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Press photo/Shelby Powell - Cory Spychalski of The Grove Hostel writes out a draft visioning statement for Franklin identifying its recreation, arts and culture as a draw for the town.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Cory Spychalski of The Grove Hostel writes out a draft visioning statement for Franklin identifying its recreation, arts and culture as a draw for the town.

A new vision for Franklin

Shelby Powell
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Town of Franklin’s attempts to build a new economic development plan took the next step with a public event on June 23 at Twenty-Eight Main to come up with drafts for a new vision statement.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - The Argent Accounting building on Palmer Street.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - The Argent Accounting building on Palmer Street.

Law enforcement on scene at Argent

Shelby Powell
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Argent Accounting attracted attention June 23 after representatives of the Federal and State Bureaus of Investigation attempted to get in contact with owner Trever Vernon.
Press file photo - All are welcome to join in the July 4 parade. Put on your most patriotic outfit and meet at Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m. followed by the Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest and the patriotic pet contest.

Press file photo - All are welcome to join in the July 4 parade. Put on your most patriotic outfit and meet at Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m. followed by the Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest and the patriotic pet contest.

Celebrating America 250

Mia Overton
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Macon County and the Town of Franklin will join the America 250 Celebration with two days of festivities, July 3 and 4. Friday, July 3, 2026Parker Meadows Athletic Events10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Tax reappraisal freeze to skip Macon County

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
North Carolina paused tax revaluations for some counties, but Macon County is not on the list.According to county tax administrator Abby Braswell, Macon County is not one of the nine N.C. counties which will see their revaluations pause for the coming year.
Fontana Regional Library Board Chair Bill McGaha speaks about fund distribution at the June 15 FRL meeting. (Press photo/Shelby Powell)

Fontana Regional Library Board Chair Bill McGaha speaks about fund distribution at the June 15 FRL meeting. (Press photo/Shelby Powell)

Judge orders halt to FRL fund distribution

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Swain County filed a complaint seeking to temporarily stop the Fontana Regional Library from dispersing funds to Macon, Jackson and Swain counties.
County Commissioner Chair Josh Young hears discussion on the county’s 2026-27 budget. (Press photo/Shelby Powell)

County Commissioner Chair Josh Young hears discussion on the county’s 2026-27 budget. (Press photo/Shelby Powell)

County passes 2026-27 budget

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved its 2026-27 budget, holding steady the 27-cent property tax rate.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - County Commissioner Chair Josh Young hears discussion on the county’s 2026-27 budget.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - County Commissioner Chair Josh Young hears discussion on the county’s 2026-27 budget.

County passes 2026-27 budget

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved its 2026-27 budget, holding steady the 27-cent property tax rate.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Karen Smith speaks to the Macon County Planning Board to recommend the board support district voting for its redistricting recommendation.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Karen Smith speaks to the Macon County Planning Board to recommend the board support district voting for its redistricting recommendation.

Planning Board recommends at-large voting

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
The Macon County Planning Board voted unanimously on June 11 to recommend an at-large system for county redistricting efforts, furthering a conversation which should transfer back to commissioners after next month’s Planning Board meeting.