Press photo/Vickie Carpenter - Members of the VFW 7339 and American Legion Post 108 salute the colors during the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25, 2026. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

Press photo/Vickie Carpenter - Members of the VFW 7339 and American Legion Post 108 salute the colors during the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25, 2026. See more photos on The Franklin Press Facebook page.

Honoring fallen heroes

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

American Legion Post 108 presented the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25, 2026, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Franklin.Guest speaker was Mike Carpenter, son of Ken and Audry Carpenter of Franklin. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17 and served for nine years.

Local

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Glenda Cook from Cullasaja Gorge Fire and Rescue requests a fire tax increase for the volunteer fire department.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Glenda Cook from Cullasaja Gorge Fire and Rescue requests a fire tax increase for the volunteer fire department.

Commissioners hear fire tax, library requests

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners met Thursday, May 21, to hear from county fire departments...
Press photo/Shelby Powell - County Commissioner Gary Shields, a former FHS principal and longtime advocate for the new high school project, is one of the first to sign his name to the beam, next to board chair Josh Young.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - County Commissioner Gary Shields, a former FHS principal and longtime advocate for the new high school project, is one of the first to sign his name to the beam, next to board chair Josh Young.

Oberley, Painter get principal posts

News Staff
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Macon County Board of Education approved three school administration changes at its May 18...
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Regional

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.

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.

Smoky Mountain Relay stops at Cowee School

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
More than 573 runners passed through Macon County April 24-25 as part of the annual Smoky Mountain...
Press photo/Shelby Powell - Bobby Bradley speaks about the importance of reducing light pollution for both humans and animals.

Press photo/Shelby Powell - Bobby Bradley speaks about the importance of reducing light pollution for both humans and animals.

How to preserve the night sky

Shelby Powell
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Macon County has the potential to protect some of the darkest skies on the east coast — here are...
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Sports

Fourth-year student Rachel Green scores one of her three goals in an exhibition match versus Franklin High School's JV team April 23. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Fourth-year student Rachel Green scores one of her three goals in an exhibition match versus Franklin High School's JV team April 23. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

MEC athletes, officials recount inaugural year

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
It’s been a whirlwind year for Macon Early College athletics.
New Vision gymnast Giovanna Williams shows off her vault gold medal at the USA Gymnastics Level 9 Eastern Championships in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this month. (Photo submitted)

New Vision gymnast Giovanna Williams shows off her vault gold medal at the USA Gymnastics Level 9 Eastern Championships in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this month. (Photo submitted)

New Vision gymnast earns national title

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
A Franklin youth gymnast is a national champion.
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