The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 8-9 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin.

Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and more. 

A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. All are welcome, including beginners. No dance experience or fancy clothing are necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to the music are welcome, too. 

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.

Walks are about two and a half hours. The public is welcome. All walks are weather dependent. Additional information, including directions to each location and a bird club checklist  can be found at  littletennessee.org/franklin-bird-club. 

As the weather gets nicer and spring slowly transitions to those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, a bevy of longtime and beloved festivals start to pop up in the picturesque mountain communities here in Western North Carolina. 

These annual gatherings are a way to bring all of us together after an extended period of hunkering down during the winter months. Filled with locals and visitors alike, all those present partake in numerous activities and avenues to support those in your town.

As the spring mowing season commences, Franklin is reminding citizens that there is an ordinance prohibiting yard debris and grass clippings on streets and sidewalks.

When yard debris and grass clippings are left on sidewalks or blown into streets, there is potential for materials to get into the stormwater drains blocking them and causing water sheet flows to be rerouted and result in run off and flooding issues.

The palpable undertones of tension felt at the last several Fontana Regional Library board meetings seemed to have subsided at last week’s trustees meeting, but the system’s challenges continue to mount. 

A turbulent primary season has already reshaped Western North Carolina’s political landscape, toppling incumbents, elevating new contenders and setting the stage for a consequential General Election. 

Across the region, voters delivered decisive verdicts in races for Congress, the General Assembly and key county offices, while several high-profile contests reflected deeper tensions over taxes, disaster recovery and divisive social issues.

Incumbent John Shearl has won the Republican Primary Election and will proceed to the November election in his bid to represent District 1 in Macon County, which includes Highlands, on the county commission.

Kellie Burns and Dylan Castle have emerged from a crowded Republican Primary field to advance to November’s General Election.

Voters have reelected Brent Holbrooks to serve a second term as Macon County Sheriff.

Holbrooks, a Republican, won his first sheriff election in 2022 following the retirement of Robbie Holland. In that election, Holbrooks faced several challengers. Among those challengers was Bok Cook, who was the lone opponent for Holbrooks this year.