Local

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

Photo/Christopher Lugo Mark Meadows and his wife registered to vote using the address of this mobile home in Scaly Mountain.

Voter fraud? Meadows’ residency questioned

News Staff

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Christopher Lugo editor@highlandsnews.com During former N.C. Congressman Mark Meadows’ time as White House Chief of Staff, he was vocal about voter fraud during the general elections in 2020.

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Commissioners approve skatepark funding

News Staff

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Christopher Lugo editor@highlandsnews.com At the Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 8, representatives from Sk828 asked the board for funding, and the board approved giving $35,000 toward the new skatepark.

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Sales tax increase on the ballot

News Staff

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Carter Giegerich for The Franklin Press Macon County voters will have the opportunity to vote on a quarter-cent sales tax increase during this year's general election in November. The tax increase, which Macon County Manager Derek Roland estimates would raise roughly $1.

Press file photo Sk828 has been actively raising money for a skatepark since last summer. The organization has raised more the $10,000 but more funding is needed to make the park a reality.

More funding needed for skatepark

Mia Overton

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Representatives from Sk828 came before the Town Council on March 7 to request $35,000 to help pay for concrete and rebar for the skatepark to be built at Sunnyside Park (the Whitmire property).