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

The Natti Love Joys will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin.

A roots-rock-reggae band that has been playing live since 2003, the group consists of husband and wife duo Anthony “Jatti” Allen and Sonia “Marla” Allen (formerly Sonia Abel). 

Joining millions across the globe, thousands in Western North Carolina rallied this past weekend, demonstrating against the policies of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk while expressing grave concerns about the future of myriad federal programs and services. Their message? “We want people to know that we are not going anywhere.”

On Jan. 6, 2021, Nathan Baer stormed the Capitol in Washington, D.C. On April 26, 2023, he was arrested in Asheville and hit with numerous charges. On April 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one felony and was sentenced to four months in federal prison. On Jan. 21 of this year, he was pardoned by President Donald Trump and released from incarceration. On March 19, he spoke to the Macon County Republican Women’s Club in Franklin. 

The Macon County Board of Education approved funding to permit Macon Early College in Franklin to apply to become a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and field its own sports teams. Previously, MEC students had participated in athletics at Franklin High School. 

To the Editor:

Is it really necessary to make getting Social Security benefits harder, if not impossible, for elderly and disabled beneficiaries? The Trump administration wants to force people to file Social Security claims in person — you won’t be able to do business on-line or on the phone any more. 

On Friday, March 14, Representatives in the North Carolina General Assembly hosted a town hall to update the public and local elected officials about the progress of both Hurricane Helene Recovery and broadband expansion in the region on Friday March 14. 

An evening of old-time dancing (contras, rounds, squares and mixers) will be held from 7-9 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.  

Commissioners appointed Warren Cabe as the new manager for Macon County after he had served just over four months as interim county manager.

“I appreciate the opportunity,” said Cabe at the March 11 meeting when commissioners appointed him to the position.

To the Editor:

The Franklin Social Security office has been closed. It was the only such office west of Asheville. It handled programs such as Social Security, Retirement, SSI, Medicaid and Disability Benefits.