Local

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Macon County Airport has a waitlist for hangar space.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Macon County Airport has a waitlist for hangar space.

Macon County Airport usage takes off

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Beyond being a hub for private planes, Macon County Airport leaders say the airport is a potent economic driver for the county. According to information from the N.C.
Source: Development Finance Initiative

Source: Development Finance Initiative

Old hospital site could be used for housing, retail

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
As the Town of Franklin continues to consider options for the old hospital property, the Town Council heard a report on housing and retail space needs. HCA, the parent company of HCA-Mission and Angel Medical Center, still owns the former hospital property on Riverside Street.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Kathy Peek (left) and Dave Linn (right) joined town officials in the groundbreaking for the inclusive playground at the new park the town is building off First Street in East Franklin. “We look forward to seeing a lot of kids out here enjoying this wonderful park,” said Mayor Jack Horton. Town Council members and staff at the ceremonial groundbreaking included Vice Mayor Stacy Guffey, Town Manager Amie Owens, Mayor Jack Horton, and Town Council members Mike Lewis and Joe Collins.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Kathy Peek (left) and Dave Linn (right) joined town officials in the groundbreaking for the inclusive playground at the new park the town is building off First Street in East Franklin. “We look forward to seeing a lot of kids out here enjoying this wonderful park,” said Mayor Jack Horton. Town Council members and staff at the ceremonial groundbreaking included Vice Mayor Stacy Guffey, Town Manager Amie Owens, Mayor Jack Horton, and Town Council members Mike Lewis and Joe Collins.

Looking on the Sunnyside

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Children of all abilities will soon be able to enjoy playing outside at one of the prettiest spots in Franklin. On Friday, Aug. 8, the Town of Franklin broke ground for an inclusive playground to be located at what is commonly called the Whitmire property and was historically known as Sunnyside.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - County Manager Warren Cabe speaks at the Eggs and Issues business forum on Aug. 1 at the Chamber of Commerce.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - County Manager Warren Cabe speaks at the Eggs and Issues business forum on Aug. 1 at the Chamber of Commerce.

Cabe reports on state of the county

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
County Manager Warren Cabe presented a “State of the County” report for the Eggs and Issues business forum presented by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Cabe highlighted the 2025-26 county budget and ongoing and future county projects.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - REACH staff, directors and forensic nursing experts discussed REACH’s new forensic nursing program. From left: Bonnie Peggs, Andrea Anderson, Jennifer Turner-Lynn, Rebecca Bilbrey, Emma Maxwell, Dr. Clayton Davis and Renee Collette.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - REACH staff, directors and forensic nursing experts discussed REACH’s new forensic nursing program. From left: Bonnie Peggs, Andrea Anderson, Jennifer Turner-Lynn, Rebecca Bilbrey, Emma Maxwell, Dr. Clayton Davis and Renee Collette.

REACH launches forensic nursing program

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
REACH of Macon County held a panel discussion Thursday to celebrate and share details on the launch of its new forensic nursing program. Members of the public, local leaders and representatives of law enforcement attended the meeting at the Macon County Community Building on July 31.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Dr. Joanne Roesner speaks in support of the Board of Health retaining control of the Health Department during the monthly board meeting on July 29.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Dr. Joanne Roesner speaks in support of the Board of Health retaining control of the Health Department during the monthly board meeting on July 29.

Resigned: Board of Health members walk out

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Two Macon County Board of Health members walked out of a closed session meeting last week and gave their resignations. During the public portion of the regular monthly meeting on July 29, the board members discussed how to deal with employee complaints.
Photo submitted - Trooper is recovering at Hot Mess Horse and Animal Rescue.

Photo submitted - Trooper is recovering at Hot Mess Horse and Animal Rescue.

Woman convicted on animal cruelty charge

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Sandra Gibbs Medina, 69 of Franklin, was convicted of animal cruelty and livestock at large, after depriving her horse, Trooper, of food.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Low Tide brought the sounds of the 80s to life during the parade on Saturday, Aug. 2 as part of 80s Flashback Weekend festivities. The band performed Prince’s “Purple Rain” as they stopped for the judging at the intersection of Main and Iotla Streets. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Low Tide brought the sounds of the 80s to life during the parade on Saturday, Aug. 2 as part of 80s Flashback Weekend festivities. The band performed Prince’s “Purple Rain” as they stopped for the judging at the intersection of Main and Iotla Streets. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

80s Flashback Weekend

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
The 11th annual 80s Flashback Weekend was held Aug. 1 and 2 in downtown Franklin. The two-day event raises money for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. Friday night’s show included Carbon Harry as the opening act followed by Bad Medicine, a Bon Jovi tribute band.
Photo submitted - The Morris family cuts the ribbon for the opening of Franklin Health and Fitness in 1988.

Photo submitted - The Morris family cuts the ribbon for the opening of Franklin Health and Fitness in 1988.

Remembering Franklin doctor Ed Morris

Shelby Powell
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Dr. Ed Morris, a physician who had a powerful impact on Franklin, passed away on Sunday, July 13, after a five-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Morris, who was born in Charlotte, was attracted to Franklin in the late 1970s as the local medical community was growing.
Photos/Shelby Powell - Appalachian Animal Rescue Center’s new manager Nikki Jones (left) and assistant manager Angela Cox (right) have been working with the nonprofit for two months, working on building renovations for most of that time.

Photos/Shelby Powell - Appalachian Animal Rescue Center’s new manager Nikki Jones (left) and assistant manager Angela Cox (right) have been working with the nonprofit for two months, working on building renovations for most of that time.

AARC renovates animal shelter

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Appalachian Animal Rescue Center held an open house on Saturday, July 19, to show off renovations to the center and new services available. The combination open house, fundraiser and adoption event was held at the rescue center’s location off Lake Emory Road.