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Press photo/Shelby Powell - Franklin High School students are greeted at Macon Middle School during the annual Grad Walk.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Franklin High School students are greeted at Macon Middle School during the annual Grad Walk.

Grad Walk 2025

News Staff
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
The graduating seniors from Franklin High School, Macon Early College and Bartram Academy donned their caps and gowns, boarded a convoy of school buses and were treated like celebrities as they arrived at schools throughout the county on April 30.
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Filing for municipal elections opens in July

News Staff
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
The Macon County Board of Elections has set the calendar for the Town of Franklin and Town of Highlands elections to be held later this year. Franklin Mayor Jack Horton and three Town Council members – David Culpepper, Stacy Guffey and Rita Salain – are up for election.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Music Teacher Elise Parham (left) was given recognition as Teacher of the Year from Iotla Valley Elementary School Principal Michelle Bell (right) for her dedication and service to the school. Parham has managed a wide variety of performances for Iotla students that have led Bell to push for full-time music and art instruction. 

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Music Teacher Elise Parham (left) was given recognition as Teacher of the Year from Iotla Valley Elementary School Principal Michelle Bell (right) for her dedication and service to the school. Parham has managed a wide variety of performances for Iotla students that have led Bell to push for full-time music and art instruction. 

Bartram returns to five-day schedule

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
The Macon County Board of Education took advantage of its April meeting at Iotla Valley Elementary School to recognize and honor school staff and scholarship recipients, speak with AstroTurf about building a new soccer field, and approve a request to return Bartram Academy to a five-day schedule.
Press file photo - Franklin Town Hall

Press file photo - Franklin Town Hall

Franklin to hold steady on tax rate

Mia Overton
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Just like its residents, the Town of Franklin is experiencing cost increases, but the town expects to maintain its current tax rate. However, water rates may increase to cover rising costs and infrastructure improvements.
Photo/Bob Scott - Local riverkeepers held an “Honor the River” paddle on April 26 to show their support for preservation of the Little Tennessee River and other local waterways.

Photo/Bob Scott - Local riverkeepers held an “Honor the River” paddle on April 26 to show their support for preservation of the Little Tennessee River and other local waterways.

Community pushes back on river debris removal

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has drawn some criticism from local nature and wildlife groups as the organization has hired contractors to assist with Hurricane Helene debris cleanup in the Little Tennessee River.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - A collection of Macon County Schools counselors and mental health specialists speak with Ronnie Beale about the need for additional mental health resources in public schools, namely funding and personnel.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - A collection of Macon County Schools counselors and mental health specialists speak with Ronnie Beale about the need for additional mental health resources in public schools, namely funding and personnel.

Macon task force talks school mental health services

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
The Macon County Behavioral Health Task Force met Thursday, April 17, for one of its regular monthly meetings to discuss the state of behavioral health, mental health and resources available to individuals and families within the county.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Repairs continue at the entrance to the Macon County Public Library.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Repairs continue at the entrance to the Macon County Public Library.

Macon County Commissioners hear project updates

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
The Macon County Board of Commissioners finished up old business and made budget amendments in its regular April meeting, hearing updates about ongoing construction at Highlands School and Macon County Public Library and approving a bid for the old service station on East Main Street.
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Franklin man charged with murder

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested Christopher Allen Laws, 53 of Franklin, on charges of second degree murder and concealment of a death, on Saturday, April 19. Laws is currently being held without bond and the incident remains under investigation.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Representatives and leadership from American Legion Post 108 join Master Sergeant Thomas Kaye (front) after donating him a new motorized scooter. Pictured with Kaye are (from left) Terrence Adams, parliamentarian; Roger Pannabecker of the Sons of the American Legion, Brian Bishop, 1st vice commander; Al Albiston, commander; Kenny Peterson; and Ken Carpenter, past commander.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Representatives and leadership from American Legion Post 108 join Master Sergeant Thomas Kaye (front) after donating him a new motorized scooter. Pictured with Kaye are (from left) Terrence Adams, parliamentarian; Roger Pannabecker of the Sons of the American Legion, Brian Bishop, 1st vice commander; Al Albiston, commander; Kenny Peterson; and Ken Carpenter, past commander.

American Legion donates scooter to retired veteran

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Last Monday, on April 14, Franklin’s American Legion Post 108 donated a motorized scooter to 93-year-old Navy and Air Force Veteran Master Sergeant Thomas Kaye, who currently lives at the Franklin House.