ruta

ruta

  • Joined: February 25, 2026
  • Articles: 160

Why we love Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton has been in the news a lot lately, and she appears to have overcome some health concerns. This is a milestone year for Dolly, marking her 80th birthday, the 60th anniversary of her marriage to the late Carl Dean, the 40th anniversary of Dollywood and the 30th anniversary of her Imagination Library. There is no better time to send a love letter to “our Dolly.” Born January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton has risen from humble beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains to become one of the most successful people in the entertainment world.

Let’s cruise

I have been busier than a one-armed paper hanger or, as my Aunt Zada used to say, “a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.” My pet-sitting business has been so slammed that I have had to ask three other pet sitters to help me out to keep my clients happy. I have been trying to get my flower gardens in and spring clean.

Addressing decreased enrollment

Facing declining enrollment and a reduced state revenue stream, the Franklin Count}' School System has its work cut out for itself to stay financially on track, according to County Commissioner David Eldridge.

Suspect held in rape case

A 55 year-old Winchester man remains in Franklin County Jail on a $200,000 bond after being charged in connection with an April 4 kidnapping and rape incident.

KATIE BENSON

BENSON,Katherine “Katie” Heath, age 65, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was born on September 7, 1960, in Atlanta, Georgia, a beloved daughter of Floyd Maxey Heath and Doris Brannan Heath. Raised in Winchester, Katie spent most of her adult life in Lebanon, Tennessee. She was a devoted mother to Jarred Benson (Kelly) and Josh Benson (Elizabeth). She was a loving grandmother to Hailey and Kinsley, the cherished surviving grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Steve Heath; and sister, Alma Heath Schultz. Katie was a graduate of Franklin County High School and went on to receive her Bachelor of Art from the University of Tennessee. She was a passionate music teacher who helped guide and shape the lives of countless students. Throughout the years, she enjoyed knitting and gardening. Her life was enriched by horseback riding where she achieved great success in the equestrian arena. She was a steady source of support, a patient listener and helped shape all of us into who we are today. Visitation for Katie was held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with a celebration of life service celebrating Katie’s exceptional life following at 12 p.m. from the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment followed in Maxwell Cemetery. The family invited all who knew and loved Katie to join us in honoring her memory. Katie was a type one diabetic. If you would like to contribute to Breakthrough T1D in her memory, please donate to Breakthrough T1D 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor New York, NY 10281. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 First Ave. N.W., Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www. moorecortner.com www.moorecortner.com