News

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Economic indicator report shows growth in 2021

Mia Overton

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

The Economic Development Commission reviewed the 2021 Economic Indicator Report at its meeting on March 10. Most categories show steady growth with some numbers even surpassing pre-pandemic levels. “Recovery from the pandemic has been stronger than expected,” said EDC Director Tommy Jenkins.

Terry Rholetter

Fundraiser to benefit injured firefighter

Mia Overton

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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.

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Woman charged in fatal wreck

Mia Overton

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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.

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Commissioners approve broadband funding

News Staff

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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.

Senior Center volunteers recognized

News Staff

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

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.

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The impact of higher gas prices

News Staff

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

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

SBI to investigate Meadows voter fraud allegations

News Staff

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

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.

Getting Connected: Funding available for broadband expansion

Mia Overton

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

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.

AT 110 Events

Mia Overton

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

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.

Town updates ordinance to improve internet access

Mia Overton

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

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.