Former Franklin chief arrested
Terry Thibodeaux
Roy McCoy
roy@robconews.com
Robertson County News
posted: 09/23//2026
FRANKLIN — A months-long investigation involving the Franklin Police Department has led to the arrest of former Police Chief Terry Thibodeaux on three charges of tampering with a governmental record involving fraud or harm. Thibodeaux, 52, was booked into the Robertson County Jail on Friday, September 18, at 9:23 a.m. Bond was set at $2,500 on each charge, bringing his total bond to $7,500. He was released at 10:51 a.m. His arrest came one day after former Franklin Police Officer Jason S. McCord, 41, was arrested on one count of tampering with a governmental record involving fraud or harm. McCord’s bond was set at $2,500. The investigation first became public in May, when the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement confirmed it was investigating allegations of forged or falsified governmental documents involving the Franklin Police Department and Thibodeaux. The current charges are believed to have some connection to a two-day course that area law enforcement officers took part in. Questions have reportedly centered on attendance and records connected to the course. However, the exact records involved and the details surrounding the course have not been confirmed through publicly released court documents. As the investigation unfolded in May, Thibodeaux and Franklin Police Officer John Key were suspended with pay by the Franklin City Council. Both men later retired from the department. Their retirements were announced during a May 18 City Council meeting, where council members had planned to discuss complaints and the ongoing TCOLE investigation. With both men no longer employed by the city, the council did not take any further employment action. Robertson County District Attorney Coty Siegert recused himself from the matter, and Brazos County Attorney Earl Gray was brought in as an outside prosecutor. McCord joined the Franklin Police Department in January after previously serving with the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office. As of September 18, Key had not been arrested in connection with the investigation. The arrests are the latest development in an investigation that has now stretched across several months and resulted in the retirement of two Franklin officers and criminal charges against two former members of the department. The charges are allegations, and the cases remain pending.
Hearne ISD lands $345K nursing grant
Roy McCoy
roy@robconews.com
Robertson County News
posted: 09/23//2026
HEARNE — Hearne ISD has been awarded nearly $345,000 to help local students begin training for careers as registered nurses. The district will receive a $344,985 Jobs and Education for Texans grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. The money will be used to purchase and install equipment for a nursing training program offered in partnership with Blinn College. The program is expected to initially train five Hearne students as registered nurses. The grant is aimed at giving students access to equipment similar to what they will use while continuing their education and eventually working in the healthcare field. Gov. Greg Abbott announced the award September 3 as part of a group of career and technical education grants issued through the Texas Workforce Commission. “These grants will provide students with valuable training and resources to launch successful careers,” Abbott said. The Jobs and Education for Texans program provides funding to school districts, colleges and other eligible educational institutions to help cover the cost of starting or expanding career and technical education programs. Grant money can be used for equipment and technology needed to prepare students for occupations considered to be in high demand. For Hearne ISD, the funding will create another opportunity for students interested in healthcare to begin working toward a nursing career while still close to home.
GriefShare offers a place to heal after loss
Roy McCoy
roy@robconews.com
Robertson County News
posted: 09/16//2026
FRANKLIN — Losing someone can leave people feeling like they are trying to figure out a new version of life on their own. First Baptist Church Franklin is hoping its GriefShare program can make that road a little less lonely. The church is hosting the 13-week grief support program this fall for anyone struggling with the death of a loved one. The group is free and open to the community, and people do not have to be members of the church to attend. The September 23 meeting will focus on self-care, something that can easily be forgotten while dealing with grief. Other meetings throughout the program will touch on anger, fear, regret, changes within the family, friendships, questions about faith and eventually finding hope and purpose moving forward. Each meeting is designed to stand on its own, meaning someone who missed the beginning of the program can still join at any time. GriefShare gives participants a chance to spend time with others who understand what it is like to lose someone important. The meetings also offer guidance for dealing with emotions and the everyday changes that often come with loss. Meetings are held Wednesdays at First Baptist Church Franklin’s Office and Conference Center, 215 W. Morgan St. Childcare is available, and materials for the program are provided at no cost. Anyone interested in attending can register through GriefShare or contact First Baptist Church Franklin for more information.
