Photo/Bob Scott - Sunrise over Clock Tower Square on Main Street in Franklin. As part of its economic development efforts, the Town of Franklin is partnering with the new nonprofit Main Street Franklin, Inc. The town is also conducting a survey to get input on a separate project regarding the design and use of the Main Street area. The link for the survey is available at franklinnc.com.

Photo/Bob Scott - Sunrise over Clock Tower Square on Main Street in Franklin. As part of its economic development efforts, the Town of Franklin is partnering with the new nonprofit Main Street Franklin, Inc. The town is also conducting a survey to get input on a separate project regarding the design and use of the Main Street area. The link for the survey is available at franklinnc.com.

Town seeks Main Street designation

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

As part of its recent economic development efforts, the Franklin Town Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding and a $60,000 allocation to put toward rejoining the N.C. Main Street program.The agreement is with the new nonprofit Main Street Franklin, Inc.

Local

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Elissa Hashemi, director of Mountain West Partnership, speaks at the Eggs and Issues forum on support for small businesses.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Elissa Hashemi, director of Mountain West Partnership, speaks at the Eggs and Issues forum on support for small businesses.

Small business support in Macon County

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Representatives from Southwestern Community College, Mountain West Partnership and Sequoyah Fund...
Press photo - H&H Farm Stand is among the vendors offering locally grown produce at the Macon County Farmers Market.

Press photo - H&H Farm Stand is among the vendors offering locally grown produce at the Macon County Farmers Market.

Double SNAP returns to Farmers Market

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The Macon County Farmers Market has brought its Double SNAP program back for the 2026 season,...
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Regional

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Mark Masters of Masters Architecture proposed four options to build a new Highlands soccer field, ranging in cost from $1 million to $3.4 million to build an Astroturf soccer field on site at Highlands School or at Zachary Park.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Mark Masters of Masters Architecture proposed four options to build a new Highlands soccer field, ranging in cost from $1 million to $3.4 million to build an Astroturf soccer field on site at Highlands School or at Zachary Park.

School Board hears Highlands soccer field options

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Masters Architecture, an Asheville firm working with Macon County Schools to help replace East...
Highlander photo/Mitch Stone - FRL Board Chair Bill McGaha and Cynthia Womble discuss whether Swain County should receive a higher percentage of net surplus funds due to the free rent it has provided for FRL headquarters.

Highlander photo/Mitch Stone - FRL Board Chair Bill McGaha and Cynthia Womble discuss whether Swain County should receive a higher percentage of net surplus funds due to the free rent it has provided for FRL headquarters.

FRL discusses surplus funds, budget, property distribution

News Staff
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Mitch Stone - reporter@highlandsnews.com 
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Teams participating in the Smoky Mountain Relay stopped for a free breakfast hosted by Cowee School volunteers. Each member of this team was from the Southeast, with members from Bryson City, Chattanooga, Nashville, Sylva and Asheville.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Teams participating in the Smoky Mountain Relay stopped for a free breakfast hosted by Cowee School volunteers. Each member of this team was from the Southeast, with members from Bryson City, Chattanooga, Nashville, Sylva and Asheville.

Smoky Mountain Relay stops at Cowee School

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
More than 573 runners passed through Macon County April 24-25 as part of the annual Smoky Mountain...
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Sports

All-Conference selections (from left) Alyssa Awtrey, Chloe Lambert, Suzanna Cabe and Ashlyn McConnell mob Kendall Rumans at home plate after Rumans’ two-run homer versus Murphy March 4. (Press file photo)

All-Conference selections (from left) Alyssa Awtrey, Chloe Lambert, Suzanna Cabe and Ashlyn McConnell mob Kendall Rumans at home plate after Rumans’ two-run homer versus Murphy March 4. (Press file photo)

It was another good year for Panther softball.

Will Woolever
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
After an 18-8 season ending in Round 2 of the state playoffs, seven Panthers were recently named to...
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