Lower values lead to higher taxes in Macon

taxesMacon County property taxes will be going up next year as the value of property values has decreased by almost $2 billion.

WNC Hospice House gets closer to goal

fr hospicehouseThe Hospice House Foundation of WNC is in the midst of a major fundraising campaign to construct and operate a six-bed hospice house in Franklin.

Smart pharmacist receives Macon entrepreneur honor

fr smartpharmAfter years of education and learning the pharmaceutical ropes, Jacob Reiche had just about reached the end of his.

Macon schools request $7.9 million from county

schoolsAs the Macon County budget process gets under way, education spending will be one of the meatier items up for discussion.

Exchanging students, exchanging cultures

fr exchangeWhen Donna Bell invited the first exchange student into her home seven years ago, she had no idea the lasting impact it would have on her family as well as the lives of the students.

Macon commissioners give board new direction

fr maconplanningWith the six-month process of getting a nuisance noise ordinance passed behind them, members of the Macon County Planning Board now have some new assignments.

Macon dodges insurance fund deficit

More than 400 Macon County employees and their families will see a reduction in health care coverage and an increase in their contributions beginning July 1 after commissioners agreed to change the county’s health insurance plan and provider.

Macon passes noise ordinance

fr maconnoiseMacon County commissioners realize they can’t make everyone happy, but they hope some residents can now get some sleep with a nuisance noise ordinance in place.

SCC plans for Macon campus expansion

fr SCCexpandsDr. Don Tomas likes to be ahead of the curve.

As Southwestern Community College celebrates 50 years, Tomas, who has been SCC’s presidents for three years, continues to look ahead and plan for the future.

Teachers fight to restore public education funds

fr maconschoolsThird-grade teacher Carolyn Cope deals with many stresses day in and day out —making sure her students are happy and healthy, teaching them a new curriculum and making sure she’s prepared them well enough to pass their extensive reading tests.

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