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County puts redistricting on hold

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners held its fourth consecutive month of conversations about redistricting Tuesday, March 10, voting 4-1 to shut down a motion to change the board’s structure.
Photo/Bob Scott - Nancy Siler Scott (second from left) was honored as the 2026 Macon Matriarch. The award is presented by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County. Scott is pictured at the Sowing the Seeds of the Future sculpture with FHAMC board members Claire Suminski, Theresa Ramsey, Janet Greene, Anne Hyder, Marty Greeble, Mia Overton and Mary Polanski. Susan Ervin, not pictured, also served on the selection committee.

Photo/Bob Scott - Nancy Siler Scott (second from left) was honored as the 2026 Macon Matriarch. The award is presented by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County. Scott is pictured at the Sowing the Seeds of the Future sculpture with FHAMC board members Claire Suminski, Theresa Ramsey, Janet Greene, Anne Hyder, Marty Greeble, Mia Overton and Mary Polanski. Susan Ervin, not pictured, also served on the selection committee.

Macon Matriarch: History runs through Nancy Siler Scott’s veins

News Staff
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Submitted by Theresa Ramsey - Folk Heritage Association of Macon County   On March 14 as part of Women’s History Month, the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC) announced their selection for this year’s WHT Macon Matriarch – Nancy Siler Scott.
Press photo/Mia Overton - The Macon County Board of Elections members and Board of Elections Supervisor Melanie Thibault (standing) during Early Voting counting on March 3. Board members are (from left) Chair John Vanhook, Gary Dills, Kathy Tinsley, Paul Niskanen and Lynne Garrison

Press photo/Mia Overton - The Macon County Board of Elections members and Board of Elections Supervisor Melanie Thibault (standing) during Early Voting counting on March 3. Board members are (from left) Chair John Vanhook, Gary Dills, Kathy Tinsley, Paul Niskanen and Lynne Garrison

Holbrooks to hold seat as sheriff

Shelby Powell
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The votes are in for the 2026 primary and incumbent Brent Holbrooks will retain his seat as Macon County Sheriff. The election also determined the Republican candidates who will face Democratic challengers for District 1 and District 2 seats on the Macon County Board of Commissioners in November.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Part of the house at 574 Womack Street has collapsed. After giving the owner a 90-day notice last May to demolish the house, the Town Council voted on March 2 to declare it dilapidated and have it torn down.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Part of the house at 574 Womack Street has collapsed. After giving the owner a 90-day notice last May to demolish the house, the Town Council voted on March 2 to declare it dilapidated and have it torn down.

Council orders house demolished

Mia Overton
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
In its continuing effort to address neglected properties that don’t meet the Minimum Housing Code, the Franklin Town Council voted on March 2 to demolish a house on Womack Street.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Mountain View Intermediate students speak with volunteers for the Amazing Shake event, practicing social skills like eye contact, appearing engaged, shaking hands and making conversation. More than 600 participating students were whittled down to one winner after four days of competition across different fields and venues. Above: Student Barron Alison speaks with Ryan Cote.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Mountain View Intermediate students speak with volunteers for the Amazing Shake event, practicing social skills like eye contact, appearing engaged, shaking hands and making conversation. More than 600 participating students were whittled down to one winner after four days of competition across different fields and venues. Above: Student Barron Alison speaks with Ryan Cote.

Students get Amazing Shake training

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Mountain View Intermediate students shook hands and took names at the school’s Amazing Shake event, practicing the type-A social skills they’ll need for life.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey, Vice Mayor Mike Lewis and council member Rita Salain choose their top infrastructure priorities during the Town Council retreat held at Fontana Village Resort.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey, Vice Mayor Mike Lewis and council member Rita Salain choose their top infrastructure priorities during the Town Council retreat held at Fontana Village Resort.

Council sets town’s priorities

Mia Overton
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Economic development and revitalizing town infrastructure were the top two priorities to come out of the Franklin Town Council’s annual retreat held Feb. 20 and 21 at Fontana Village Resort. The council then took its first action related to those items at the March 2 board meeting.
Press photo Mia Overton - Noquisi Initiative co-chairs Juanita Wilson and Bob McCollum, Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey and Principal Chief Michell Hicks complete the signing of the Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26.

Press photo Mia Overton - Noquisi Initiative co-chairs Juanita Wilson and Bob McCollum, Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey and Principal Chief Michell Hicks complete the signing of the Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26.

Mound returned to the Cherokee

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
The Noquisiyi Mound was returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Feb. 26 in a signing ceremony attended by more than 100 Cherokee, local leaders and community members.   Background The creation of Noquisiyi Mound is estimated to be approximately 1000 C.E.