Local

This map shows the property at 3011 being annexed into the Town of Franklin.

This map shows the property at 3011 being annexed into the Town of Franklin.

Council approves annexation request

Mia Overton
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
The Franklin Town Council approved on April 4 the annexation of the property at 3011 Georgia Road, occupied by the Fast Food Mart. Owner Eva Sue Norton had submitted on Feb. 16 an application for voluntary annexation.
Singer-songwriter Tret Fure will perform at the Holly Springs concert series that begins on April 9.

Singer-songwriter Tret Fure will perform at the Holly Springs concert series that begins on April 9.

Holly Springs concert series begins this weekend

Mia Overton
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
When Robby Greenberg moved to Macon County last spring, she brought with her a love of folk music that she wants to share with the community. She is organizing a monthly concert series at the Holly Springs Community Building. The first concert will be Saturday, April 9 featuring Tret Fure.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Weather permitting, JE Dunn plans to start moving dirt to the new skatepark site this week.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Weather permitting, JE Dunn plans to start moving dirt to the new skatepark site this week.

Skatepark work to begin this week

Mia Overton
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
With the rain clearing out today, workers should begin moving dirt this week for the new skatepark to be built at Sunnyside Park (the Whitmire property), located off Highlands Road.
Terry Rholetter

Terry Rholetter

Fundraiser to benefit injured firefighter

Mia Overton
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Firefighters from across the county will come together to help one of their own this weekend. Terry Rholetter, Otto Fire and Rescue chief and captain of Macon County Fire Services, was injured while fighting a wildfire on Feb. 12. He sustained third-degree burns over 40% of his body.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Woman charged in fatal wreck

Mia Overton
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
A Franklin woman has been charged in connection with the deaths of two local teens in a wreck on May 24, 2021. Stephanie Elizbeth Vincent was served warrants on March 21 for two counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Press graphic

Press graphic

The impact of higher gas prices

News Staff
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Carter Giegerich for The Franklin Press As the military conflict in Ukraine wages on, the economic shockwaves created by international sanctions on Russia have been felt around the globe.
File photo - Mark Meadows

File photo - Mark Meadows

SBI to investigate Meadows voter fraud allegations

News Staff
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
The allegations of voter fraud against former NC Congressman Mark Meadows have been referred to the State Bureau of Investigation. Meadows also served as Chief of Staff for former President Donald Trump and has been vocal about voter fraud in the 2020 general election.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Sen. Kevin Corbin (center) speaks Monday at a meeting about expanding broadband access. Pictured with him are (from left) Rep. Mark Pless, Rep. Mike Clampitt, Rep. Karl Gillespie, Nate Denny and Angie Bailey.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Sen. Kevin Corbin (center) speaks Monday at a meeting about expanding broadband access. Pictured with him are (from left) Rep. Mark Pless, Rep. Mike Clampitt, Rep. Karl Gillespie, Nate Denny and Angie Bailey.

Getting Connected: Funding available for broadband expansion

Mia Overton
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Representatives from across Western North Carolina gathered in Franklin Monday afternoon to hear an update from the state on the nearly $1 billion in funding available for broadband expansion.
This is an example of the broadband access tower that will be placed on the roof of the Lazy Hiker to improve internet service in the area.

This is an example of the broadband access tower that will be placed on the roof of the Lazy Hiker to improve internet service in the area.

Town updates ordinance to improve internet access

Mia Overton
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
The Franklin Town Council recently approved an amendment to the Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance that may help improve internet service within the town limits. The ordinance now allows broadband access points that can be placed on top of buildings in town.