A.T. dreams meet COVID-19 crisis: Some hikers leave the trail as others press on toward Maine

In the last two weeks, the world has changed. From darkened downtown windows to packed-full parking lots at Ingles and Wal-Mart, the evidence is everywhere, impossible to ignore.

Franklin unveils land use plan

The town of Franklin is working toward creating a vision for the community that will guide growth and investment for years to come.

Council approves purchase of Franklin properties

Franklin Town Council recently approved purchasing two parcels of land in the downtown area for a total cost of $206,660. 

Franklin appoints interim police chief

Capt. Danny Bates will serve as Franklin’s interim police chief while the town goes through the hiring process to find its next full-time leader of the police department. 

Waynesville hires Franklin police chief

Franklin Police Chief David Adams will have some big shoes to fill when he becomes Waynesville’s new police chief, but according to Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites, Adams is the right person to fill them. 

Voter turnout doubles in Franklin

The town of Franklin will keep its incumbent mayor while welcoming two new faces to the town board.

McRae challenges Scott for Franklin mayor

After running unopposed for his last two terms in office, Franklin Mayor Bob Scott is being challenged for his seat by fellow Town Councilmember Barbara McRae. 

Scott is seeking his fourth two-year term as the town’s mayor and served as a councilmember for 10 years before that. 

Eight candidates run for Franklin board

Voters will be faced with a long list of candidates when they go to vote in the Franklin Town Council election, but they should be aware that two candidates on the ballot have dropped out of the race last minute.

The fungi forager: Franklin man develops a passion for wild mushrooms

Beneath the woodsy world of tree trunks, ferns and leaf litter is another, hidden realm. It’s the world of fungi, where these shadow organisms — not plants, but yet not animals — spread their tendrils through the soil, through the moist decay of fallen branches, into the bark of standing trees, both living and dead. Where the two worlds meet is where the mushrooms grow.

Communities celebrate new future of Nikwasi

As Cherokee children joined hands with Macon County residents and led them in a traditional friendship dance in the shadow of the historic Nikwasi Mound in downtown Franklin, it became clear the vision set forth by the Nikwasi Initiative was already playing out before everyone’s eyes. 

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