News

File photo - Franklin High graduates enjoy their moment in the spotlight at the 2019 commencement.

File photo - Franklin High graduates enjoy their moment in the spotlight at the 2019 commencement.

FHS graduation set for Aug. 1

News Staff
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Members of Franklin High School’s Class of 2020 will have to wait until August to be officially honored at commencement ceremonies. In a survey conducted by the Macon County Board of Education, that option got the most votes from graduating seniors.
Positive COVID-19 tests

Positive COVID-19 tests

Seven test positive for COVID-19 at Franklin Church

Lee Buchanan
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Macon County has risen to 13 after the health department identified a “cluster” of positive cases among worshippers at a Franklin church. Seven members of Evangelical Ebenezer’s congregation have tested positive, according to Macon County Public Health.
David and Dawn Head

David and Dawn Head

Deputy, wife killed in crash

Lee Buchanan
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Macon County is in mourning after a crash Saturday near Clayton, Georgia claimed the lives of sheriff’s deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn.
Press photo/Jake Browning - Root and Barrel owner Gary Murphy stands ready with a thermometer to check diners on Saturday, May 23.

Press photo/Jake Browning - Root and Barrel owner Gary Murphy stands ready with a thermometer to check diners on Saturday, May 23.

Open for business: Restaurants welcome diners

Jake Browning
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Temperamental weather, reinforced safety guidelines and lingering coronavirus concerns weren’t enough to kill Franklin diners’ appetites after restaurants got the go-ahead to open. After several weeks of allowing only takeout and delivery, Gov.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Two new COVID-19 cases reported

Lee Buchanan
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Two Macon County residents who had been in close contact tested positive for COVID-19 within a span of three days, and health officials are looking for other people who may have been in contact with them.
Press graphic

Press graphic

County may drop Adult Dental Clinic

Andy Scheidler
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
While most dental offices across North Carolina have resumed routine procedures, the Adult Dental Clinic and Children’s Dental Clinic in Macon County are seeing patients only on an emergency basis.  It’s likely the Adult Dental Clinic will no longer serve any patients soon.
Photo submitted - Daniel Rogers (left) and Lee Cloer work the computers during a live-streamed service at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Photo submitted - Daniel Rogers (left) and Lee Cloer work the computers during a live-streamed service at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Churches look toward reopening

Jake Browning
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
In as little as a few of days, places of worship may be allowed to reopen their doors and resume regular services (albeit with restrictions on capacity), but not every church thinks that it’s time to go back to business as usual.
Press photo/Jake Browning - First-grader Lawson Clay, accompanied by his father Jason Clay, picks up his graduation goodie bag from teacher Pam Owens at East Franklin Elementary School’s farewell parade.

Press photo/Jake Browning - First-grader Lawson Clay, accompanied by his father Jason Clay, picks up his graduation goodie bag from teacher Pam Owens at East Franklin Elementary School’s farewell parade.

Teachers say farewell to students

Jake Browning
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
As schools around the country debate how best to end their years while COVID-19 threatens traditional graduation ceremonies, Macon County elementary and intermediate schools are saying farewell to their students through a series of parades.
Bill Harrell

Bill Harrell

Harrell returns to FPD as chief

Lee Buchanan
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Bill Harrell has come full circle in his law enforcement career after being named Franklin’s new chief of police, 27 years after he joined the force as a rookie cop. Harrell, who takes the helm on June 1, has served as police chief in Highlands for almost 15 years.