Franklin Methodist Church to honor retiring pastor
Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — Franklin Methodist Church will honor the Rev. Polly D. Standing in August as she prepares to retire following 16 years of ministry and spiritual leadership in the Franklin community. Standing will officially retire Aug. 31 after serving as senior pastor of the church since 2011. During her tenure, the church experienced growth in both membership and community outreach. A retirement celebration will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in the Franklin Methodist Church Activity Building. Community members, former church members and local leaders are invited to attend and celebrate Standing’s ministry and legacy. Standing helped guide the congregation through several difficult periods. She oversaw the rebuilding of a new sanctuary after straight-line winds left the church’s previous structure unstable in 2013. She also helped lead tornado recovery efforts following the tornado that struck Franklin on April 13, 2019. Church members said her work extended beyond rebuilding physical structures, noting that her involvement in the spiritual life of the congregation and the Franklin community has left a lasting impact. Standing will preach her final worship service as senior pastor at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Her sermon will be titled “Our Blessings are for Others.” Members of the public are welcome to attend both the Aug. 15 celebration and Standing’s final worship service. Those wishing to share memories or well-wishes may contact the Franklin Methodist Church office at 979-828-3355.
Swift response prevents cornfield fire from becoming major disaster
A fast, coordinated response by multiple Robertson County fire departments prevented a potentially devastating wildfire Thursday evening after a fire was reported in a cornfield near Bremond. Firefighters from the Bremond, Calvert and Franklin volunteer fire departments responded to the call, with Calvert crews arriving first and establishing the incident command post. Their rapid deployment, combined with coordinated efforts from all responding agencies, helped contain the fire before it could spread through surrounding fields. The blaze was ultimately limited to a small patch of woods located in the middle of cornfields that were actively being harvested. The quick containment prevented damage to nearby crops and reduced the risk of a larger wildfire. Emergency responders credited the successful outcome to strong cooperation among the departments and the prompt actions of the landowners, who quickly called 911 after spotting the fire. Officials said the incident highlights the importance of early reporting and coordinated emergency response, especially during harvest season when dry conditions can allow fires to spread rapidly.
Foley Named Franklin High School Principal
Keli Foley, newly appointed Franklin High School principal, is pictured with her husband and their three children. Foley brings district leadership experience as Franklin ISD prepares for the 2026-27 school year.
Submitted Photo | Robertson County News
Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN, Texas — Franklin Independent School District has appointed Keli Foley as principal of Franklin High School as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year and continues a broader administrative transition. Foley previously served as assistant principal at Franklin High School and Franklin Middle School, giving her experience with students, staff and daily operations on both campuses. District leaders said her familiarity with the Franklin school community will help provide continuity as she moves into the high school’s top leadership role. “Franklin ISD has named Mrs. Keli Foley as the high school principal. The board fully supports Mrs. Foley in her new role, and we look forward to her striving for excellence at our high school campus,” Franklin ISD School Board President Justin Klieber said. Foley is expected to focus on student achievement, staff development and a collaborative learning environment. Her appointment places a longtime district administrator in charge of the high school as Franklin ISD works to prepare students and employees for the start of the new academic year. The appointment also clears the way for Laci Rasberry to move into a full-time central administration role during the 2026-27 school year. Rasberry will continue serving as acting superintendent while Superintendent Russell White remains on a temporary leave of absence. “Mrs. Laci Rasberry will transition to serve our district in the central administration office full-time for the 2026-2027 school year. For now, she will continue to serve as our Acting Superintendent,” Klieber said. District officials credited Rasberry with providing leadership during preparations for the upcoming school year and while the district begins work connected to its voter-approved bond projects. Her transition to central administration is expected to strengthen coordination across the district while maintaining stability in the superintendent’s office. Klieber said the district appreciates Rasberry’s work in helping launch the bond projects and prepare Franklin ISD for the new school year. He said student success remains the district’s top priority and that the administrative appointments will make the school system stronger. Foley’s promotion comes as Franklin ISD welcomes leadership changes across several campuses. District officials said they are confident her campus experience, knowledge of the community and commitment to students will help Franklin High School continue building on its academic programs and school culture. Additional information about district leadership and the start of the 2026-27 school year is expected to be released as Franklin ISD completes its summer preparations.
Kilcrease Named Assistant Principal at Franklin Middle School
Franklin Independent School District has announced the appointment of Lindsey Kilcrease as the new assistant principal at Franklin Middle School. District officials said Kilcrease will join the school's administrative team ahead of the upcoming academic year. The district expressed confidence that her commitment to education and student success will have a positive impact on the campus community. In her new role, Kilcrease will work alongside campus leadership to support students, staff and families while helping oversee daily operations and academic initiatives at Franklin Middle School. The appointment comes as Franklin ISD continues preparations for the 2026-27 school year and welcomes new leadership across the district. District leaders said they look forward to the experience and dedication Kilcrease brings to the middle school campus.
