Local students will soon kick off their summer vacations as today is the last day of school in Macon County. Schools throughout the district held awards programs today for their students before dismissing for the break. Changes in the school calendar will allow students to enjoy a little extra time off this summer—the 2013-2014 will…
The North Carolina Utilities Commission was in Franklin Tuesday night to hear comments from western North Carolina residents on Duke Energy’s latest filing for a 9.7 percent increase in power rates. Several residents spoke before the commission concerned about how another rate hike would affects residents, businesses, and schools. “This is not the time to…
Will residents of the Nantahala community soon have a safe place to access Nantahala Lake for swimming? Comments made at the May 20 county commission meeting seem to point that way. Commissioner Paul Higdon, who represents the Nantahala community, provided an update on the talks. He says negotiations on a designated swimming area on the…
North Carolina’s public school children could return in August to very different classrooms if the Senate’s version of the budget is signed into law. The proposal passed the Senate Thursday and now moves to the House. It reduces the number of teacher assistants and pre-k slots, and it removes the cap on K through second…
A 28-year-old Franklin man was taken into custody May 21 charged with 18 total crimes against animals. According to a report filed by Sheriff’s Deputies, Jonathan Mark Zimmerman, of Hatfield Road in Franklin, was charged with 11 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and 7 misdemeanor counts of disposing of domesticated animals. Zimmerman was booked…
After a split vote Monday night, the county commission approved what could be the beginning of recreation expansion in the Highlands area. The county, which owns 1.7 acres near the Zachary Park on Buck Creek, plans to conduct a land swap with a private property owner for 1.7 acres adjacent to the park. Plans, presented…
The budget proposed by the state Senate prompted an emergency meeting of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission this week. The agency faces more than $9 million in state funding cuts, which amounts to 49 percent of its current budget. The commission’s executive director, Gordon Meyers, said he already has placed 120 projects on hold…
Those concerned about possible impacts of residential development, climate change, and environmental issues throughout Macon County’s communities and landscapes are invited to an upcoming series at the Rickman Store in Cowee. The discussion and action series begins this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will focus on changes in our local environment and…
The proposed Macon County budget for the coming fiscal year was presented at the board of county commissioners meeting Monday night in Highlands. County Manager Jack Horton delivered his annual budget message explaining the 2013-2014 budget does not call for a tax increase. Horton indicated the county remained in strong financial shape and should maintain…
The brand new pool facility at the Macon County Recreation Park is set to officially open later this week. County officials say the pool will open Saturday after a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The $546,000 project started last fall on the 40-year-old facility, and will provide a much improved and now heated pool with competition lanes,…
