Franklin will soon be joining other communities around the world who are incorporating a love for reading with a love of the outdoors.

Everyone was a bit surprised on Nov. 3 when the election results came out in Franklin — even the candidates who were elected.

Young people growing up in a small town usually have one main goal — to get out.

Lowell Monteith is tired of hearing “No.” It seems like everywhere he turns for help, the answer is always the same.

The Franklin Board of Aldermen will soon have some new blood leading the town into the future.

Franklin beat out 47 other small towns this year for the title of “2015 Top Small Town” in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. 

Thanks to some fortunate happenstance and a lot of hard work from the staff at the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee, a piece of property in downtown Franklin will go from being a potential environmental nightmare to a model example of restoration and redevelopment. 

“We wanted to improve the area, but we didn’t think the opportunity would be available so quickly,” said LTLT Executive Director Sharon Taylor. “But our organization is in a perfect position to take the title of that property and it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Franklin could potentially see a significant changing of the guard during this year’s election with three open seats on the board of aldermen.

Running unopposed for his second term, Franklin Mayor Bob Scott hopes to continue on his path toward a more open and accessible government while leading the town for the next two years.

Franklin residents may soon have a closer and safer place to practice their shooting skills now that indoor gun ranges will be allowed in the town limits.