News

all treats, no tricks on Bidwell Street

This Halloween, thousands of children will flock to Bidwell Street, the trick or treat capital of Macon County. Bidwell Street has gone all out for Halloween for longer than most residents can remember.

PumpkinFest ready to roll

PumpkinFest, the pride of Franklin and one of Western North Carolina’s favorite fall festivals, rolls off on Saturday, Oct. 16. This year’s festival is shaping to be the biggest and best one yet.

Stores closing, converting; hemp plans on hold

Nothing in the business world stays the same for long, a fact supported by recent news in Macon County. The Peebles department store will close soon and reopen next year as a Gordmans discount store. Macon Appliance is closing after more than 80 years in business.

Voting underway in Macon

Franklin residents have begun casting their votes in the 2019 municipal elections to fill three seats on Franklin Town Council and elect a mayor. Early one-stop voting begins today, Oct. 16 and continues through Friday, Nov. 1. Barbara McRae is challenging incumbent Bob Scott for mayor.

East Franklin principal resigns

East Franklin Elementary School principal Landon Holland will be leaving his position at the end of the month. Macon County Schools Superintendent Chris Baldwin announced the resignation at a special called session of the Macon County Board of Education on Tuesday.

Rural counties getting another $15 million for broadband

After years of frustration, much of Macon County may soon have access to high-speed internet, and the expansion could continue thanks to a $15 million grant from the state. HB387 passed the Senate on Tuesday, and bill co-sponsor Rep. Kevin Corbin said he expects the governor to sign it.

Parts of Macon in severe drought

Severe drought has emerged in parts in Western North Carolina, including Macon County after months of record heat and below-average rainfall, according to a federal drought map released Thursday.  Nine counties are listed as being in a severe drought.