King semifinalist for Principal of Year

The Franklin County School District recently announced that Rock Creek Elementary Principal Dr. Barbara King has been named
Critic fatigue

Honestly, I’m glad when schools delve into poetry or offer students some semblance of art and music appreciation classes, but I worry about society’s overreliance on critics/ reviewers/public scolds.
FC boys shut out Columbia in district quarterfinals

The Franklin County High School boys soccer team beat the Columbia Lions 1-0 at home Saturday in a quarterfinal game for the District 9AAA tournament.
AEDC at 75: The early years

In celebration of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex’s 75 years of operation, Lakeway Publishers will be delving into the history of the military institution this year.
FC track advances 31 to sectionals

M embers of the Franklin County High School boys and girls track and field teams competed in a sub-sectional meet on April 28 at Rhea County High School.
Hornets finish as district runner-up

The Huntland High School Hornets lost to the Richland Raiders 9-2 on the road Friday in the District 9A championship game.
happenings
happenings
Monroe, Bishop get school admin promotions

The Franklin County School _L District has announced that two seasoned educators have been promoted to administrative leadership roles.
MARY PERRY

PERRY, Mary See Obituaries, Page 6A Lynn Northcutt, age 89, of Winchester Springs, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 25, 1936, in Franklin County, Tennessee, to the late Lee Austin and Mary Lou Fanning Northcutt. Mary Lynn was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church and also attended Estill Springs First Baptist Church. She was a godly woman who proudly served the Lord and lived her life with faith, love and devotion to her family, especially to her loyal companion, Kx, her teacup Yorkie. A homemaker, Mary Lynn, was a loving mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother who was always active in the lives of her family, especially her children and grandchildren, lovingly referred to as Mum. She enjoyed taking family vacations to the beach and making memories with those she loved most. She will be remembered as feisty, caring, fun, nurturing and full of love. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, Nannie “Inez” Schmoller, Nell Ruth Cleek, and Leland Northcutt; granddaughter, Hannah Qualls; and greatgrandson, Kaden Kross Qualls. She is survived by her loving children, Phyllis (Randall) Steadmon, Patti (Ted) Myers and David Perry; grandchildren, Josh (Grace) Steadmon, Matt (Kendall) Steadmon, Leia (Neal) Turner, Adam (Kelsey) Myers and Zach (Emily) Myers; greatgrandchildren, Landon, Shepard, Sutton, Caleb, Samuel, Norah, Lucas and Roland; brother, Dean (Sara) Northcutt; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. A family graveside service was held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Watson Memorial Park at 4 p.m. with Bro.
DAVID PAYNE PAYNE, David Lee,
of Decherd, Tennessee passed from this life on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Tullahoma, Tennessee at the age of 67 years. A native to Decherd, Tennessee, he was born to the late Clifton Densel Payne and Mary Frances Eslick. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Wayne Payne. David is survived by his sister, Judy (Tommy) Martin of Tullahoma, Tennessee; and two nephews, Scottie Brooks (Lauren) Martin of Winchester, Tennessee, and Chris Martin of Manchester, Tennessee. The last year of his life was filled with joy from time spent with his great nephew, Carter Martin. Their favorite thing to do was to watch “Lassie” together.

