Local

Press photo/Shelby Powell. David Culpepper is sworn in as a Macon County Planning Board member by Planning Department administrative assistant Tara Mellies. Culpepper was elected to serve as board chair.

Press photo/Shelby Powell. David Culpepper is sworn in as a Macon County Planning Board member by Planning Department administrative assistant Tara Mellies. Culpepper was elected to serve as board chair.

Planning Board talks hears redistricting requests

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
A discussion about redistricting continued April 2 at the Macon County Planning Board’s first meeting in a year.
Press photo/Shelby Powell. Bridget Cain and Dan Gellman at Pyramid Healthcare’s new Franklin location.

Press photo/Shelby Powell. Bridget Cain and Dan Gellman at Pyramid Healthcare’s new Franklin location.

Addiction treatment center opens in Franklin

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
In an effort to address a long-cited need in the community, on April 1 a new outpatient addiction facility opened in Franklin. Pyramid Healthcare Inc.

Merchants request pause on Main Street rebranding

Mia Overton
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
A vote on a resolution to rebrand the Main Street area as “uptown” was tabled Monday night following a recommendation from the Franklin Downtown Merchants Association. The rebranding topic came up during the Franklin Town Council’s retreat in February and again at last month’s meeting.
(Press photo/Mia Overton) Victor Moraloza watches Franklin’s July 4th parade in 2025. Moraloza served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army from 1968-1971. He said being in the military gave him a stronger appreciation for life. He had three brothers who also served in Vietnam, with three of his family members in the 173 Airborne Brigade from 1966-1974. His brother Carlos died on March 9, 1969, while serving with the “Big Red One” – the name given to the 1st Infantry Division. The back of his jacket is embroidered

(Press photo/Mia Overton) Victor Moraloza watches Franklin’s July 4th parade in 2025. Moraloza served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army from 1968-1971. He said being in the military gave him a stronger appreciation for life. He had three brothers who also served in Vietnam, with three of his family members in the 173 Airborne Brigade from 1966-1974. His brother Carlos died on March 9, 1969, while serving with the “Big Red One” – the name given to the 1st Infantry Division. The back of his jacket is embroidered

Remembering those who served in Vietnam

Mia Overton
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Fifty-one years ago the last U.S. service members left South Vietnam and the last Prisoners of War were released, including two Macon County men who were held in captivity for nearly seven years.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - People gathered on Town Square in Franklin on March 28 for a “No Kings” rally.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - People gathered on Town Square in Franklin on March 28 for a “No Kings” rally.

‘No Kings’ rally draws 400+

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Saturday marked the third round of No Kings protests, joining more than 3,000 events nationwide and internationally.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Press under new ownership

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Paxton Media Group (PMG) has acquired nine community newspapers in the Murphy and Franklin regions of western North Carolina and north Georgia from Community Newspapers, Inc. (CNI), based in Athens, Georgia.
(Press photo/Vickie Carpenter) Children and their families participating in the annual Easter Egg drop presented by LifeSpring Community Church. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

(Press photo/Vickie Carpenter) Children and their families participating in the annual Easter Egg drop presented by LifeSpring Community Church. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

Celebrating Easter

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Hundreds of children and their families ran onto the field at South Macon Elementary School after a helicopter dropped plastic Easter eggs as part of LifeSpring Community Church’s annual event on Saturday, March 28. Children also enjoyed pony rides, a petting zoo, food and games.
Photo submitted. Braden Rumfelt of Murphy with his parents Chris (left) and Crystal during his Hawaiian Ohana Round of American Idol. Crystal Douthit Rumfelt is from Franklin and a 1995 FHS graduate.

Photo submitted. Braden Rumfelt of Murphy with his parents Chris (left) and Crystal during his Hawaiian Ohana Round of American Idol. Crystal Douthit Rumfelt is from Franklin and a 1995 FHS graduate.

Rumfelt: ‘I love it, I’m so proud’

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Crystal Douthit Rumfelt, mother of “American Idol” season 24 contestant Braden Rumfelt, said the experience of seeing Braden’s success is exciting – and stressful. “It’s a really positive thing, you know?” she said. “Watching your kid do what he’s always dreamed about is really fun.
Press photo/Shelby Powell. Cody and Alex Norris prepare their lunches at the March 21 cookout.

Press photo/Shelby Powell. Cody and Alex Norris prepare their lunches at the March 21 cookout.

2026 A.T. Celebration begins

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Cookouts and music await Appalachian Trail travelers as they pass through Franklin in March and April as the A.T. Celebration begins in earnest.