Visitor spending in Macon on the rise

Outdoor recreation continues to be a major factor in Macon County’s steady increase in visitor spending year after year. 

Angel Medical Center project moves forward

Plans to construct a new Angel Medical Center in Franklin moved forward last week after the town planning board approved a special-use permit for the replacement hospital. 

Full slate of candidates in Franklin

Now that the sign-up period is over, there’s a full slate of candidates running for seats on the Franklin Town Council. 

Candidates sign up for Franklin race

Only two candidates have signed up to run for four open seats in the Franklin Town Council as of Tuesday afternoon. 

Leveraging the best requires better broadband 

By Bob Scott • Guest Columnist

Those of us fortunate enough to live in communities where natural amenities abound know just how attractive these places can be to people who define their lives by recreational pursuits that are tied to our streams, rivers and mountains. 

In Macon County and Franklin, where I am mayor, I see it every day, whether hikers setting out along the Appalachian trail, kayakers and rafters rolling down the Nantahala or Cullasaja rivers, or fly fishers plying the smaller waters all around. 

Hemp Farm expands operations in Macon

An industrial hemp farm will be expanding its operations into the Macon County Business Development Center after commissioners approved a lease agreement for Appalachian Growers. 

Market is down, but Macon County recycling continues

While the global market for recyclable materials can fluctuate month to month, Macon County residents are encouraged to continue utilizing the county’s recycling program.

Macon County raises taxes to fund public education

The property tax rate in Macon County will be increasing by half a cent after commissioners approved a 2019-20 budget that puts additional funding toward public education. 

Macon schools pleads for more resources

Angela Phillips painted a painfully realistic picture of what it’s been like inside her second-grade classroom at Cartoogechaye Elementary for the last few years. 

Macon manager proposes tax increase

For the first time in several years, Macon County Manager Derek Roland is proposing a small property tax increase moving into the 2019-20 budget year to support increased expenses and much-needed capital projects. 

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