When you choose Johnson Memorial Health, you’re choosing care that’s been nationally recognized for both quality and safety, two things that matter most when your health on the line.
Our 5-Star Quality Rating from CMS and “A” Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group means you can feel confident you’re getting exceptional care, right here in Johnson County.
AMY SKIRVIN amy@townepost.com (317) 412-4652
6 FULL SPEED FUN Hurricane Golf Carts Builds Community One Ride At A Time
HOMETOWN HERO Lisa Lintner & Tiffany Lauderdale Phillips
(317) 496-3599
(317) 810-0011
FULL SPEED FUN
HURRICANE GOLF CARTS BUILDS COMMUNITY ONE RIDE AT A TIME
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
In Franklin, golf carts are becoming more than a way to get around the course — they are becoming part of the community’s lifestyle. Whether cruising downtown to a concert, attending local festivals or simply spending time with family and friends, more residents are discovering the freedom and fun that comes with owning a golf cart.
At the center of that growing movement is Hurricane Golf Carts, a family-owned business built on relationships, community and a passion for helping people enjoy life a little more.
For owners Chad and Julie Warweg, the inspiration behind the business began long before the showroom opened.
“We have been a golf-carting family for over 20 years,” Warweg says. “As our sons, Cole and Quinn, were growing up, we had a place in a golf-cart community at Brookville Lake, and our family really enjoyed running around on our carts and spending family time over there.”
What started as family recreation eventually became a business idea. After building a new facility for his irrigation company in Franklin in 2023, Warweg realized the extra space could become something new. With Franklin embracing golf cart-friendly streets and the business sitting near both The Legends Golf Club and Hillview Country Club, the timing felt right.
Today, Hurricane Golf Carts specializes in premium electric golf carts from Voyager, Venom and Breezy. Every cart is powered by maintenance-free lithium-ion batteries and comes equipped with features designed for both convenience and street legality in Franklin.
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, DOT windshields, seat belts, Bluetooth audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, backup cameras and touchscreen displays all come standard.
Warweg says extensive research went into selecting manufacturers that matched the company’s values.
“We wanted to make sure the products we sold and serviced were something we could stand behind and be proud of,” he says. “We are the only dealership in Indiana that offers these specific brands.”
The business has also embraced the changing culture surrounding golf carts. Once associated almost exclusively with golf courses, carts are now being designed for recreation, neighborhood transportation and family outings.
“There’s been a huge shift,” Warweg says. “Manufacturers are now producing carts specifically tailored for recreation and community use.”
One of the most popular trends is the rise of four-forward seating models, which allow all passengers to face forward while still offering optional golf bag attachments for traditional golfers.
Helping customers navigate those options is Mike Wynn, whose path to Hurricane Golf Carts blends decades of coaching, business
Owners; Chad and Julie Warweg
experience and community relationships.
Wynn currently coaches football at Franklin College, where he has spent years mentoring student-athletes. Before joining Hurricane Golf Carts, he spent 39 years in the rental car industry. When the opportunity arose to work with the Warweg family — longtime friends whose sons he once coached — the decision felt natural.
“Relationships drew me to Hurricane Cart Sales,” Wynn says. “Last year, an opportunity arose to allow me to work closer to home, help a friend and work for a family-operated business.”
For Wynn, the transition from coaching players to helping customers was not much of a leap.
“At Franklin College, we have a Golden Rule: Treat every player like gold,” he says. “In business, I’ve always believed you treat each customer the way you would your grandma — with patience, respect and honesty.”
That philosophy has helped shape the company’s relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere.
“We sell fun every day,” Wynn says with a laugh.
The business has quickly become woven into Franklin’s community fabric. Hurricane Golf Carts participates in the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, sponsors local events and has been active at the Johnson County Fair. The company’s owners say Franklin’s close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere mirrors the values they want their business to represent.
Wynn has already witnessed firsthand how golf carts are becoming part of local life. One memorable customer was Franklin College football coach Mike Leonard, who purchased a six-passenger cart to take recruits through downtown Franklin while showcasing the community.
Another customer interaction left a lasting impression on Wynn. After helping a woman named June Griffin explore different options, her daughter reminded her they were “just looking.”
“June stopped and said, ‘We’re buying Mike just as much as we’re buying the cart,’” Wynn recalls. “That really meant a lot to me.”
Looking ahead, Hurricane Golf Carts is excited about the future of the industry. New four-wheel-drive models are beginning to emerge, and many manufacturers are shifting toward American-made production. The company is also anticipating the arrival of the new Voyager Patriot model later this summer.
For Chad and Julie Warweg, however, the heart of the business remains simple: family, relationships and helping people create memories of their own.
“We want people to find a cart their family will enjoy for years,” Warweg says.
For families across Franklin, the journey may be just getting started — one ride at a time.
HOMETOWN HERO
Lisa Lintner & Tiffany Lauderdale Phillips
Writer / Teena Catt
Two women are at the forefront of keeping literacy alive in Franklin and Johnson County. Lisa Lintner is Johnson County Public Library’s director, and Tiffany Lauderdale Phillips is the owner of Wild Geese Bookshop in Franklin.
Both women are passionate about reading and inviting the community to not only read books, but to become immersed in the bookish world through author events, book clubs, podcasts, advocacy and outreach. JCPL and Wild Geese Bookshop have proven to be great community partners. They have brought authors from all over the world to various venues in the community. These events are well attended, proving that the written word is still alive and well. They both are creative beings who have truly brought the reading world a visible and viable entity to Franklin and Johnson County.
Lisa Lintner
Lintner grew up in Northwest Indiana with aspirations of becoming an actress. In high school, she took a career class that opened her eyes to the realities of making it as an actor. One day, she happened to overhear a children’s librarian reading a story with animation in her voice, and a lightbulb moment occurred. It was then she began exploring careers in the library field.
After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in theater and English, she obtained her Master of Library Science from Indiana University Indianapolis. She then moved to Louisville, Kentucky, as a paraprofessional with the Louisville Free Public Library. She spent 17 years in Louisville in different management positions. In 2015, she became director for JCPL and proclaims it as her dream job.
“My job is easier because I am surrounded by fantastic people,” Lintner says.
Lintner has two grown children and lives in Franklin with her husband, Nick Valenzuela. Lintner is a life member of The Jane Austen
Society of North America. She loves baking, hosting afternoon teas, collecting costume jewelry — and wearing it — traveling, thrifting and, of course, reading.
Lintner describes herself as a voracious reader. She recalled her fourth-grade teacher reading aloud an entire chapter in a book. She says it was a pivotal experience in her reading life. Captivated by the story that formed in her mind as the teacher read aloud, she discovered a love for books.
Lintner likes to read fantasy and science fiction books. Asked whether the book was better, Lintner says she loved both the book and movie adaptation of “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir. Lintner explained that she was able to discuss the movie adaptation with her son, and that provided quality time with him. She expressed that exploring movie adaptations can often bridge generational gaps.
Lintner says these days she tends to use audiobooks most often. Two of her favorite reads are “Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast” and “The Hero and the Crown,” both by Robin McKinley. She also strives to reread a classic novel on a quarterly basis.
When asked what message she wants readers to know, she says she wants readers to know the backstory of a story. She enjoys listening to podcasts that dive deeper into a book.
Johnson County Public Library is the 10th-largest library in the state out of 223 total districts. It ranks third in the state in attendance at programs, including festivals, story times, author events and arts events. In 2025, 1.3 million items were checked out from the library. Additionally, 380,000 people visited the library last year.
Lintner says every success of JCPL is because of the staff. She also wants the community to know the importance of the library. More than books can be found inside the library. Patrons can stream and download audiobooks, e-books, movies and TV shows
Tiffany Lauderdale Phillips
Phillips grew up in Kentucky and went to college in South Carolina, where she studied literature and international relations. She then went on to law school in Georgia before returning to Kentucky to practice law. She and her family lived in Kentucky until they relocated to Franklin for her husband’s job.
While she maintains her Indiana and Kentucky law licenses, she has spent the past few years focusing on Wild Geese Bookshop. Phillips opened the bookstore in 2016 in a very small space on Water Street in Franklin. After five years at that location, she moved to 40 E. Madison St., across from the Willard patio. (wildgeesebookshop.com)
The bookshop has an expansive front porch that aligns with its motto: “Everyone is welcome on the porch!”
Stepping across the threshold of the store, patrons are greeted by welcoming staff and find themselves surrounded by a charming store that warms any reader’s heart. The children’s room is full of carefully chosen books and stocked with specific customers in mind. As Phillips has gotten to know the community, she has found it easier to curate the space.
When asked about her thoughts on the trending popularity of graphic novels, Phillips says, “I don’t think graphic novels will replace other types of books, but they can help get people reading. We’re a more visual culture, and all reading is good.”
Phillips and Lintner both agree that there is a resurgence of reading right now.
“Screen fatigue is real, and it’s comforting to return to the escape of a story told at your own pace,” Phillips says.
Author events have proven to be exceptionally popular. Both JCPL and Wild Geese Bookshop have offered opportunities for the public to engage in a deeper understanding of what goes
into writing a book by attending sessions and hearing the author in conversation with the interviewer. These events draw people from other states, and Phillips says her favorite part is seeing people meet new book friends at these events.
Phillips’ bookshop also offers readers a Summer Camp for Grown-Ups in July, which includes events and activities that can be signed up for through the bookstore website.
The “Fill Your Cup” podcast is also a way to invite listeners to sit down with booksellers over a cup of coffee or tea and talk books. Kara Simon and Emily Hone host the podcast, reaching readers with recommendations, trends and thoughtful discussions about upcoming events.
A monthly book club made a revival in January 2026 after a few years’ hiatus. Using various genres each month, the club normally meets on the last Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Coffeehouse Five in Franklin.
Phillips says she gravitates toward literary fiction, essays and memoirs.
“I am a paperback reader. I bend the cover back — I know, cringe — and I tend to read quickly, pen in hand, so that I can underline my favorite lines. I listen to audiobooks when pulling weeds and doing laundry. I am not an e-reader person unless it’s necessary to prep for an event conversation and the print copy is not yet available. There’s so much online that I must do to run the business. I crave screen breaks whenever possible.”
When asked what book she has read so far in 2026 that she especially enjoyed and why, she says she adored “Why Women Grow” by Alice Vincent, about what draws women to growing things. “Counterweights” by Indiana author Shannon Martine is about how to hold joy alongside difficulty. She would love to see this little-known book hit the big time.
Phillips says the book is selling well, but it’s really something that should be getting more attention. She also named “On Witness and Respairs” by Jesmyn Ward as a stunning essay collection. Phillips thinks Ward is one of the greatest living writers of our time.
In April 2025, Phillips established a fund through the Johnson County Community Foundation called Read, Grow, Fly, with hopes of sponsoring author visits and their books for readers. The goal is to support and encourage reading throughout Johnson County.
So far, they have donated 1,500 books to students across six schools and brought New York Times bestselling authors to their buildings.
“We love Imagination Library of Johnson County and how they gift books from birth to kindergarten. Our first year of events has focused on carrying the baton forward, hosting events for kindergarteners through high school. We have many goals for the future, and fundraising is the key,” Phillips says.
ART IS EVERYWHERE
JUNE IS ART MONTH IN FRANKLIN
Writer / Mackenzie Steagall
Franklin’s public art scene is ever evolving with more colorful additions nearly every year. Painted power boxes with overflowing popcorn and antique keys. Sophisticated animal and funky abstract murals. Activated alleys with 3D art installations and lighted features.
We are celebrating the vibrant art in our city all month long.
Immerse yourself in art of all mediums at Ethos Celebration of the Arts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 27 on North Main Street in downtown Franklin. This free event is a juried art show, featuring dozens of skilled artists with their pieces for sale and ready for you to take home. Throughout the day, listen to live music and enjoy a beer and wine garden. Find additional details at discoverdowntownfranklin.com/ethos.
During Ethos, artists of all ages are invited to
show their artistic skills in Festival Country Indiana’s Chalk the Block event on Madison Street, just east of Main Street in Franklin. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants will create chalk masterpieces in 3-by-3-foot or larger squares for a chance to win cash prizes. Register to participate at the visitor center, 66 S. Water St., Franklin, or at festivalcountryindiana.com/chalk-the-block. If you love all the art in Franklin, discover familiar and possibly new-to-you art pieces on the art tour in the new mobile-friendly website app called Walk Franklin, scheduled to launch in June, in partnership with Festival
The website will include up to 10 guided walking tours, from historical and architectural tours to spooky sites and Christmas light locations. Check the city of Franklin’s social media pages for more information when the walking tours officially launch.
Discover more events to attend this month at the visitor center or at festivalcountryindiana. com/festivals-and-events.
Country and other local organizations.
DRIVEN BY FAMILY, FUELED BY TRUST
BECK AUTOMOTIVE’S LASTING LEGACY IN FRANKLIN
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
For more than four decades, Beck Automotive has been more than just a repair shop along U.S. 31. It has become a trusted fixture in Franklin — a business built on honesty, hard work and family values that have carried through generations.
Today, owner Ben Briggeman continues the vision first established by his father, Herman Briggeman, who opened the Franklin location in November 1981 under the name Beck Muffler.
Originally located at 320 N. Morton St., the shop was the second Beck Muffler location operated by Herman and Lee Ann Briggeman, alongside their Southport business. The Franklin store was created through a partnership with Herman’s
brother-in-law, Capt. Harry E. Jaynes of TWA Airlines.
Just a few years later, in 1984, the business moved to its current location on North Morton Street. At the time, the operation focused heavily on exhaust systems and undercar services, with four service bays and an outdoor heavy-truck lift serving the community’s growing automotive needs.
For Ben, the business has always been
deeply personal.
“As the child of the owners, I grew up in the family business,” he says. “I was always expected to spend summers pushing a broom or taking out the trash.”
Some of his earliest memories involve spending time at the shop with his father, even while still in grade school. He laughs now remembering that he probably “caused more trouble than he was worth” during those early
years, but one treasured keepsake still hangs in his office today — his very first paycheck.
Dated July 1, 1983, the check totaled $3.
“I was just about to turn 9 years old,” Ben says. “That was almost enough to buy a Star Wars or G.I. Joe action figure at that time.”
As he grew older, so did his responsibilities. During high school, he worked after school several days a week doing cleanup and running errands. After earning his driver’s license, he began picking up parts and delivering vehicles and customers. Throughout college, he continued working summers at the shop while taking on larger responsibilities.
Still, Ben originally imagined a very different future.
He pursued degrees in history and criminal justice with plans to eventually enter the legal field. But life changed dramatically in 2003 when his father passed away at age 77.
“At that point, I was recently married and
about to become a father,” Ben says. “I made the decision to return to the family business to continue the family legacy that my father had started.”
For the past 23 years, Ben has served as president and co-owner alongside his wife, Heather, and his mother, Lee Ann Briggeman. Together, they have guided the company through major changes within the automotive industry while preserving the values the business was founded upon.
One of the largest shifts came as vehicle technology evolved. The widespread industry transition from cold-rolled steel exhaust systems to stainless steel dramatically reduced the demand for traditional exhaust replacement work — once the backbone of the business.
Rather than resisting change, Beck Automotive adapted.
Over time, the company expanded its services and transformed into a full-service repair facility capable of handling nearly every aspect of automotive care. The rebranding from Beck Muffler to Beck Automotive reflected that broader vision.
“By the early 2000s, we began to change to a more complete auto service facility,” Ben says. “The idea of a ‘one-stop shop’ for all service and repair needs was born.”
That commitment to growth has helped the business remain a trusted name in Franklin while earning recognition throughout the community, including being voted Best Garage by Daily Journal readers and becoming a AAA Approved Service Center.
But for Ben, reputation begins with something much simpler: honesty.
“I see Beck Automotive as a reflection of my family’s name — my father’s name,” he says. “To be successful, you must be 100 percent honest with your employees and your customers.”
That philosophy shapes every repair recommendation made by the shop’s technicians and sales staff.
“As a customer, you may not like what we tell you is wrong with your vehicle,” Ben says, “but you can trust that it is 100 percent true.”
Every vehicle receives a careful inspection, and customers are given the information they need to make informed decisions. The shop backs repairs with a two-year, 24,000mile warranty and strives to complete most scheduled repairs within a single day — an important benefit for families, commuters and business fleets alike.
While technology and training remain essential parts of the industry, Ben believes the true strength of Beck Automotive comes from its people.
“The main challenge is hiring and keeping the best employees possible,” he says. “A business is nothing without the people that make it work.”
Today, Beck Automotive supports 19 families through its operations. Ben emphasizes creating a workplace culture built on respect and teamwork.
“We spend more time here than with our real families,” he says. “You don’t have to love each other, but you need to respect each other.”
Family continues to play a central role in the company’s future as well.
Ben credits his parents for instilling the values of sacrifice and hard work that continue to guide him today. He also points to the mentorship and support of his brother, who owns Beck Service Center in Southport. Now, the next generation is beginning to step into the business. Ben’s daughter, Bailey, serves as the company’s bookkeeper, while his son, Luke, and nephew, Aidan, work summer support roles while attending college.
“And to my mother, Lee Ann,” Ben adds, “I wouldn’t be here at all without your faith and trust in me. Thank you, Mom.”
After more than 40 years in Franklin, the greatest reward for the Briggeman family has been watching the community grow alongside them.
“The best part is our relationships with our customers,” Ben says. “We have several generations of families that have trusted us over the years.”
He recalls seeing children riding in the back seats of family cars who are now business owners themselves in Franklin.
Beck Automotive has also remained committed to giving back through support of Franklin Community High School arts and music programs, the Boys & Girls Club and Discover Downtown Franklin. The business prioritizes buying from locally owned distributors whenever possible, embracing the philosophy of “Shop Local, Buy Local.”
As Franklin continues to grow, Ben hopes Beck Automotive will continue growing with it — while preserving the values that have guided the business from the beginning.
“We hope to continue to grow with the Franklin community as our family grows as well,” he says.
For the Briggeman family, Beck Automotive has never simply been about fixing cars. It has been about building trust, investing in people and carrying forward a legacy rooted in service to the community they proudly call home.
BUILDING FREEDOM
SERVANTS AT WORK CHANGES LIVES THROUGH RAMPS
Writer / Teena Catt
They build freedom, one ramp at a time.
Servants at Work states its mission as follows: “We build freedom, one ramp at a time. Our ADA-compliant ramps provide access to the community for those trapped inside their home due to a disability. We seek to transform the lives of our ramp recipients — and our volunteers — through meaningful service.”
Franklin resident Tim Thurston is executive director for SAWs. After losing his sister to cancer, Thurston accepted a challenge from his mom to go out and do something for someone else. At the age of 53, with little knowledge of construction, he volunteered to help build a ramp. By 2021, he left his career as a financial adviser and became a full-time employee.
Servants at Work was started in 2003 by Rik Hagerty, a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Hagerty learned that to get a ramp built by Medicaid, a person had to wait at least 12 months. He knew he could do it quicker and launched the program,
becoming its own nonprofit in 2011.
“What we have found is we need more leaders who can lead the ramp build,” Thurston says.
Opportunities abound for individuals and groups wishing to participate. Volunteers are needed to serve as project managers, hospitality team members, survey team members, finishing and inspection crew, customer service representatives, office assistants, photographers and videographers. Each on-site crew consists of two experienced crew leaders or project managers and eight to 10 volunteers. Construction experience is not required, making this a wonderful opportunity for group projects as well as individual experience.
With more than 5,000 ramps built to date, the goal for this year is to construct 600 new ramps throughout 72 counties in Indiana.
Leadership Johnson County has served as one of the premier volunteer patrons. In 2025, a “Ramp-a-Thon” was held by the Signature
Program, and LJC’s Youth Leadership Academy built ramps each weekend last September. Bonded in Bottle and Franklin Elks BPO 1818 have also been instrumental in local ramp builds and funding. Thurston also said Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Greenwood Christian Church, Franklin Rotary and Center Grove Rotary have been dedicated support systems.
Volunteers often get back more than they give. Thurston described a recent aluminum ramp installation in Franklin when the first ride down the ramp was very emotional for the recipient as well as the caregiver. The new ramp provided not only an opportunity to regain independence and safety, but a restored ability to stay connected with their community. Those present were visibly moved by the impact and lifestyle changes they had just provided.
Following each ramp build, a volunteer calls the client four to six weeks post-installation to inquire if they have any issues needing fixed and to follow up on how the new ramp has
impacted their lives. Thurston recalled that a short time after one install, the client passed away, but the widow explained how much her husband had enjoyed being able to wheel himself down the ramp to a deck area and enjoy the sunshine in his final days.
“We are in the people business that serves up ramps,” Thurston says.
The need is great. Most older adults want to age in place; however, many do not have homes that have features allowing safe access for walkers and wheelchairs. Twenty-six percent of older adults in Indiana report mobility needs. About 20.8 million people in the U.S. are living with an ambulatory disability. One in three adults in Indiana with annual household income below $25,000 report mobility challenges.
MOVIE SERIES
Servants at Work builds freedom and independence through accessibility ramps. The program is guided by faith, serving with compassion and treating everyone with dignity. They aim to create life-changing access to the world beyond the front door.
To learn more about giving and volunteer opportunities, visit sawsramps.org or contact admin@sawsramps.org.
FIRE AND STEEL
A CHEF’S GUIDE TO THE DUAL-GRILL SUMMER
Writer / Kathy Jones
As the scent of hickory and salt begins to drift through the neighborhood, every chef knows that summer isn’t just a season — it’s a highstakes performance. For years, the traditional gas grill was the undisputed king of the patio. But lately, a new challenger has claimed its territory: the Blackstone griddle. As a professional, I don’t see this as a rivalry. I see it as an orchestra. When you pair the intense, focused heat of a gas grill with the expansive, edge-to-edge searing power of a flat-top, you unlock a culinary versatility that a single heat source simply can’t match.
THE GAS GRILL: THE SOUL OF THE SMOKE
The gas grill remains my go-to for anything requiring that classic char and deep, ambient heat. It is the master of the “low and slow” and the “quick and smoky.” When I’m looking for that melt-in-your-mouth texture for a heavy hitter like brisket, I turn to the expertapproved 3-2-1 method. This technique — unwrapped, wrapped and then finished with a glaze — ensures you never serve a dry or tough piece of meat again. The gas grill excels because of its airflow. It allows for a convection-like environment where smoke can circulate. It’s also about the tools. Before the season even starts, I make sure to sharpen my technique and my cutlery to handle these larger cuts of meat with precision.
THE BLACKSTONE: THE VERSATILITY OF THE GRIDDLE
If the gas grill is the soul, the Blackstone is the engine. The sheer surface area allows for a level of consistency that grate cooking lacks. Think of it as a giant cast-iron skillet that never ends. It is the ultimate tool for delicate proteins that might otherwise fall through the grates or dry out in the open air.
For a lighter, fresher summer fare, I love using the griddle for seafood. A flaky spiced salmon, finished on the flat-top to achieve a perfect crust, is the centerpiece of my favorite salmon tacos topped with a tangy Greek yogurt sauce. The Blackstone also excels at “sheet pan”-style meals without the oven. You can whip up a garlicky, lemony shrimp scampi in under 30
minutes, keeping the kitchen cool and the flavor concentrated on the steel.
CHOOSING YOUR WEAPON
Knowing when to use which tool is what separates the amateur from the pitmaster.
THE HYBRID APPROACH
The real magic happens when you use them in tandem. Start your vegetables on the griddle with a dash of olive oil and sea salt while your brisket or steaks are resting under foil after their time on the gas grill. This ensures every component of the meal reaches the plate at its peak temperature.
Summer grilling is more than just cooking; it’s an art form. Whether you are following a meticulous 3-2-1 brisket method or throwing together a quick weeknight shrimp scampi, the combination of fire and steel will elevate your backyard game to professional heights.
CHEF’S NOTE
Always ensure your culinary tools are in top shape before the season kicks off.
THE ULTIMATE GRILLED ELOTE (MEXICAN STREET CORN)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or crema Mexicana
• 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or Tajín seasoning)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn directly on the grates.
2. Grill the corn, turning every two to three minutes, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred on all sides, about eight to 10 minutes.
3. While the corn is still hot, lightly brush each ear with mayonnaise or crema Mexicana.
4. Roll the corn in crumbled Cotija cheese until coated.
5. Sprinkle generously with chili powder (or Tajín), chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately with a lime wedge for squeezing.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR THE PITMASTER
Every pitmaster knows that your results are only as good as your tools. While the grills provide the heat, your hand tools provide the precision. Two of the most critical items in any outdoor kitchen are a high-quality fish spatula and a sturdy pair of tongs.
A fish spatula is indispensable for more than just seafood; its thin, flexible edge allows you to slide under delicate proteins or smash burgers without breaking the crust.
Meanwhile, a reliable pair of tongs acts as an extension of your arm, providing the grip and leverage needed to turn heavy steaks or adjust corn on the cob safely over high flames.
THE CRUCIAL STEP: POSTCOOK CARE AND SEASONING
Proper maintenance is the secret to a longlasting relationship with your Blackstone. After every cook, while the surface is still warm, use a metal scraper to remove any stuck-on food debris. Apply a small amount of water to steam off stubborn spots, then wipe the surface dry with a paper towel. Once clean, apply a thin layer of high-smokepoint oil, such as flaxseed or avocado oil, and spread it evenly across the entire surface with a fresh towel until it begins to smoke slightly. This process, known as seasoning, builds a durable nonstick patina that protects the steel from rust.
The gas grill requires a different approach to ensure its longevity. After your final sear, let the grill run on high for about 10 minutes to carbonize any remaining grease. Use a high-quality grill brush to scrub the grates while they are hot. To maintain their nonstick properties, lightly coat the clean grates with a cooking oil spray or an oiled rag. This simple routine prevents oxidation and ensures that your next rack of ribs or piece of salmon releases perfectly from the steel.
COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE
THE LORD’S CUPBOARD SEEKS A NEW FRANKLIN HOME
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
For 55 years, The Lord’s Cupboard has quietly served Johnson County with compassion, dignity and a mission rooted in community care. What began as a small outreach operating from just two rooms has grown into a beloved nonprofit thrift store spanning more than 5,500 square feet — a place where families, teachers, students and individuals experiencing hardship can find support without judgment.
Now, the organization faces one of the biggest challenges in its history: relocation.
“The building is being sold, so we have to find a new location,” says Julie Parish, who has worked at The Lord’s Cupboard for 13 years. “And it has to stay in Franklin.”
That need is not simply about convenience. Accessibility is essential to the people The Lord’s Cupboard serves. Many visitors walk to the store, and some are homeless or without reliable transportation. Remaining in Franklin ensures those who depend on the organization can continue to access affordable necessities and community support.
The Lord’s Cupboard is not affiliated with a church, though it works closely with
churches, schools and social service agencies throughout the county. Entirely operated by a volunteer board, the nonprofit has become a remarkable example of grassroots community outreach powered by dedication and heart.
Inside the store, that care is immediately visible. A thoughtfully arranged baby room welcomes young parents with warmth and comfort. A cheerful children’s section is carefully organized to make shopping easier and more enjoyable for families. Household items, clothing, décor and everyday essentials fill the shelves, but what truly defines the space is the sense of dignity it offers each person who walks through the door.
“The little things matter,” Parish says. “We want people to feel cared for here.”
That philosophy extends far beyond the sales floor.
The Lord’s Cupboard awards four college scholarships each year to graduating seniors, selecting recipients based on academic achievement and community involvement. The organization also provides scholarships to local youth through the Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc. Teachers receive 50 percent
off classroom items, and the same discount is extended to any community outreach organization.
Last year, the store was voted Best Thrift Store in Johnson County — recognition that reflects not only the quality of the shop itself, but also the trust and appreciation the community has for its mission.
Still, none of that changes the urgent need ahead. The organization is searching for a new Franklin location with enough space to continue operating effectively, along with a large parking lot to accommodate shoppers and donors. Leaders hope the right business owner, property holder or community partner will step forward to help preserve an outreach that so many people rely upon.
For decades, The Lord’s Cupboard has provided more than affordable goods. It has offered stability, encouragement, opportunity and kindness to countless members of the community.
Now, the community has an opportunity to give something back.
BRAVE THE BARRELS
Barry the Barrel is here to remind you about the phases of construction and to support our U.S. 31 businesses impacted. Your support matters as these local businesses navigate the challenges of road work.
SCAN FOR UPDATES
A GENUINE FRANKLIN campaign supporting our U.S. 31 businesses #Support31 | franklincoc.org
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FRANKLIN COMMUNITY BAND AT GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Dr. Franklin.
7-8:15 p.m.
Enjoy a performance by the Franklin Community Band.
PURRS & BARKS SUMMER CAMP
Humane Society of Johnson County, 3827 North Graham Rd.
Join the Humane Society of Johnson County for Purrs & Barks Summer Camp! Register by calling (317) 5356626.
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JOYFUL SOUNDS HANDBELL PERFORMANCE
Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Dr. Franklin.
7-8 p.m.
Enjoy a performance by the Joyful Sound hand bell choir, a group that promotes the art of English handbell ringing.
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FAMILY MOVIE SERIES 2
Franklin Amphitheater, 237 W. Monroe St. Franklin. | 6-11 p.m.
Enjoy a free showing of 30 Going on 30 at the amphitheater in Franklin. Activities are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and the movie starts around 9 p.m.
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SILENT BOOK CLUB MAIN & MADISON MARKET CAFE
100 North Main Street.
5 p.m.
BYOB (bring your own book)! If you’re 21+, you are absolutely welcome to join!
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AMERICA’S 250TH EXHIBIT OPENING AT THE MUSEUM
Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N Main St.
6-8 p.m.
An exhibit celebrating America’s 250th will be unveiled at the Johnson County Museum of History.
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CONCERT SERIES:
JUKEBOX
LIVE DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Young’s Creek Park, 237 W Monroe Street. 7-10 p.m.
Come out and enjoy the 2026 concert series at the Franklin Amp!
