June 24, 2026
County Commissioner Chair Josh Young hears discussion on the county’s 2026-27 budget. (Press photo/Shelby Powell)
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved its 2026-27 budget, holding steady the 27-cent property tax rate.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - County Commissioner Chair Josh Young hears discussion on the county’s 2026-27 budget.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Karen Smith speaks to the Macon County Planning Board to recommend the board support district voting for its redistricting recommendation.
Press photo/Mia Overton - The proposed Hospice House on Maple Street remains unfinished seven years after the groundbreaking. Although Hospice House Foundation of WNC has received a $600,000 judgement in a case involving the contractor, representatives remain unsure of the project’s future.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Mark Masters of Masters Architecture proposed four options to build a new Highlands soccer field, ranging in cost from $1 million to $3.4 million to build an Astroturf soccer field on site at Highlands School or at Zachary Park.
Highlander photo/Mitch Stone - FRL Board Chair Bill McGaha and Cynthia Womble discuss whether Swain County should receive a higher percentage of net surplus funds due to the free rent it has provided for FRL headquarters.
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Teams participating in the Smoky Mountain Relay stopped for a free breakfast hosted by Cowee School volunteers. Each member of this team was from the Southeast, with members from Bryson City, Chattanooga, Nashville, Sylva and Asheville.
Hannah Griffith (center) is mobbed by teammates at home plate after belting a two-run homer to left field for the Franklin Coach Pitch Softball All-Stars versus Great Smokies.(Press photos/Will Woolever)
Jonas Phillips (right) competes in the 300-meter hurdles during the Mountain Eight Conference Championship meet at North Henderson April 30. (Press file photo)
Franklin Amateur Swim Team members leave the starting block for the Girls 9-10 50-Yard Breaststroke at the Macon County Rec Park June 18. From left are Saylor Holbrooks, Emry Keener, Joy Moses, Alexa Diaz Altamirano and Emma Brabson. (Press photo/Will Woolever)
