The Franklin County Republican Party Headquarters at 704 Dinah Shore Blvd. is now open Friday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Grundy County Health Department and Franklin County Health Department will have free COVID-19 testing Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. All individuals (regardless of symptoms or residence) can be tested at any site. Testing will be drive-up; there is no charge or fee.

In an effort to promote social distancing and minimize the potential impact of COVID-19, Winchester Utility System would like to encourage the use of online payments and mailing payments via USPS. For any customers who would like to pay in person, all services will be offered via drive-thru.

Caring Hearts United will host a Tribute to Patsy Cline featuring Beth (McKeel) Harris at The Park Theatre (115 Main Street, McMinnville, TN) on August 8, 2020 at 8 p.m. Admission is $12.50 per person with children under 6 free. For ticket information, contact (931) 607-9462 or (931) 273-4552. Caring Hearts United is a group of volunteers assisting hospice units in Warren and surrounding middle TN counties.

Winchester will continue reservations for indoor lap pool, but will extend hours from 5am-6pm. Reservations must be made at (931) 800-9030. Starting May 22, 2020, Aerobics will be available Monday Wednesday, and Thursday 6am-7am by appointment and Monday - Friday 10am-11;15am by appointment. Starting May 22, 2020, tennis and basketball courts will be open 8am-6pm, but call (931) 581-1034. Starting May 22, 2020, Open Air Pavilions are available for rental from 8am-6pm. Call (931) 962-4204. The Winchester Swimplex Outdoor Pool is open Saturday 9am-1pm and 2pm - 6pm and Sunday12pm-430pm. They will operate at 50% capacity. Guests will enter through the outside fence and go directly to the outdoor pool area. When entering the fence, there will be an attendant taking temperatures and checking people in. Patrons are required to provide their own seating and maintain social distancing practices.

According to Governor Lee's executive order #50, senior centers will remain closed through August 29, 2020. We will keep you informed of any changes or extensions to this order.

Franklin County High School will not have an in-person freshman orientation this year. Instead, students and parents will be able to view the freshman orientation virtually beginning Friday, July 31st, at 6:00 p.m. You will be able to access the virtual orientation from the Franklin County High School webpage or Facebook page at any time after 6:00 p.m. on July 31st. Incoming freshman students will receive a 2020-2021 schedule and Chromebook on Monday, August 3rd from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the front lobby of Franklin County High School. Students and parents will also be allowed to tour the building after receiving their schedule. Please e-mail Mr. Chris Hobbs at fchs@fcstn.net with questions or concerns you would like addressed in the virtual freshman orientation. Mr. Hobbs will need your questions or concerns no later than Monday, July 27th.

The Franklin County School System still has openings for preschool for the 2020-2021 school year. Anyone interested may contact the board of education at (931) 967-0626 and ask for Beth or Patti.

The Franklin County Educational Foundation for Excellence was set to host the Ray A. Judge Sporting Clay Classic at Prairie Shooters Club (5972 Prairie Plains Road, Hillsboro, TN 37342) on August 22, 2020, however the event has been cancelled with no reschedule date as of now. For more information, please e-mail rayajudgeclassic@gmail.com.

On Saturday, August 15, Church of Restoration will host a benefit auction and supper for Jamie Stephens who suffered an accident, leaving him unable to work for many months following his surgeries and rehabilitation. All proceeds will go to help with long term expenses with his recovery process. The supper is from 3:30 - 5:30 with the auction following at 6:00. The event will take place inside the Church of Restoration gym at 324 Cumberland Street in Cowan. For more information, call (931) 469-5558 or (931) 691-5266.

Franklin County Animal Harbor will host their annual Bone Drop on Saturday, August 8, at noon at the shelter. The cost is $100 per bone with prizes ranging from $500 - $3,000. To participate, drop off your payment at the harbor or mail your payment (Animal Harbor, P.O. Box 187, Winchester, TN 37398). Sign up forms may be found on the website at www.animalharbor.org. Envelopes must be received by August 7th and you do not have to be present to win. For more information, contact the shelter at (931) 962-4472 or e-mail at sheltermanager@animalharbor.org.

The Franklin County A.M. Rotary Club will conduct its annual Pig Roast and Pork Butt Sale Saturday, August 1st, from 11am to 1pm at the Donut Palace in Winchester. Price is $40 per butt. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any member of the Franklin County A.M. Rotary, or by calling (931) 691-1452. Proceeds will benefit the Franklin County High School Interact Club.

Franklin County's Back to School Bash for free school supplies will take place July 30, 2020, at 9am-12pm at Franklin County High School. This event is drive-through only.

Animal Harbor will host their annual Golf "Fore" Paws four person scramble at the Bear Trace at Tim's Ford on August 1, 2020 with an 8am shotgun start. Cost is $300 per team or $75 per player. Register at the shelter, call Phyllis Larson at (954) 895-1384 or visit their website www.animalharbor.org.

Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church has extended its free food distribution program to area residents through August. The USDA produce boxes will be given away each Monday for the next five weeks beginning July 27, through August 24, at Mt. Olive located at 700 Hunt Street in Winchester. Distribution hours are from 11am - 1pm. Recipients should drive into the church accessing Milton Lane. To support COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, no one is allowed outside their car upon arrival. For more information, call Mt. Olive at (931) 636-4977.