Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Senator Rausch provides legislative updates and closes with encouragement to prepare for the ballot questions (video)
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with our State Senator Becca Rausch. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conf bridge on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
We cover some legislative updates and close with encouragement to prepare for the ballot questions, be patient, the ballot is 2 full sheets of heavy ballot paper with at least 3 sides of information.
The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Rausch.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1839-ma-state-senator-becca-rausch-10-14-26/
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2026 Ballot Question Primer - https://www.beccarauschma.com/ballotquestions26
Official Website -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/
Campaign Website -> https://www.beccarausch.com/
Senator Rausch MA Legislature page -> https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RLR0
Sign up for the Rausch Report Newsletter -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/newsletter
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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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FHS fall sports results for Tuesday, Oct 20
Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Girls Soccer = Franklin, 4 @ Mansfield, 1 - Final
Boys Cross Country = Franklin, 32 @ Sharon, 23 – Final
Girls Cross Country = Franklin, 27 @ Sharon, 29 – Final
For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
 |
| FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
Speed limit on Chestnut Street is now 30 MPH for its entire length
"30 is the new 40!
Heads up, Franklin! The speed limit on Chestnut Street is now 30 MPH for its entire length.
Please slow down, stay alert, and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.
Help us keep Franklin’s roads safe for everyone. Drive safely! "
Reminder: Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026
Via the Franklin Town Clerk:
Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026
In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be opening early voted ballots at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street at the following sessions:
• Tuesday, October 27 9:00 AM
• Wednesday, October 28 9:00 AM
• Thursday, October 29 9:00 AM
• Friday, October 30 9:00 AM
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In accordance 'with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be depositing early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:
• Saturday, October 31 9:00 AM
• Sunday, November 1 9:00 AM - IF NEEDED
We respectfully ask that observers register by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov in advance of all early voted ballots sessions.
In accordance with the Regulations 47.12 and the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, no results shall be determined or announced until after the time the polls close on November 3rd. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.
Shared from the Town Clerk page - https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division
Tri-County Winter Sports Checklist & Registration
"Registration for winter sports is now OPEN!!! 
Click on the link (below) to register for boys/girls basketball, boys/girls indoor track, boys/girls wrestling, winter cheer, or boys ice hockey."
Fund raiser at Chipotle on Oct 28 for the Class of 2029
shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DeuBwnHxoKl/
Dean Bank's 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat - Oct 28 in Blackstone
We're so excited to announce that our 8 Main St. Blackstone parking lot will be transformed on Wednesday October 28th from 5-7 pm.
Contact Karyssa at 508.883.2122 or kforget@deanbank.com if you're a local business or resident who would like to participate in decorating your trunk this year. This event is free to all to attend as well.
Check out some of the fantastic photos from last year!
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.
It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.
Tune in to listen to the following:
8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events
9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 ???
Tuesday, October 20
Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle
8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)
12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)
4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)
5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)
For additional details on Senior Center events ->
*** Town Meetings today ***
Norfolk County Regional Emergency Planning Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 20 Time: 10:30 AM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202026-2563
Design Review Meeting
Tuesday, October 20 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202026-2566
250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, October 20 Time: 7:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202026-2568
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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar
The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
The Franklin community's GREAT accomplishment with Old Colony Habitat For Humanity (video)
"A 170-year-old church transformed. A mother’s life changed forever. A New Beginning for the Marmol family. Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s 2026 Franklin Build is chronicled in this short-form documentary, donated by Jeff Bragg of Storypulse Media (https://www.storypulsemedia.com/). This project in Franklin, MA was truly a special one, and we are so thankful to Jeff for sharing Sally’s story in such a beautiful way.
We would also like to thank the over 50 sponsors and hundreds of other supporters who helped make Sally’s homeownership dream a reality. We give special thanks to the Town of Franklin, who donated the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, allowing us to transform this piece of history into a forever home for Sally and her family.
Thank you to some of our biggest sponsors:
Advanced Green Insulation (https://www.advancedgreeninsulation.com/)
Connell Roofing (https://www.connellroofing.com/)
Pinette Plumbing (https://www.pinetteplumbingandheating...)
Notturno Home Services (https://notturnohome.com/)
Camger Solutions (https://www.camger.com/)
O’Koren Electrical (https://okorenelectrical.com/)
Our project in Norton, MA will be very different from this one, but no less special. We are building a new home from the ground up on a plot of land donated to us by a Norton resident. Thank you to our donor and to the town of Norton for giving us the opportunity to provide another partner family with a safe, secure, and comfortable home. To stay up to date on or get involved with this new project, please visit us at oldcolonyhabitat.org."
Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLrgF-k9lNY
Interview with Jamie Hellen and Kim Thomas in October, 2025 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/talk-franklin-update-on-old-colony.html
Ribbon cutting June 2026 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/historic-old-south-church-given-new.html
Old Colony Habitat given Mary Olsson Award https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/the-third-annual-presentation-of-mary-c.html
Traffic & Radar requests for Franklin, MA nieghborhoods can now be made online
"Have a traffic concern in your neighborhood?
Got drivers treating your neighborhood like the Mass Pike? Stop signs that seem to be more of a suggestion? Speed limits that apparently nobody got the memo about?
The Franklin Police Department accepts requests for radar enforcement and targeted traffic enforcement to help address traffic concerns throughout town.
📍 Think your street could use a little extra attention? Let us know!
👉 Submit a Safety Division Service Request here:"
Planning Board reviews traffic & parking concerns for Depot Plaza (video)
The next meeting for the Depot Plaza project is Nov 2, with traffic continued to the Nov 16 session.
Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=913TzGatVi8
Slides captured via screen grabs of the project traffic presentation
FHS fall sports results for Monday, Oct 19
Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Field Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ King Philip, 2 – Final
"A cold October night set the stage for a heated rivalry matchup, and King Philip finally broke through against Franklin for the first time in eight years.Franklin entered the non-league contest unbeaten on the season, but the Warriors absorbed the Panthers’ pressure and generated enough of their own to pull out the 2-1 victory Monday night, handing Franklin its first loss.That history was a key motivation for the Warriors. Head coach Kaitlin Wilder said it was especially front-of-mind for the seniors on the team.“I told them, ‘This is the last time you’re ever going to see Franklin,'” Wilder said. “‘How do you want your legacy as this group to land?’ They really took that into account because every part of our goal scoring was from our senior group.”
Continue reading the game recap (subscription required) - https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-field-hockey-tops-franklin-for-first-time-since-2018/
Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 1 - Final
- Attleboro became just the second team this season to take a set from Franklin, edging the Panthers 29-27 in the opener, but Franklin answered by winning the next three for a 3-1 (27-29, 25-18, 25-18, 25-11) victory. It was only the fourth set the Panthers have dropped through 17 matches. Junior Emerson Delleo led Franklin with 16 kills and 14 digs, while senior Gianna Laurello added eight kills, five aces, and 17 digs, and sophomore Phoebe O’Connor handed out 34 assists. For Attleboro, senior Olivia Leonardo finished with 22 kills and 16 digs, junior Keilona Kennedy-Latham added six kills and two blocks, senior Sienna Quaglia had 20 digs, and freshman Leah Motto and sophomore Mahi Ahluwalia combined for 31 assists.
Golf = D1 Central Sectionals (Kettle Brook GC), 10:00 (Franklin, King Philip, Milford, North Attleboro)
"Franklin finished fifth overall at +26, led by Ben Burgess, who also tied for sixth individually with a 74. Burgess recorded 16 pars in his round, with just two bogeys. Tyler Perlman followed with a 76 to tie for 12th, highlighted by birdies on three and six, while Ayden Doyle carded an 81 and Ethan Helm added an 83."
Continue to read the full gold recap (subscription required) - https://hockomocksports.com/north-attleboros-maxx-zides-captures-d1-central-sectional-crown/
For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
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| FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
Franklin Police Department welcomes Officer Patrick Slason
"Please join us in welcoming Officer Patrick Slason to the Franklin Police Department!
Officer Slason joins the FPD as a transfer from the New Bedford Police Department, where he served for the past year. He is a graduate of the Plymouth Police Academy and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps prior to beginning his career in law enforcement.
In addition to his military and law enforcement experience, Officer Slason holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Suffolk University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice.
Officer Slason is currently assigned to our Patrol Division and Field Training Program, where he will continue building on his experience while serving the Franklin community.
We are excited to welcome Officer Slason to the team and look forward to working with him!
Welcome to Franklin, Officer Slason!"
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/
Project PJ is back and for looking for donations of NEW pairs of pajamas
"Hi Everyone!
Happy Fall! My name is Ryan and I am a lifelong Franklin resident and the current head of Project PJ. Many of you know about what we do and have made donations to our organizations in the past, but for those of you who do not know us, we are a community service organization that collects and donates new pair of pajamas to the Department of Children and Families to be distributed to the nearly 13,000 children and teens place in foster care programs each year.
We are asking for donations of NEW pairs of pajamas, in any size from preemie all the way up through teen/adult sizes. We have set up registries at Target, Walmart and Amazon where donations can be purchased and shipped directly to our door.
Our registries are linked below. You are also welcome to shop in person and drop donations off in person on the side steps of 48 High Ridge Circle in Franklin into the marked 'Project PJ' bin.
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to follow along with our progress and any updates. We sincerely thank you for your consideration and support of Project PJ this upcoming holiday season!"
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/
Linktree with links to registries set up by Proejct PJs https://linktr.ee/projectpjma
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