Frankly Franklin

Join us for a conversation with Ginger Clark of the Great Miami Riverway to talk about the upcoming River Ride on September 13 and the many ways the Riverway brings value to our region.This year’s River Ride invites cyclists (and runners/walkers) of all ages and skill levels to enjoy a scenic journey along the Great Miami Riverway. Whether you’re riding solo, bringing the family, gathering a scout troop, planning a team-building outing, or simply looking for a fun way to exercise, the River Ride has something for everyone.The featured route—the Miamisburg-Franklin connection of the recreation trail—offers a beautiful 13-mile round trip, with riders encouraged to travel at their own pace. Tune in to learn more about this unique community event and the lasting benefits of the Riverway to our area.

Cheryl Hardy sits down with Gary Bates from Warren County Kustoms to talk all things Downtown Saturday Nite Car Show—coming up Saturday, August 9 from 3–9 PM in downtown Franklin! The Warren County Kustoms Downtown Saturday Nite Car Show is a must-attend event for car enthusiasts! The show creates a vibrant, nostalgic atmosphere right in the heart of Franklin. Enjoy live music, local food vendors, door prizes, and the charm of Franklin on a summer evening. Whether you're showcasing your ride or just soaking in the atmosphere, it's the perfect way to spend a night with neighbors, friends, and fellow enthusiasts. Admission is free for spectators!Frankly Franklin will be taking a short break as we gear up for an exciting fall and holiday season—stay tuned!

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to Franklin, this episode dives into one of the most impactful community events of the summer—National Night Out.Cheryl Hardy sits down with Police Chief Adam Colon and Detective Amanda Meyers to talk about the importance of neighborhood engagement, how National Night Out builds stronger, safer communities, and what residents can expect this year.From free food to police demos and family fun, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about the event and how to get involved.

In this follow-up to last week's deep dive into local and regional government, we’re heading up the chain—exploring how state and federal governments impact the City of Franklin. City Manager Jonathan Westendorf breaks down the roles of state representatives, senators, the governor, and even congressional offices—explaining who to call, when to call, and why those relationships matter. From grant funding to zoning appeals and planning commissions, this episode is a practical guide to understanding the full scope of government—and how it actually works for you. Whether you're a civic-minded listener or just want to know who approves your backyard deck, this episode has the answers.

Ever wonder how your local government really works? In this enlightening episode of Frankly Franklin, host Cheryl Hardy sits down with City Manager Jonathan Westendorf to demystify the often-confusing world of local governance. From breaking down the roles of the city council, the mayor, and the city manager to unraveling the complexities of millage rates, townships, school boards, and even the surprising powers of the county coroner, this is your crash course in how government touches your everyday life. Whether you’re a civic enthusiast or a curious citizen, this episode is packed with insights, a few laughs, and a whole lot of useful information.🎧 Tune in, geek out, and learn why local government matters more than you think.

In this episode of Frankly Franklin, we dig into something that affects every household in our community - our fire department. Why does the Franklin Fire Department matter? How can we support them? And what happens if they are understaffed and without properly working equipment?We sit down with Mayor Brent Centers and Chief Stitzel from Franklin’s Fire Department to break it all down: staffing, response times, equipment needs, and the real cost of keeping our neighborhoods safe. If you’ve ever wondered what a levy actually funds or how your vote impacts emergency services, this is the episode for you.Whether you're a longtime resident or new to Franklin, this conversation helps you understand the critical role the Franklin Fire Department play in our city’s safety and future.

In our debut episode, Mayor Brent Centers and City Manager Jonathan Westendorf sit down to talk about why Franklin, Ohio is launching a podcast—and why it matters. From ambitious development projects to good old-fashioned fireworks, this episode dives into how Franklin is growing, evolving, and listening.Special guest Joe Rozzi from Rozzi Fireworks joins us to share the exciting details behind Franklin’s upcoming Independence Day celebration, including a first-of-its-kind drone and rooftop pyrotechnics show that’s set to light up downtown.We cover everything from transparency in local government and community-driven planning to what it really takes to pull off a citywide celebration.It’s all part of Franklin’s mission to stay connected, innovative, and ready for what’s next. And we want your input—every episode ends with an opportunity for you to join the conversation.