News

Repairs are underway after Press internet servers shut down

News Staff

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

As if a global pandemic and polarized political campaigns weren’t enough, The Franklin Press’ internet system failed in the wee hours of last Friday morning, Nov. 6. The Press relies on its parent company Community Newspapers, Inc.’s (CNI) servers located in Athens, GA.

Election Results

Voters paint Macon red

Jake Browning

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Macon County voters made their voices heard on Election Day last week, and now the unofficial results are in. In the only contested race for the Macon County Board of Commissioners, Republican Josh Young defeated Betty Cloer Wallace by a margin of 14,709 votes (73.37%) to 5,339 votes (26.63%).

Press photo/Lee Buchanan - Work continues on Hospice House of WNC. Each of the six residence suites will have a balcony.

Hospice House still $150K short of goal

Lee Buchanan

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

It’s been 15 years since Michele Alderson and a group of like-minded people unveiled plans to build a hospice house in Franklin. Now, construction to transform a house on Maple Street into the Hospice House of Western North Carolina is just over 60 percent complete.

Press photo/Linda Mathis - A school bus takes a detour around a damaged section of Wells Grove Road.

Storm cut power to thousands

Lee Buchanan

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

The remnants of Hurricane Zeta blew through Macon County on the night of Thursday, Oct. 29, toppling trees, flooding low-lying areas and knocking out power to thousands. A tropical storm warning was issued for Macon County on Oct.

Sears

Man charged with attempted murder after standoff

Lee Buchanan

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

A Macon County man was charged with attempted murder after a tense standoff with law enforcement officers on the night of Thursday, Oct. 29. The suspect, Ryan Emerson Spears, is being held at the Macon County Detention Center under a $1.5 million bond.

file photo - This year, the organizations involved agreed that the risk of spreading COVID-19 outweighs the benefits of holding the events.

Veterans Day parade cancelled

Jake Browning

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Franklin’s Town Council confirmed the cancelation of this year’s Veterans Day Parade and Winter Wonderland, but they also laid out alternatives for each event.

Michael Lee Sprinkle

News Staff

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

FRANKLIN - Michael Lee Sprinkle, 54, passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Christy Marie Ramsey

News Staff

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

GAINSVILLE, GEORGIA - Christy Marie Ramsey, 39, formerly of Franklin, passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. She was the daughter of Anita Ramsey and the late Earl Ramsey Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Ayanna Arlene Bryson of Gainesville; siblings Earl Ramsey Jr.

Press photos/Linda Mathias - Macon County homes are putting out their scariest displays ahead of Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Haunted Macon

Jake Browning

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t quite crushed Macon County’s spooky spirit this Halloween season. Every year, Bidwell Street plays host to one of the biggest trick-or-treating celebrations in Western North Carolina. The elaborate displays have drawn more than 2,000 trick-or-treaters in past years.

COVID update

COVID-19 cases creep up in county

Lee Buchanan

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

An increase in COVID-19 cases across much the country is worrisome, but Macon County health officials are hopeful that the county can avoid a major spike – if residents follow virus protocols. As of 4 p.m. Monday, Oct.