June 25, 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.
Fontana Regional Library Board Chair Bill McGaha speaks about fund distribution at the June 15 FRL meeting. (Press photo/Shelby Powell)
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/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.
Girls aged 11-12 swim a close race under a downpour in the 200-yard individual medley June 18. Pictured from foreground are Annabelle Searles of Highlands, Hanna Samuelson of Franklin and Nyah Rivera of Franklin. (Press photo/Will Woolever)
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)
