The 17th annual “Pumpkin Fest” will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in downtown Franklin. A wide array of events and activities in the spirit of Halloween — including the ever-popular Pumpkin Roll — will be offered throughout the weekend.

Festivities kick off Friday evening with the game “Find the Black Cat” from 5 to 8 p.m. Several merchants in Franklin will each have a black cat hidden in plain view in their business. For each black cat patrons locate, they’ll receive a card. Prizes will be awarded depending on the number of cards collected. An extra prize may be given out if costumes are worn. Special shopping deals will also be available at participating businesses. Winners will be announced at 8:15 p.m. at Books Unlimited. For more information, call 828.369.7942.

Franklin’s mayoral candidates are offering voters distinctly different visions of leadership as they square off for the town’s top political position.

Sissy Pattillo, who is completing her second term as a town alderman, used the word “collaboration” at least four times while answering questions during a recent forum sponsored by the Macon County League of Women Voters.

This year’s election in Franklin is shaping up to be one of the most interesting — and crowded — the town has seen in a decade, or more.

The saga of Nikwasi Mound in Franklin being sprayed with potent weed killer more than a year ago continues to unfold.

When it comes to a high-speed chase, law enforcement must constantly ask the question: is it worth it?

A 23-year-old Franklin man took police on a chase through Macon County in August reaching speeds of nearly 125 miles per hour. The chase took off after a deputy tried to pull David Ridao over for going 74 miles per hour in a 55-mile zone on U.S. 64. 

The chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians wants the town of Franklin to relinquish ownership of the historic Nikwasi Mound, but town leaders may not let it go.

The Main Street gazebo in Franklin could soon see a facelift, or, even be replaced with an entirely different structure. 

Pool sharks rejoice. The town of Franklin has lifted an antiquated law that banned pool tables from being on the same premises as booze, or booze from being on the same premises as pool tables.

Angel Medical Center in Franklin officially came under the umbrella of Mission Hospital System this week, a move Angel leaders say will help improve health care for patients and the hospital’s bottom line.

Franklin will soon be saying goodbye to its sitting mayor and longtime town politician Joe Collins. The Franklin native has announced he will not seek re-election in the approaching race, bringing to a close a 10-year stint as mayor and a total of 16 years serving in local politics.