Local

Press photo

Press photo

GREAT grant will expand broadband in Macon County

Mia Overton
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Macon County was one of 69 counties to receive a GREAT grant to expand broadband service. Frontier Communications of the Carolinas will receive the $3,769,602.95 grant to connect 2,622 households and 78 businesses to high-speed internet.
Town Planner Justin Setser reviews a map of the Whitmire property (Sunnyside Park) during a called meeting of the Franklin Town Council on Aug. 30.

Town Planner Justin Setser reviews a map of the Whitmire property (Sunnyside Park) during a called meeting of the Franklin Town Council on Aug. 30.

Town votes to begin recreation development on Whitmire property

Mia Overton
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
The Franklin Town Council met in a called session on Aug. 30 to discuss the future of the Whitmire property, also known as Sunnyside Park. The town bought the 12.71-acre property in 2004 for $1.57 million and has no debt on the property. In 2008, the property was appraised at $2.1 million.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Frank Belanger, the Town of Franklin’s new code enforcement officer.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Frank Belanger, the Town of Franklin’s new code enforcement officer.

Town hires new code enforcement officer

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
After nearly a year-long search, the Town of Franklin has hired a code enforcement officer. The Town Council approved adding the position during budget discussions in May 2021 and approved the job description in October.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Mayor Jack Horton (right) presents a proclamation recognizing Sept. 4-10 as Help Homeless Veterans Week. Accepting the proclamation at the July Town Council meeting are (from left) Fred Frankland, Tom Fagg and Ned Kraft of the First Presbyterian Church Men’s Group.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Mayor Jack Horton (right) presents a proclamation recognizing Sept. 4-10 as Help Homeless Veterans Week. Accepting the proclamation at the July Town Council meeting are (from left) Fred Frankland, Tom Fagg and Ned Kraft of the First Presbyterian Church Men’s Group.

Helping homeless veterans

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
The coming week will offer the opportunity to help those in our community who once served our country but now find themselves without a home. The Men’s Group at First Presbyterian Church has been raising money to help homeless veterans since 2014.
Press photo

Press photo

Get your entries ready for the county fair

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
The 4-H kids are tending to their animals and practicing their show skills. Gardeners are cultivating their prettiest blooms or largest pumpkin. School children are drawing, coloring and creating all manners of arts and crafts. Folks are in their kitchens pickling and canning.
Press photo

Press photo

FHS design approved

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted last week to proceed with the contract to begin the schematic design of a new Franklin High School.
Press photo/Mia Overton The county is moving forward with a contract to begin designing a new Franklin High School. Portions of the existing campus, such as the main building, date back to the 1950s.

Press photo/Mia Overton The county is moving forward with a contract to begin designing a new Franklin High School. Portions of the existing campus, such as the main building, date back to the 1950s.

FHS design approved

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted last week to proceed with the contract to begin the schematic design of a new Franklin High School.
Photo submitted Tax Administrator Abby Braswell and Commissioner Gary Shields speak during the program at the Rotary Club of Franklin meeting on Aug. 10

Photo submitted Tax Administrator Abby Braswell and Commissioner Gary Shields speak during the program at the Rotary Club of Franklin meeting on Aug. 10

County reappraisal underway

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Following the COVID pandemic real estate sales soared, creating a competitive market and driving up home costs. “In July 2020 right after COVID hit, it was like somebody flipped a switch on,” said Kevin Ford, revaluation coordinator during the Aug. 9 Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Press photo/Mia Overton Precinct officials help recount votes on June 2 during the recount of the sheriff’s race in the May primary. The county will conduct demonstrations of potential new voting equipment on Aug. 23 and Aug. 30. The demonstrations are open to the public.

Press photo/Mia Overton Precinct officials help recount votes on June 2 during the recount of the sheriff’s race in the May primary. The county will conduct demonstrations of potential new voting equipment on Aug. 23 and Aug. 30. The demonstrations are open to the public.

New voting equipment demonstrations set

Mia Overton
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
The Macon County Board of Elections will hold two demonstrations of potential new voting machines later this month. During a presentation at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug.