Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
It’s BACKKKKKKKK!!! - Celebrate Halloween at the Franklin Police Station - Saturday October 24
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services (audio)
FM #1819 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1819 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services. Franklin Firefighters Local along Franklin Police Dept conducted the services at the headquarter fire station, downtown Franklin, September 11, 2026.
Speakers in order
Master of Ceremony - Josh Impey
Chaplain Bob Poitras
State Representative Jeff Roy and State Senator Becca Rausch
Deputy Police Chief West, and Police Chief TJ Lynch
Fire Chief Charles Allen
Musical performances of the National Anthem, Amazing Grace, and Taps performed by Franklin High School students guided by Dianne Plouffe
The ceremony runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1819-franklin-fire-25th-anniversary-9-11-memorial-svc-09-11-26/--------------
Link to photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/7vj3TE2SjyY9rf5LA
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Monday, September 7, 2026
Please join us for our 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Reminder: Bike and Helmet Safety Event - September 12 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Franklin High School
- free bike raffle
- bike course*
- coloring table*
- fire truck
- vendor tables
- decorate your helmet*
- “Buddy the Brain” story stroll
Monday, August 31, 2026
Franklin Police Department advice for Lincoln St parents (and those who use Lincoln St during school start and end time frames)
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Franklin Police Dept: "SCHOOL’S IN (almost). SLOW DOWN."
Monday, August 24, 2026
Bike and Helmet Safety Event - September 12 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- free bike raffle
- bike course*
- coloring table*
- fire truck
- vendor tables
- decorate your helmet*
- “Buddy the Brain” story stroll
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Catch up to see the daily duties of Officer Frankie (video reel)
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Franklin Police Dept: Now Hiring: Co-Response Clinician
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Franklin Police Dept shares E-Bike Operation Rules and Law
The Town of Franklin E-Bike Users are required to follow general bicycle and e-bike laws enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under G.L. c. 85, § 11B3/4, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are treated the same as pedal-powered bicycles. Massachusetts Laws about Bicycles.
You’re riding a MOTORIZED BIKE!You must have a driver’s license, registration, and a moped license plate.
Any e-bike exceeding the power or speed thresholds of Class 1 or 2 or has been modified is considered a “motorized bicycle” under M.G.L. c. 90, § 1. Violators will be towed and face criminal charges.
E-Bike operation is prohibited on:
- On sidewalks, unless expressly permitted by local ordinance
- NRC Trails
- Playing Fields
- Dirt Paths
- School Fields
- Public Roads
- Bike Lanes
- Shared Paved Paths
Traffic Laws: Riders must follow traffic laws as motor vehicles & traditional bicycles, including obeying traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and riding safely and predictably.
Scooters Laws and Regulations: Users are required to follow general scooter laws enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under G.L. c. 90, § 1E
- Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
- Helmets are required.
- Maximum speed is 20 mph.
- No passengers allowed.
- Riding not permitted after sunset or before sunrise.
- Not allowed to be operated on sidewalks.
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid02K3pUeA2HB6j6Ev2ARL1LjRhwBcP379a7qNcorS71yAz4RYZmPC8F55AjsDXNmjKkl
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Reminder: Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026
- Scholarships for Franklin High School seniors
- Local youth sports teams
- Events like the annual luncheon at the Senior Center
- Supplemental support for our holiday toy drive
- …and more
✔️ Register your foursome✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Involving Bicyclist Under Investigation
Officers from the Franklin Police Department and members of the Franklin Fire Department responded to the scene and immediately initiated life-saving measures. The bicyclist was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as a 15-year-old Franklin resident.
The crash remains under investigation by the Franklin Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office. The operator of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
The Franklin Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
No other information is being released at this time. Any other inquiries should be made to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office.
Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (audio)
FM #1772 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 172 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers.
The meeting recording runs about 1 hours and 40 minutes
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1772-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-17-26/--------------
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| Town Council poses with backfill new hires |
Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66
The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368
My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link
Photos of the swearing in's - https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Friday, June 19, 2026
Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (video)
- Town Council witnessed and welcomed
- Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso
- Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado
- Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean
- Note: These folks are all backfilling positions already part of the authorized hire level and which were open due to individuals leaving for some reason. The 2 School Resource officers recently authorized for FY 2027 are not expected to be filled until October
- Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members were approved. There are approx. 20 positions across 8 boards/committees still open. Applications can be made online https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php
- 2 resolutions to prepare to close out the FY 2026 budget as the fiscal year approaches June 30
- General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26
- FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer
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| Town Council poses with backfill new hires |
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Humidity did not keep the folks away, the Strawberry Stroll saw an increase in participants
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| From Main St between Dean and the Library looking towards Emmons St |
- Lots of happy faces were seen
- Many conversations were held
- Folks hopefully left with more info about what is available in Franklin
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Bellingham and Franklin Police Departments Seek Charges Following Pursuit Through Multiple Communities: Updated - Arrest made
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Are you ready for the Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026 at Franklin Country Club ???
- Scholarships for Franklin High School seniors
- Local youth sports teams
- Events like the annual luncheon at the Senior Center
- Supplemental support for our holiday toy drive
- …and more
✔️ Register your foursome✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Bellingham Police arrest Franklin resident following a road rage incident
Monday, June 1, 2026
During Mental Health Awareness Month take the time to ask “How are you really doing?”
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| During Mental Health Awareness Month take the time to ask “How are you really doing?” |
Remember:
• Listen without judgment
• Encourage others to seek help when needed
• Support one another through difficult times
• Know that mental health challenges can affect anyone
As a community, we are stronger when we stand together and support each other.
















