News

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Most Macon County 2024 elections will be uncontested

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
The clock striking noon on Friday, July 5, signaled the end of a month-long registration period for Macon County’s four nonpartisan political offices up for re-election this November. But only one of those elections will have more than one name on the ballot.
Press file photo - Pictured are the Macon County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education meeting in May at the FHS Fine Arts Center. It has been suggested that the two boards hold joint monthly meetings to talk about the ongoing construction projects.

Press file photo - Pictured are the Macon County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education meeting in May at the FHS Fine Arts Center. It has been suggested that the two boards hold joint monthly meetings to talk about the ongoing construction projects.

School board members respond to commissioners about construction experience

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
One Macon County school board member said recent county commissioner comments decrying their experience were “infuriating” as the board expressed a desire for more joint meetings as major capital projects get underway.
Press photo/Mia Overton - During the July 1 Franklin Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Bill Deal (right) recognized his staff members who recently completed certification training. Jon Sanders (left) received Collections 1 certification and Rusty Cortopassi completed Collections 2 training. Both are equipment operators with the public works department. Water treatment plant operator Korah Shepherd (not pictured) received B Certification.

Press photo/Mia Overton - During the July 1 Franklin Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Bill Deal (right) recognized his staff members who recently completed certification training. Jon Sanders (left) received Collections 1 certification and Rusty Cortopassi completed Collections 2 training. Both are equipment operators with the public works department. Water treatment plant operator Korah Shepherd (not pictured) received B Certification.

Town mulls ways to spend ARPA money

Mia Overton
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
The clock is ticking on the Town of Franklin’s remaining $421,761 in American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded during the COVID pandemic.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Families and their pets walked in the July 4th parade on Main Street in Franklin.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Families and their pets walked in the July 4th parade on Main Street in Franklin.

Celebrating Independence Day

Mia Overton
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
The Town of Franklin presented two days of festivities for the Independence Day holiday with the parade, contests and kids activities on July 4 and the fireworks on July 5.
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County sees uptick in drug overdoses

Thomas Sherrill
Monday, July 1, 2024
A string of overdose deaths in Macon County has local law enforcement and outreach nonprofit groups trying to find ways to combat more potent drugs in the area. In one week in late May/early June, there were five overdoses in Macon County, three resulting in deaths.
Press file photo - Macon Early College student Laura Covarrubias has been a track and field standout for the Franklin Panthers. She is pictured competing in the long jump in March 2022.

Press file photo - Macon Early College student Laura Covarrubias has been a track and field standout for the Franklin Panthers. She is pictured competing in the long jump in March 2022.

MEC, Bartram students sidelined

Thomas Sherrill
Monday, July 1, 2024
Starting July 2025, Macon Early College and Bartram Academy students will no longer be able to participate in Franklin High School athletics, following a unanimous vote by the Macon County Board of Education at its June 27 meeting.
Press photo Thomas Sherrill - View of the Little Tennessee River from the Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp and Safaris.

Press photo Thomas Sherrill - View of the Little Tennessee River from the Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp and Safaris.

Flood plain ordinance public hearing set for July 9

Thomas Sherrill
Monday, July 1, 2024
The proposed ordinance amendment that would allow the use of outside fill in the floodplains of Macon County is heading to a public hearing and possible vote. Critics says the county is rushing a process without local expert input.
Photo/Fred Alexander - The Barbara McRae Viewing Platform on the Little Tennessee River Greenway

Photo/Fred Alexander - The Barbara McRae Viewing Platform on the Little Tennessee River Greenway

Barbara McRae Memorial Viewing Platform dedicated

Thomas Sherrill
Monday, July 1, 2024
Friends of a beloved nature advocate honored her life and memory with a viewing platform in Franklin where people can view native birds and insects. The Friends of the Greenway and Franklin Bird Club dedicated the Barbara McRae Memorial Viewing Platform the afternoon of Sunday, June 23.
Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Macon County Schools staffers hand out free lunches and milk cartons to kids at the Macon County Public Library after a program. Kids receive free lunches at 11 a.m. every weekday at the library through Aug. 2.

Press photo/Thomas Sherrill - Macon County Schools staffers hand out free lunches and milk cartons to kids at the Macon County Public Library after a program. Kids receive free lunches at 11 a.m. every weekday at the library through Aug. 2.

Free lunches fill summer hunger

Thomas Sherrill
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Macon County’s free summer meals program has distributed hundreds of breakfasts and lunches this summer and will continue through Aug. 23. “We have mainly received positive feedback,” said David Lightner, nutrition director for Macon County Schools.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Alcohol consumed outdoors in the social district must be sold in one of these approved cups.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Alcohol consumed outdoors in the social district must be sold in one of these approved cups.

Social district starts ‘without a hitch’

Will Woolever
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Franklin’s downtown social district is officially open.  After several months of discussion, planning and preparation, Saturday, June 22 marked a unique day for the town, on which patrons of downtown businesses were legally able to consume alcohol in designated outdoor areas for the first time.