Macon County floodplain ordinance debate heats up

A proposed change to Macon County’s floodplain regulation has prompted outcry from the public and rippled across the county government. 

Macon reaches high school sports decision

The Macon County School Board has voted to require students to play high school sports at the school where they are enrolled beginning in the 2025-26 school year, meaning Macon Early College and Bartram Academy students will no longer be eligible for athletics at Franklin High School. 

Vecinos receives SECU Foundation grant

SECU Foundation recently awarded a $1.6 million grant to Vecinos for a new medical center and human services hub in Macon County.

Don’t weaken floodplain ordinance

To the Editor:

The following comments relate to the ongoing discussion about changing the Macon County floodplain ordinance to allow fill to be added. The answer to the added fill question should be a resounding “no” for reasons that I will cite below. 

Macon passes budget with adjustments

After several lengthy discussions, Macon County Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by a split vote with a couple of last-minute changes to the proposed document. 

Franklin FUMC hosts bazaar auction

When it comes to staying the course, First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Franklin has a long history of supporting those in need in Macon County (and beyond) through its mission projects and fundraisers.  

Cowee School welcomes Jacob Joliff

A renowned Americana/bluegrass outfit, the Jacob Joliff Band will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin. 

Taste of Scotland Festival

The 25th annual Taste of Scotland Festival will be held June 14-16 at a variety of locations around Franklin. 

Despite rising costs, new Franklin High School still on track

Despite increasing cost estimates, Macon County is in a good financial position to move forward with both the Franklin High School project and the Highlands School project.

Franklin club hosts birding walks

The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.