News

Press photo/Linda Mathias Karen Smith, chair of the Macon County Art Association’s Veterans Portraits program, unwraps a portrait of Air Force veteran Robert Lethbridge on Wednesday at the Uptown Gallery.

Portraits of honor

Lee Buchanan

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Lee Buchanan editor@thefranklinpress.com Since 2011, veterans and their families have been immortalized thanks to the talents of local artists, and this year’s round of portraits is now on display. This year, the Macon County Art Association is honoring nine veterans.

News

Mini-budgets fill gaps as deadlock drags on

Jake Browning

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

As the General Assembly and Gov. Roy Cooper continue to debate a state budget months after the deadline, state legislators have been passing “mini budgets” to fund initiatives including rural internet access and teacher pay raises. District 120 Rep.

Leader in me

Teachers tout the power of ‘Leader in Me’

Jake Browning

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Jake Browning reporter@thefranklinpress.com Schools from across Western North Carolina that participate in the Leader in Me program sent representatives to Iotla Valley Elementary School for a conference to discuss ways to expand the program.

Angel Medical Center

County ponders future of Angel building

Jake Browning

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Jake Browning reporter@thefranklinpress.com By the end of 2022, HCA expects to have completed its replacement hospital for Angel Medical Center. What’s still up in the air, however, is what will become of the current site. HCA finalized the $1.

news

Otto man dies in fire

Lee Buchanan

Thursday, October 24, 2019

A house fire on Monday claimed the life of an Otto man. The victim was identified on Wednesday as Dean D. Ellis, 66. The cause of death was smoke inhalation, according to the Macon County medical examiner. Otto Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire on American Way Drive at about 4 p.m.

New interim principal at East Franklin

Jake Browning

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Tolly Bowles has been named interim principal at East Franklin Elementary School following the resignation of Landon Holland earlier this month. Bowles is currently the school’s interim assistant principal. Holland said Wednesday that he has felt a need to return to teaching for some time.

Press photo/Linda Mathias - Breast cancer survivors in Macon County are sewing heart shaped drainage tube pillows for current patients. From left: Rita McElroy, Lori Smith, Gwen Bradley-Stanfield.

Survivors: Early detection saves lives

Jake Browning

Thursday, October 24, 2019

One in every eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Many of those women live in Macon County, of different ages and diverse backgrounds.

Durden

Over 30 years, Durden nurtured Macon agriculture

Jake Browning

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Jake Browning reporter@thefranklinpress.com Macon County Cooperative Extension director Alan Durden will retire at the end of this month, capping a 30-year career devoted not just to agriculture but to improving the overall quality of life here.

News

Assistance available for ACA enrollment

Lee Buchanan

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Lee Buchanan editor@thefranklinpress.com Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 for insurance under the Affordable Care Act, and there is help available in negotiating the various levels of coverage and pricing.

Press photos/Jake Browning - Kathy Kahler presents Alan Durden with a plaque marking his 30 years as cooperative extension director.

Community clubs dedicated to ‘better way of life’

Jake Browning

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Macon County’s community clubs got together Tuesday to review the year’s accomplishments and honor some of their most dedicated members. They also honored Cooperative Extension director Alan Durden for his 30 years of service. Durden is retiring at the end of October.