News

Terry Rholetter

Terry Rholetter

Fundraiser to benefit injured firefighter

Firefighters from across the county will come together to help one of their own this weekend. Terry Rholetter, Otto Fire and Rescue chief and captain of Macon County Fire Services, was injured while fighting a wildfire on Feb. 12. He sustained third-degree burns over 40% of his body.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Woman charged in fatal wreck

A Franklin woman has been charged in connection with the deaths of two local teens in a wreck on May 24, 2021. Stephanie Elizbeth Vincent was served warrants on March 21 for two counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Commissioners approve broadband funding

Carter Giegerich for The Franklin Press On March 24, the Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to set aside up to $200,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for future broadband expansion in the county.
Photo submitted - Senior Center volunteer Victor Forbes prepares for his route delivering meals. In 2021, volunteers contributed more than 1,000 hours for the home-delivered meals program offered through the Crawford Senior Center in Franklin.

Photo submitted - Senior Center volunteer Victor Forbes prepares for his route delivering meals. In 2021, volunteers contributed more than 1,000 hours for the home-delivered meals program offered through the Crawford Senior Center in Franklin.

Senior Center volunteers recognized

Christopher Lugo - editor@highlandsnews.com On March 8, the Macon County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution in recognition of the Crawford Senior Center volunteers.
Press graphic

Press graphic

The impact of higher gas prices

Carter Giegerich for The Franklin Press As the military conflict in Ukraine wages on, the economic shockwaves created by international sanctions on Russia have been felt around the globe.
File photo - Mark Meadows

File photo - Mark Meadows

SBI to investigate Meadows voter fraud allegations

The allegations of voter fraud against former NC Congressman Mark Meadows have been referred to the State Bureau of Investigation. Meadows also served as Chief of Staff for former President Donald Trump and has been vocal about voter fraud in the 2020 general election.
Press photo/Mia Overton - Sen. Kevin Corbin (center) speaks Monday at a meeting about expanding broadband access. Pictured with him are (from left) Rep. Mark Pless, Rep. Mike Clampitt, Rep. Karl Gillespie, Nate Denny and Angie Bailey.

Press photo/Mia Overton - Sen. Kevin Corbin (center) speaks Monday at a meeting about expanding broadband access. Pictured with him are (from left) Rep. Mark Pless, Rep. Mike Clampitt, Rep. Karl Gillespie, Nate Denny and Angie Bailey.

Getting Connected: Funding available for broadband expansion

Representatives from across Western North Carolina gathered in Franklin Monday afternoon to hear an update from the state on the nearly $1 billion in funding available for broadband expansion.
Photo submitted The First Baptist Church offers daily hiker breakfasts from March 15-April 15 with all-you-can eat pancakes and bacon served at 7:30 a.m.

Photo submitted The First Baptist Church offers daily hiker breakfasts from March 15-April 15 with all-you-can eat pancakes and bacon served at 7:30 a.m.

AT 110 Events

It’s that time of year when you’ll start seeing folks coming down off the mountain. They’re weighed down with heavy packs, they’re likely more than a little tired, hungry and may look like they haven’t bathed in several days.
This is an example of the broadband access tower that will be placed on the roof of the Lazy Hiker to improve internet service in the area.

This is an example of the broadband access tower that will be placed on the roof of the Lazy Hiker to improve internet service in the area.

Town updates ordinance to improve internet access

The Franklin Town Council recently approved an amendment to the Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance that may help improve internet service within the town limits. The ordinance now allows broadband access points that can be placed on top of buildings in town.
Photo/Christopher Lugo Mark Meadows and his wife registered to vote using the address of this mobile home in Scaly Mountain.

Photo/Christopher Lugo Mark Meadows and his wife registered to vote using the address of this mobile home in Scaly Mountain.

Voter fraud? Meadows’ residency questioned

Christopher Lugo editor@highlandsnews.com During former N.C. Congressman Mark Meadows’ time as White House Chief of Staff, he was vocal about voter fraud during the general elections in 2020.