with a May 15 armed robbery of a Franklin gas station and a hours-long standoff with police.

05/20/2026

The white bicycle had just arrived that Sunday morning in Haley Kilman's Nolensville neighborhood.

Known as a ghost bike, bright flowers sprang around the seat and handlebars next to a sign that recognized Blaise Schaeffer, her boyfriend and soon-to-be fiancé. Schaeffer, 31, died Dec. 10 at the hand of a driver going 90 mph on Nolensville Road. He was just two turns away from his house when the crash happened.

It's a day that Kilman will never forget, one that has left her traumatized with post-traumatic stress disorder. Schaeffer had told her he was going on an hour-long ride and would come back to their shared home to their two dogs, Olive and Hazel. Then Kilman received the news, upending her life.

Read more via the link in our bio.

05/18/2026

Voting for Williamson's Best 2026 is officially OPEN. Head to the link in bio and cast your votes across all eight categories — Arts & Culture, Food & Drink, Health & Fitness, Home & Garden, Kids & Pets, Media & Politics, Music, and Retail & Services. Voting closes June 14. Vote here: https://vote.williamsonscene.com/

Who are you voting for? Drop it in the comments!

05/17/2026

Start with a hefty stack of magazines and a pair of basic scissors. End with an intricate piece of paper art that reveals new details with each viewing.

That’s local artist Carolyn Beehler’s process in a nutshell. She doesn’t print anything, but instead waits for the correct colors and textures to catch her eye in donated materials.

“I don’t mind,” Beehler tells the Williamson Scene. “I’m probably going to run into what I need pretty soon.”

She’s mastered her technique using tiny pieces of paper: Take a brush with glue, pick up the piece and place it on the canvas.

Read more about Beehler's story and view photos captured Hamilton Matthew Masters here: https://bit.ly/4ucvyV9