As Franklin County steps into 2026, here is a look back at some of the biggest feature stories of 2025. These are the local stories the readers clicked on and commented on the most for the year.
Ralph Arthur Jr. shows the antique blanket chest he donated to the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum. Bethany Worley, the museum’s executive director, watches in the background.
Candice Matthis (right) and Debbie Nichols started blogging as Two Alpha Gals after being diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome. Since then, they’ve been sharing tips and tricks on navigating life while living with the condition they contracted from ticks that makes them allergic to mammal meat and mammal byproducts.
Biologist Dan Wilson (bottom), George Palmer and Tyler Young of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources construct an artificial fish habitat over the summer on Smith Mountain Lake.
Smith Mountain Lake’s Penn Hall Manor, which was constructed in the 1940s, was restored to turn into a short-term rental property in Franklin County.
Members of the Trinity University men's soccer team pose for photos with emergency responders at the Snow Creek Fire and Rescue Department in December after their team bus got stuck in icy conditions.Â
Ralph Arthur Jr. shows the antique blanket chest he donated to the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum. Bethany Worley, the museum’s executive director, watches in the background.
Candice Matthis (right) and Debbie Nichols started blogging as Two Alpha Gals after being diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome. Since then, they’ve been sharing tips and tricks on navigating life while living with the condition they contracted from ticks that makes them allergic to mammal meat and mammal byproducts.
Biologist Dan Wilson (bottom), George Palmer and Tyler Young of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources construct an artificial fish habitat over the summer on Smith Mountain Lake.
Smith Mountain Lake’s Penn Hall Manor, which was constructed in the 1940s, was restored to turn into a short-term rental property in Franklin County.
Members of the Trinity University men's soccer team pose for photos with emergency responders at the Snow Creek Fire and Rescue Department in December after their team bus got stuck in icy conditions.Â
