Local

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Voter registration deadline: Feb. 9

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
A recent court ruling affecting same-day registration verification is one of many new parts of the 2024 elections, starting with the primary in March. The voter registration deadline for the primary is this Friday, Feb. 9, by 5 p.m., with one-stop voting starting on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Photo/NCDOT - Crews work to fix the washed-out section of Highlands Road on Jan. 29.

Photo/NCDOT - Crews work to fix the washed-out section of Highlands Road on Jan. 29.

NCDOT: Highlands Road may re-open next week

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Less than a month after closure, U.S. 64/Highlands Road going through the Cullasaja Gorge could be open to the public early next week.
Map/Town of Franklin - Map showing the Franklin Fire Department district. The light area within the circle is the Town of Franklin. The blue is the five-mile response area, and the orange designates the six-mile response area.

Map/Town of Franklin - Map showing the Franklin Fire Department district. The light area within the circle is the Town of Franklin. The blue is the five-mile response area, and the orange designates the six-mile response area.

Franklin to get new fire truck

Mia Overton
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
In a split vote on Jan. 27, the Franklin Town Council voted to allocate $200,000 toward a new truck for Franklin Fire and Rescue. The need for two new fire trucks was discussed during last year’s budget sessions.
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School board approves 2024-25 calendar

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Students and teachers in the Franklin area, Nantahala and Highlands will have the same school calendar in 2024-25 as unanimously approved Monday, Jan. 22, by the Macon County Board of Education.
Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - The aftermath of the Jan. 4 fire at 796 Prentiss Bridge Road, as photographed on Jan. 19.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - The aftermath of the Jan. 4 fire at 796 Prentiss Bridge Road, as photographed on Jan. 19.

Fire ruled murder-suicide, arson

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
A Jan. 4 house fire on Prentiss Bridge Road where two people were found dead has been determined to be a murder-suicide, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office stated on Friday, Jan. 19.
Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Law enforcement vehicles converged at Mountain View Intermediate School on Tuesday, Jan. 16, to respond to a threat against the school.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Law enforcement vehicles converged at Mountain View Intermediate School on Tuesday, Jan. 16, to respond to a threat against the school.

Shooting threat leads to school lockdown

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Multiple “threatening calls” to 911 caused a hectic hour of police sirens and panicked parents at Mountain View Intermediate School on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Commissioner Josh Young speaks to GeoServices’ Danny Williams during the Jan. 9 Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting, as Board Chair Gary Shields looks on.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Commissioner Josh Young speaks to GeoServices’ Danny Williams during the Jan. 9 Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting, as Board Chair Gary Shields looks on.

County picks pickleball court design firm

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Negotiations for contracts for pickleball and tennis courts at the Macon County Recreation Park and the Macon Middle School track got approval from the Macon County Board of Commissioners at its Tuesday, Jan. 9 meeting.
Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Matt Saenger, director of sales and marketing with BalsamWest, speaks to the Macon County Board of Commissioners.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Matt Saenger, director of sales and marketing with BalsamWest, speaks to the Macon County Board of Commissioners.

Broadband projects set for construction

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
The first phase of the Nantahala broadband project could be completed in the next three months, and new broadband lines are slated for construction between Otto and Highlands within the year. This news was part of a presentation made at the Jan.
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County submits grant for new FHS

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
The application that hopes to net Macon County up to $62 million in grant funds for the new Franklin High School project is now in the hands of the state. On Dec.
Map/Town of Franklin - The Franklin Main Street social district, highlighted in blue, will include Main Street between Town Hall and Lazy Hiker Brewing, Stewart Street, part of Philips Street and part of Iotla Street. The county properties are not included in the district.

Map/Town of Franklin - The Franklin Main Street social district, highlighted in blue, will include Main Street between Town Hall and Lazy Hiker Brewing, Stewart Street, part of Philips Street and part of Iotla Street. The county properties are not included in the district.

Franklin Town Council approves social district

Mia Overton
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Franklin could have a social district by the time the summer tourist season starts. The Town Council approved on Jan. 3 an ordinance that would establish a social district in the Main Street area.