News

Press photo/Mia Overton - Work continues on the new playground and restroom facilities at Sunnyside Park in East Franklin.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Work continues on the new playground and restroom facilities at Sunnyside Park in East Franklin.

Franklin looks to fall opening for Sunnyside playground

Mia Overton
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The Town of Franklin continues work at Sunnyside Park in East Franklin and looks for a fall opening of the new playground and restroom facilities. Town Manager Amie Owens said before opening the playground, they want to finish the restroom construction and the sidewalks from the parking lot.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Chuck Watson speaks out against data centers in Macon County in the Macon County Board of Commissioners' July 14 meeting.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Chuck Watson speaks out against data centers in Macon County in the Macon County Board of Commissioners' July 14 meeting.

Public favors anti-data center amendment

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Macon County will hold a public hearing in September to discuss tightening its High Impact Land Ordinance to more effectively constrict data centers from having easy access to Macon County.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Margaret Pickett speaks against the Macon County Planning Board's redistricting recommendation, advocating for a five-district system.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Margaret Pickett speaks against the Macon County Planning Board's redistricting recommendation, advocating for a five-district system.

Community speaks against redistricting proposal

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Dozens of people attended the July 14 Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting to voice their objections of the county Planning Board’s redistricting recommendation. The Planning Board voted on July 2 to recommend the county revise the Board of Commissioners districts.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to bar the Sheriff's Office from spending county funds on Flock cameras and to terminate its contract with Flock as soon as possible.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to bar the Sheriff's Office from spending county funds on Flock cameras and to terminate its contract with Flock as soon as possible.

County votes to stop Flock camera funding

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted July 14 to bar the Sheriff’s Office from using county funds for Flock cameras.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Elissa Hashemi, director of Mountain West Partnership, speaks at the Eggs and Issues forum on support for small businesses.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Elissa Hashemi, director of Mountain West Partnership, speaks at the Eggs and Issues forum on support for small businesses.

Small business support in Macon County

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Representatives from Southwestern Community College, Mountain West Partnership and Sequoyah Fund attended the Franklin Chamber of Commerce’s July Eggs and Issues forum on July 10 to discuss what they offer to help local small businesses.
Press photo - H&H Farm Stand is among the vendors offering locally grown produce at the Macon County Farmers Market.

Press photo - H&H Farm Stand is among the vendors offering locally grown produce at the Macon County Farmers Market.

Double SNAP returns to Farmers Market

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The Macon County Farmers Market has brought its Double SNAP program back for the 2026 season, hoping to echo the success of previous years on the program through a new grant provider.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Bryan Singleton reports on a plan to support beginning teachers.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Bryan Singleton reports on a plan to support beginning teachers.

MCS to improve support for new teachers

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Macon County Schools is renewing its support for new teachers, with a focus on mental health, mentorship and educator feedback.
Press file photo - The Argent offices on Palmer Street in Franklin.

Press file photo - The Argent offices on Palmer Street in Franklin.

CFTC: Franklin man involved in 'Ponzi-like' scheme

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed a formal complaint on July 7 against Franklin investor Trevor Vernon, who has been under investigation since at least March. The full complaint is accessible through CFTC.gov.
Photo/Bob Scott - Sunrise over Clock Tower Square on Main Street in Franklin. As part of its economic development efforts, the Town of Franklin is partnering with the new nonprofit Main Street Franklin, Inc. The town is also conducting a survey to get input on a separate project regarding the design and use of the Main Street area. The link for the survey is available at franklinnc.com.

Photo/Bob Scott - Sunrise over Clock Tower Square on Main Street in Franklin. As part of its economic development efforts, the Town of Franklin is partnering with the new nonprofit Main Street Franklin, Inc. The town is also conducting a survey to get input on a separate project regarding the design and use of the Main Street area. The link for the survey is available at franklinnc.com.

Town seeks Main Street designation

Mia Overton
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
As part of its recent economic development efforts, the Franklin Town Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding and a $60,000 allocation to put toward rejoining the N.C. Main Street program.The agreement is with the new nonprofit Main Street Franklin, Inc.