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Press photo/Shelby Powell - Sheriff Brent Holbrooks addresses the Macon County Board of Commissioners

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Sheriff Brent Holbrooks addresses the Macon County Board of Commissioners

Macon County Commissioners continue budget talks

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Following up on the points of discussion at its May 22 work session, the Macon County Board of Commissioners reconvened on Wednesday, May 28, to further discuss budget matters with the Macon County Board of Education, Southwestern Community College, the Sheriff’s Office and Cullasaja Gorge Fire and...
Press graphic

Press graphic

Burningtown-Iotla Fire Dept. has July 31 deadline

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Representatives of Burningtown-Iotla Fire and Rescue (BIFR) returned to the Board of Commissioners meeting on May 28 to speak further about ongoing issues with the department. Several department board members and volunteer firefighters also attended the meeting.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin firefighters Joe Templeton and Darian Greene were presented Life Saving Awards for their actions to rescue a man from a burning structure on May 8. Chief Ben Ormond presented the awards at the June 2 Franklin Town Council meeting.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin firefighters Joe Templeton and Darian Greene were presented Life Saving Awards for their actions to rescue a man from a burning structure on May 8. Chief Ben Ormond presented the awards at the June 2 Franklin Town Council meeting.

Franklin firefighters receive Live Saving Awards

Mia Overton
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Two Franklin firefighters were presented Life Saving Awards for their actions to rescue a 96-year-old man with Alzheimer’s from his burning home. The awards were presented at the June 2 Franklin Town Council meeting with their families and fellow firefighters attending.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Mayor Jack Horton announced at the June 2 Town Council meeting that he would not be running for a third term. Filing for municipal elections open July 7.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Mayor Jack Horton announced at the June 2 Town Council meeting that he would not be running for a third term. Filing for municipal elections open July 7.

Mayor Horton will not run for re-election

Mia Overton
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Franklin Mayor Jack Horton closed Monday’s Town Council meeting with the announcement that he would not be running for re-election this year. Horton has served two terms as mayor, running unopposed both times and previously served on the Town Council as vice mayor.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Franklin High School graduates march in for their commencement ceremony on May 29 at Western Carolina University. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Franklin High School graduates march in for their commencement ceremony on May 29 at Western Carolina University. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

FHS celebrates 2025 graduates

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Franklin High School’s Class of 2025 graduates were joined Thursday, May 29, by family and supporters at Western Carolina University for a commencement ceremony to recognize their accomplishments and receive their diplomas. Guests were welcomed into the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center.
Press graphic - An overview of the Town of Franklin’s proposed 2025-26 budget.

Press graphic - An overview of the Town of Franklin’s proposed 2025-26 budget.

Increasing costs impact Franklin’s budget

Mia Overton
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
When the Franklin Town Council meets next week, they will hold a public hearing on the town’s proposed budget for 2025-26. The budget shows a 5% increase including a cost of living adjustment for employees.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Superintendent Josh Lynch and Finance Director Alayna Ledford present requests for the 2025-26 Macon County Schools Budget.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Superintendent Josh Lynch and Finance Director Alayna Ledford present requests for the 2025-26 Macon County Schools Budget.

County holds first budget session

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The Macon County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, May 22, at 9 a.m. to talk budget with Macon County Schools, Southwestern Community College, Davenport and Company LLC, Emergency Medical Services and several volunteer fire departments.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Bus Driver Connie Dills requests additional support for Macon County Schools bus drivers, including increased pay and updated benefits.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Bus Driver Connie Dills requests additional support for Macon County Schools bus drivers, including increased pay and updated benefits.

Bus driver shortage topic for school board

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The continuing shortage of bus drivers was a topic during the May 19 Macon County Board of Education meeting. The board also received reports on the school system’s many construction projects. The meeting was held early this month to avoid falling on Memorial Day.
Photo/Bob Scott - Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard present the colors.

Photo/Bob Scott - Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard present the colors.

Remembering the fallen

News Staff
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
In spite of the threat of rain, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony took place Monday, May 26 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Franklin. Memorial Day is a United States holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.