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Early voting hits 11,00 and counting

News Staff

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Early voting in Macon County has reached the five-figure mark going into the last week before Election Day. As of Tuesday morning, there have been 11,873 votes counted in Macon County. While no single day has eclipsed the 1,608 votes on the first day, Thursday, Oct.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Derek Roland and Administrative Staff Assistant Pam Ledford.

Roland reflects on time as Macon County manager

Thomas Sherrill

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

On a shelf at his office desk, Derek Roland had several mementos given to him after the Oct. 12, 2021, Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting. One of them is a football filled with signatures. Just like a football a winning coach keeps after a big victory, this one has a score on it as well.

Photo/Smoky Mountain Host - Smoky Mountain Host is partnering with Allison Outdoor Advertising, which donated billboard space to advertise the towns in Western North Carolina that are accepting visitors.

Helene’s impact on local tourism

Mia Overton

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

The Oct. 14 Franklin Tourism Development Authority meeting included an update on the local tourism industry following Hurricane Helene. Morgan Stewart, owner of Stewart Communications, which manages the TDA’s marketing efforts, was living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

Press photos/Thomas Sherrill - People stand in line while waiting to vote on the first day of early voting, Oct. 17.

More than 1,600 cast ballots on first day of early voting

News Staff

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Around a dozen people braved the first freezing temperatures of the season to stand outside the community building before doors were opened for the first day of early voting on Oct. 17. William Nightingale, who moved to Franklin this year and is retired, was the first person in line to vote.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Local officials take part in the Franklin High School groundbreaking on Friday, Oct. 18.

Franklin High School groundbreaking

Thomas Sherrill

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

With a shoveling of some well-placed dirt on a clear Friday morning, the new Franklin High School project is officially underway. Many of the 15 speakers at the Oct.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - The Macon County Board of Health meeting on Sept. 24 included several public comments about understaffing at the Macon County Animal Shelter.

Board of Health hears concerns over Macon County Animal Shelter

Thomas Sherrill

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Volunteers and supporters filled the meeting room for the Sept. 24 Macon County Board of Health meeting. They want the board to ease the strain caused by understaffing and undersized facilities at the Macon County Animal Shelter.

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Locals criticize emergency management plan

Thomas Sherrill

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Criticism over the emergency management plan at the Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting led to an audience member ejected for verbally lashing out after a commissioner chided their public comment. During public comment at the Oct.

Press photos/Thomas Sherrill - Macon County Emergency Services Director Warren Cabe sitting in the crowd during the announcement of his hiring as interim county manager during the Macon County Commissioners Oct. 8 meeting.

Cabe named interim county manager

Thomas Sherrill

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

After celebrating the outgoing county manager, the Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on Oct. 8 to hire Emergency Services Director Warren Cabe as the interim county manager. “It is humbling, flattering.

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Early voting starts Thursday in NC

News Staff

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Voting for the 2024 General Election kicks off in North Carolina this Thursday, Oct. 17, with one-stop early voting. Early voting hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday through Nov. 1, and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

Press photo/Will Woolever - FHS Homecoming Queen McKayla Sanders escorted by her father, Skip.

Sanders crowned Homecoming Queen

News Staff

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Franklin High School senior McKayla Sanders was crowned 2024 Homecoming Queen on Oct. 11 during the halftime presentation in the game against North Henderson. She is pictured with her father Skip Sanders. Her sister, McCall, who was runner up in 2023, presented her crown.