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Filing for town election opens July 7

News Staff
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Filing for the Town of Franklin and Highlands elections opens Monday, July 7. Candidates will have until noon Friday, July 18 to file. The town elections are non-partisan.
Photo/Bob Scott Law - enforcement from multiple agencies converged on Highway 64 in Macon County as they stopped Kelvin Simmons, who is charged in the shooting death of a detention officer in Cherokee County. Simmons led officers on a chase through Clay County into Macon County Monday afternoon.

Photo/Bob Scott Law - enforcement from multiple agencies converged on Highway 64 in Macon County as they stopped Kelvin Simmons, who is charged in the shooting death of a detention officer in Cherokee County. Simmons led officers on a chase through Clay County into Macon County Monday afternoon.

Officer killed in shooting

News Staff
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Randy Foster - editor@cherokeescout.com A federal inmate shot and killed a guard during a medical appointment Monday afternoon in Murphy, then led law enforcement officials on an hour-long chase that ended with his recapture in Macon County. Detention Sgt.
File photo - Trucks from Cowee Fire & Rescue.

File photo - Trucks from Cowee Fire & Rescue.

Changes in firefighter training

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
North Carolina firefighters must obtain several certifications from the Office of the State Fire Marshal to recognize hundreds of hours of training and preparation to respond to emergencies and save lives.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Town Council member Robbie Tompa presents Connie Grubermann a certificate of appreciation for her service on the TDA board, including serving as chair since 2018.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Franklin Town Council member Robbie Tompa presents Connie Grubermann a certificate of appreciation for her service on the TDA board, including serving as chair since 2018.

Grubermann closes decade on TDA board

Mia Overton
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
The Franklin Tourism Development Authority bid its long-time board member and chair Connie Grubermann a fond farewell at the June 9 meeting. There has been a Grubermann on the TDA board since 2008 when Connie’s husband, Michael, was appointed as a small accommodations representative.
Photo submitted - For the first time in more than 10 years, the WNC Wagon Train is returning to Franklin this week. Pictured: A previous Wagon Train parade in downtown Franklin.

Photo submitted - For the first time in more than 10 years, the WNC Wagon Train is returning to Franklin this week. Pictured: A previous Wagon Train parade in downtown Franklin.

Wagon Train rolls into town

News Staff
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Christian A. Ray, Intern - thefranklinpressnews@gmail.com The Western North Carolina Wagon Train is rolling back into town this week.
Press Photo/Shelby Powell - Macon County residents walk behind a banner to raise awareness for elder abuse.

Press Photo/Shelby Powell - Macon County residents walk behind a banner to raise awareness for elder abuse.

Walking for elder abuse awareness

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Residents and local lawmakers gathered Monday, June 16, at the gazebo in downtown Franklin to advocate for seniors and to spread awareness at the Area Agency on Aging’s annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk. The program began at 5:30 p.m.
Photo submitted - Franklin Mayor Jack Horton presents a resolution to Bobbie Contino, recognizing her for 40 years as executive director of the Macon County Arts Council. Council member Nate Anderson stands in the background.

Photo submitted - Franklin Mayor Jack Horton presents a resolution to Bobbie Contino, recognizing her for 40 years as executive director of the Macon County Arts Council. Council member Nate Anderson stands in the background.

Contino recognized for 40 years of service

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Franklin Mayor Jack Horton dropped into Shoney’s during Saturday’s Macon County Arts Council meeting to present two resolutions to the Arts Council for 50 years of operation and to Executive Director Bobbie Contino, who will soon be stepping back from the role after 40 years.
Photo/Eric Haggart - An aerial view of the ongoing construction at the Franklin High School stadium.

Photo/Eric Haggart - An aerial view of the ongoing construction at the Franklin High School stadium.

Progress continues on FHS construction

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Construction at Franklin High School continues to move along as expected, with new construction starting now that school has been dismissed for the summer. An update was also made to the county’s capital project ordinance to account for new, recently appropriated funding.
Press photos/Shelby Powell - Cullasaja resident Don Willis speaks to the county commissioners, advocating for a one-cent tax increase for the fire district.

Press photos/Shelby Powell - Cullasaja resident Don Willis speaks to the county commissioners, advocating for a one-cent tax increase for the fire district.

No fire tax rate increase for Cullasaja Gorge

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
In spite of requests from representatives of the Cullasaja Gorge Fire Department and testimony from some members of the Cullasaja Fire District, the Macon County Board of Commissioners refused to increase the district’s tax rate by one cent per $100 valuation.