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Photo submitted - Kenneth Wayne Underwood, left, defense attorney Andy Kite and assistant district attorney John Hindsman Jr. are shown in Macon County Superior Court on Monday, April 13.

Photo submitted - Kenneth Wayne Underwood, left, defense attorney Andy Kite and assistant district attorney John Hindsman Jr. are shown in Macon County Superior Court on Monday, April 13.

Otto man headed to prison for trafficking

News Staff
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
An Otto man was sentenced to about 20 years in prison on Monday, April 13 after pleading guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine in an operation that was flowing drugs from Atlanta into Macon County.  Kenneth Wayne Underwood, 51, pleaded guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine.
Photo submitted - Daniel Rogers, left, and Lee Cloer work the computers during a live-streamed service at Holly Springs Baptist Church. On stage, from left, are Matt Corbin, Kelly Corbin, Kathi Graham and Katie LaFlamm.

Photo submitted - Daniel Rogers, left, and Lee Cloer work the computers during a live-streamed service at Holly Springs Baptist Church. On stage, from left, are Matt Corbin, Kelly Corbin, Kathi Graham and Katie LaFlamm.

With Easter at hand, churches finding new ways to reach the faithful

Jake Browning
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
With new guidelines restricting public gatherings to 10 people, Macon County worshippers have been unable gather at church for services – including Good Friday and Easter Sunday – but that isn’t stopping churches from reaching out.
Press photo/Andy Scheidler - Jeff Wang, owner of Jeff’s Ammo & Guns, said he had a run on weapons and ammunition when concern over the coronavirus spiked.

Press photo/Andy Scheidler - Jeff Wang, owner of Jeff’s Ammo & Guns, said he had a run on weapons and ammunition when concern over the coronavirus spiked.

Virus triggered run on guns, ammo

Andy Scheidler
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Gun shop owners say two things are good for gun and ammunition sales: Democrats and COVID-19.  Macon County residents should be sufficiently stocked up on guns and ammo after a rush to local dealers.  Just like toilet paper, guns and ammo were a popular panic purchase for about a week or two.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Town schedules called meeting for April 13

News Staff
Friday, April 3, 2020
The Franklin Town Council meetings originally scheduled for Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 14 will be combined into a special called meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13 at town hall. The meeting will include both regular business and a budget work session.
Press photo/Lee Buchanan - Wesley’s Playground at Big Bear Shelter has been closed until further notice.

Press photo/Lee Buchanan - Wesley’s Playground at Big Bear Shelter has been closed until further notice.

Macon staying in place as coronavirus crisis deepens

Jake Browning
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
The coronavirus and efforts to slow its spread changed life in Macon County on March 26 when the Macon County Board of Commissioners issued a stay-at-home order.  The next day, Gov. Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order that prohibits citizens from leaving their homes for non-essential purposes.
Press photo/Jake Browning - Several shops have temporarily closed their doors.

Press photo/Jake Browning - Several shops have temporarily closed their doors.

Virus fight taking toll on local economy

Lee Buchanan
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
The impact of the coronavirus and measures to combat it have already taken a heavy toll on some Macon County businesses, with many retail shops and hospitality operations shut down.
Press graphic - Federal stimulus relief checks are coming soon.

Press graphic - Federal stimulus relief checks are coming soon.

Help is here for workers impacted by coronavirus

Lee Buchanan
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
The first wave of coronavirus relief enacted on March 18 offers immediate help for working families impacted by the pandemic through emergency paid sick leave and expanded jobless benefits. The $2.
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Press graphic

Dogwood CEO: Fast action critical

Lee Buchanan
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Western North Carolina has been spared the worst impacts of the coronavirus pandemic so far, but that’s about to change, according to the CEO of Dogwood Health Trust.
Press photo/Linda Mathias - MANNA’s mobile food bank ran out of food on March 23 due to high demand.

Press photo/Linda Mathias - MANNA’s mobile food bank ran out of food on March 23 due to high demand.

Food banks deal with spike in demand

Jake Browning
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Hunger can’t take a sick day, and neither can many Macon County residents who depend on food supplements. As businesses around the country shut down to increase social distance, food banks are faced with some difficult choices to make.