Franklin Town Council Proclaims April 9th as Local News Day

Summary

At the Town Council meeting in Franklin, North Carolina, Mayor Stacy J. Guffey proclaimed April 9, 2026, as Local News Day in the town. 

The mayor emphasized the critical role of local news for transparency, public participation, and especially during emergencies (citing the importance of local radio during Hurricane Helene). He highlighted that local journalism is essential for a healthy democracy, civic engagement, and providing reliable information to the community in both normal times and crises. After reading the formal proclamation, the mayor invited representatives from local news outlets to come forward and accept the proclamation. Five individuals came up:

Mia Overton, editor of The Franklin Press
Lilly Knoepp, senior Western North Carolina reporter for NC Local
Bobby Coggins, representing Macon Media
Morgan Stewart, representing Macon Sense
Dan Finnerty, representing Macon Sense

Local News Day in Franklin, NC



Mayor Stacy J. Guffey

"I can't think of anything more important than what we do on this town council, than public participation and people in the public having an idea of what we, what we do as a town council, transparency, and in government.

And for that reason, I'm proud to proclaim April 9, 2026, as local news day.

I think we found out how important local news is back during Helene when there were times that was the only, the only word you could get was over good old fashioned radio signal.

And in fact, I know there's been some discussion since then about revamping some of the local services during emergency times.

So during an emergency or non-emergency, local news is critical to advancing the public good.

So I'm going to read this proclamation and then have anyone who is here with a local news source to come up front to accept the proclamation.

Proclaimation

Whereas Americans overwhelmingly say local news and information is the most important and most trusted source of news.

Whereas local journalism is a foundational element of a functioning and healthy democracy.

Whereas local journalism equips communities for civic engagement and action.

Whereas communities across the state are joining together to recognize and celebrate the importance of local news on April 9th.

Whereas the town of Franklin and surrounding community rely on trusted local news for reliable vetted information both in daily living and in moments of crisis.

Whereas the town of Franklin is home to several news outlets who continually share information with the public freely and with transparency.

Whereas the town of Franklin recognizes the critical importance of local news in many forms.

Now therefore, I, Stacy J. Guffey, Mayor of the town of Franklin, on behalf of the town council of the town of Franklin, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2026 as Local News Day in Franklin, North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents and visitors adopted this 6th day of April 2026.

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Published at 2.15pm on Wednesday, April 08, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Franklin Public Works Replace Valve on Water Main at Intersection of Iotla Street and Church Street

The Town of Franklin Public Works Department are replacing a valve on a water main located at the intersection of Iotla Street and Church Street. The road between Crabtree General Store and Church Street is closed to through traffic.

The public works department anticipates having the repairs completed by the end of the workday today.


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Published at 12:45pm on Friday, August 14, 2020

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June 12th Black Lives Matter March and Protest in Franklin

On Friday, June 12, 2020, there was a Black Lives Matter March and Protest in Franklin. Macon Media was there to record what happened, and a video and photographic slide show are embedded below.


Video Excerpts


Live Coverage of the march and protest on Facebook.

[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three]


Slide Show




Link to Album [FLICKR]

There was also a protest on Tuesday [LINK] and a prayer group gathering on Saturday. [LINK]

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.

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Published at 10:00am Tuesday, June 16, 2020

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Public Safety Log for Tuesday, December 11, 2018

This is a public safety log of notable incidents in or near Macon County for the day. This list is not comprehensive and does not include medical calls that do not impact traffic or law enforcement operations where there is a tactical concern. If such operations cause a traffic hazard or there is a public safety concern, information on what locations to avoid will be posted. 

Incidents are listed in chronological order. Most of this information will have also been published on the Macon Media News, Weather, and Information Facebook Page and the WNCscan Twitter account. A number of people have indicated they have no Facebook account or have deactivated their accounts and they wish to still keep up with local public safety incidents. This is an attempt to meet that need.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal,

view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

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**2:15m** POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Macon County 2,482
North Carolina 41,196
South Carolina 19,788



DUKE ENERGY POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Macon County 1,701 customers in 78 outage areas
Jackson County 1,133 customers in 54 outage areas
Swain County 3 customers in 3 outage areas
Haywood County 3,308 customers in 274 outage areas
Transylvania County 3,001 customers in 163 outage areas
Buncombe County 1,250 customers in 179 locations
Henderson County 2,186 customers in 147 locations

Duke Energy Carolinas Outages

North Carolina 35,000
South Carolina 17,700
TOTAL 52,700



Haywood EMC Outages
TOTAL 4,052

Macon County 781 (33.85%)
Jackson County 718 (34.08%)
Haywood County 1,175 (8.88%)
Transylvania County 705 (10.44%)
Buncombe County 455 (18.69%)

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Possible Structure Fire on Martha Lane

**1:13 am**

There is a possible structure fire on Martha Lane, a residence is full of smoke.

Macon County EMS and Franklin FireDepartment are responding. Clarks Chapel and Cullasaja Fire Departments are responding to assist.

Please reroute around the area for the next couple of hours.

**1:18am** Command reports no smoke showing from the exterior, has requesting firefighters stage on Phillips Street. (later amended to Franklin High School Property)

**1:22am** Firefighters report smoke inside the residence, attempting to locate the source.

**1:39am** Command has found the source of the problem and has canceled mutual aid and EMS with an appreciation for their response to this call.

**2:24am** Operations Command has been terminated at this location. Units returning to service.

**4:00am** Engine 11 s still on scene, awaiting a Duke Energy Crew. They've not returned calls from the Macon EOC.

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CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Initially published at 1:38  am on December 11, 2018 

Numerous edits are expected during the day.

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Early Voting Begins Today

Early Voting Begins Today

Early Voting for the General Election begins today, Wednesday, October 17th. The hours will be Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00pm and on Saturdays (Oct 20th, 27th, and Nov 3rd) from 8:00am to1:00pm. 

Access to the Macon County Courthouse when it is closed will be by the back door of the building, where curbside voting will also be available. If no one is at the back door, please call (828) 349-2034 and someone will be out to assist you in voting from the curb.

SAMPLE BALLOT

Sample Ballot 2018 General Election in Macon County by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Macon County has two One-Stop locations. They are, as follows:

1. The Board of Elections Office Macon County Courthouse, first floor, Room 127B. The street address is 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734

2. The Highlands Civic Center located at 600 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741

Early Voting will also be available on the last Saturday, November 3rd, from  8:00am-1:00pm.

The Voter registration deadline for voting on November 6th (election day) was Friday, October 12th. However, you can still register and vote on the same day during early voting.

The last day to request an Absentee ballot by mail October 30th, 2018

Same-Day Registration in North Carolina

You can register to vote and cast a ballot at an early voting site in your county using same-day registration.

With same-day registration, you can fill out a voter registration form, show an identifying document and vote at an early voting site when it is open (not on Election Day).

The identifying document must be one of these:

• a NC driver’s license
• photo ID from a government agency
• student photo ID with a school document showing the student’s address
• or a utility bill, bank statement, payroll stub, or document from any government agency with your name and current address.

Requirements to register to vote in North Carolina

You can register to vote if:

•you are a U.S. citizen
•you have resided at your address for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election
•you are at least 18 years old or will be at the time of the next general election, or you are at least 16 years old and understand that you must be at least 18 years old on Election Day of the general election in order to vote
•you are not serving a sentence for a felony conviction (including probation or on parole). If previously convicted of a felony, citizenship and voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of the sentence. No special document is needed.
•Upon registering, you must rescind any previous registration in another county or state.

Learn more about registering to vote in North Carolina [LINK]



NOTICE TO VOTERS WITH NO ACCEPTABLE ID UNDER THE HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT (HAVA)

Requirements for Certain First-time Voters

Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), individuals who have registered to vote and have not previously voted in an election and have not provided verifiable ID, must show one of the following types of ID to an election official the first time they present to vote. (NCGS § 163-166.12)

As a first-time voter, if you cannot show one of the forms of acceptable ID, then you may still vote by casting a provisional ballot. You will then need to send or bring one of the forms of ID noted above to your county board of elections no later than the close of business of the ninth day after election day in order for your ballot to count.

What is a Current Document?

To be current, the document must be the most recent version or at least dated within three (3) months of the date it is presented to an election official. Copies of acceptable documents are permissible. The original is not required. It is also permissible for a voter to present an electronic or online version of a document, as long as the document is obtained from the original source (e.g., e-Bills from utility companies, electronic bank statements, electronic earnings statement from employer, etc.) and shows his or her current name and address.


Current Photo Identification

•NC driver license or NC identification card
•U.S. Military ID
•U.S. Passport
•Other government-issued photo ID
•Student photo ID
•Certified Naturalization Document


Current Name & Address Document

•Utility bill: telephone; mobile phone; electric or gas; cable television; water or sewage
•Bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement
•Government paycheck, invoice, letter, or any other document from a local, state, or U.S. government agency
•Property tax bill
•License to hunt, fish, own a gun, etc.
•Automotive registration
•Public housing or Social Service Agency document
•Paycheck or paycheck stub from an employer or a W-2 statement
•Birth certificate


Published at 6:00 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2018

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WNC Mountain Moral Monday Event Held in Franklin

Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman, President of the North Carolina NAACP

The Jackson County NC NAACP Branch 54AB hosted a WNC Mountain Moral Monday event at the gazebo across from the courthouse in Franklin Monday evening. A full video of the event and some photos are posted below. A list of speakers will be added later.

PROGRAM

Music was provided by Geoff McBride.

Speakers included 

Dr. Enrique Gomez, President of the Jackson County, NC Branch of the NAACP
John DeVille, History teacher Franklin HS, education and labor advocate.
Kallup McCoy II, recovery advocate and frequent commentator in NCRaw show
Roberta Bowles, former OB nurse at Angel Medical Center's Labor and Delivery Unit
Brooke Keener, Franklin Resident
Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman, President North Carolina NAACP Conference of branches. More can be found here: https://naacpnc.org/rev-t-anthony-spearman/

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by the Giles for Sheriff Campaign.

This is Eric Giles, Macon County Candidate for Sheriff, and I encourage you to get out and vote during this election cycle. It's time to hit the drugs and crime in Macon County with fresh ideas. We need to better educate our youth and rehabilitate those struggling with addiction to tackle this epidemic. If you vote Giles, I will work hard by partnering with other agencies to achieve this.

For more information online, please visit the following:

Facebook: [LINK]

Website: [LINK]


Paid for by the committee to Elect Eric Giles, Sheriff.

Giles for Sheriff Meet and Greets

October 17th Highlands Library from 4pm-6pm.
October 19th Carson Community Center 5 pm-7pm.
October 27th Old Cowee School 3 pm- Hot Dog Cookout







Mountain Stream TV hosted the President of the local NAACP last week to discuss this event.



See more from Mountain Stream TV [LINK]


CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.



Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 4:20 am on October 16, 2018

#WNCnews #FranklinNC #MaconMedia

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July 2018 Meeting of the Franklin Town Council

The Franklin Town Council met last night for their regular monthly meeting for July 2018. Video and supporting documents are posted below.

Agenda
July 02, 2018 | 6:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Approval of the June 4, 2018 Town Council Minutes
4. Adoption of the July 2, 2018 Town Board Agenda
5. Public Session


6. New Business
A.) Presentation from Mission Health - Karen Gorby
B.) Street Closing Request for JEPACA - Jimbo Ledford
C.) Macon County School Board Water Tap Request - Todd Gibbs
D.) Street Closing Requests - Town Manager Summer Woodard
E.) Set Public Hearing for Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
F.) Water Treatment Plant Change Order - Town Engineer Nathanael Moore
G.) Re-Appointment of Town Tax Collector - Town Manager Summer Woodard
H.) Resolution Authorizing Town Tax Collector to Collect 2018 Taxes - Town Manager Summer Woodard
I.) Application for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Non-Profit Funding Pool - Town Manager Summer Woodard
J.) Presentation on Downtown Parking Trial - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser and Town Engineer Nathanael Moore

7. Legal
A.) Resolution Authorizing Electronic Purchases - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Discussion on Uniform Guidance Policies - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
C.) Forward Chapter 95 Parking to Town Planning Board to Consider Revisions - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.

8. Announcements
A.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Wednesday July 4, 2018 in Observance of the Holiday
B,) The Town of Franklin will be having a July 4th Celebration Downtown at the Gazebo on Wednesday July 4, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
C.) Town of Franklin Employee Luncheon and Awards Ceremony will be Friday July 6, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Fat Buddies
D.) Family Movie night will be Friday July 6, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. at Town Hall and the movie will be Despicable Me 3

9. Adjournment

VIDEO



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(meeting outlets with representatives present)

Macon Media (me)
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
WNC-FM/WFSC-AM
The Franklin Press

AGENDA PACKET

Franklin Town Council Agenda Packet 07-02-2018 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.


Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.


Published at 2:48 am on July 03, 2018

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Families Belong Together Rally in Franklin

Activists gathered in Franklin on Saturday to protest the separation of families caught trying to cross the border between Mexico and the United States. The event lasted about an hour and a half and Macon Media was there to document in video and photographs what happened at the rally.


VIDEO



Media Roll Call
Media outlets with representatives present

Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press (reporter + photographer)
Mountain Stream TV [LINK]


PHOTOS





CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.


Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.


Published at 3:15 am on July 02, 2018

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Franklin Town Council to meet Monday Night Public Agenda and Agenda Packet

**update 2:06 am June 5, 2018** The video of this meeting has been uploaded to Youtube and embedded here. The 2018-2019 BUdget Ordinance will be added here once it has been uploaded to the Town of Franklin website.



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with representatives present)

Macon Media
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM
The Franklin Press
The Smoky Mountain News



The Franklin Town Council will be meeting Monday night at 6 pm in the lower level of the town hall at 95 East Main Street. The public agenda and the agenda packet are posted below in the interest of promoting transparency and accountability in local government and the local media outlets.

See the Town Manager's Budget Message and the proposed budget on the blog at [LINK].


Town of Franklin Council
Agenda
June I. 2018
6:00 pm
1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott

2. Pledge of Allegiance Vice Mayor Barbara McRae

3. Approval of the May 7 end May IS, 2018 Town Council Minutes

4. Adoption of the June 4. 2018 Town Board Agenda

5. Public Hearing 6:05 p.m. for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Town of Franklin Budget

6. Public Hearing 6:10 pan. for Regulation for the Placement of Utilities

7. Public Session (Public Comment)

8. New Business
    A.) Board Action on Fiscal Year 20l 8-2019 Town of Franklin Budget- Town  Council
    B.) Board Action on Regulation for the Placement of Utilities- Town Council
    C.) Proclamation of Support for Homeless Veterans- Mayor Bob Scott
    D.) Resolution in Honor of Dr. William O. McLarney- Mayor Bob Scott
    E.) Street Closing Request for the Arts Council- Town Manager Summer Woodard ‘
    F.) Forward Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment to Town Planning Board- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
    G.) Discussion on Street Lights on Town Bridge- Town Engineer Nathanael Moore and Town Manager Summer Woodard
    H.) Appointment of James Smith to the Town Flaming Board- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
    I.) Transportation Improvement Project Municipal Agreement for U-5604-Town Engineer Nathanael Moore
    J.) Road Name Petition for West Trimont Drive- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser ‘
    K) Use and Occupancy Agreement for US 23/US 441 from US 64 to SR 1652- Town Engineer Nathanael Moore
    L.) Budget Amendments- Finance Officer
    M.) Discussion on Restroom Facilities for Town Events- Council Member Dinah Mashburn

9. Adjourn


Agenda Packet

Franklin Town Council 06-04-2018 Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.


Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 4:13 pm on June 1, 2018

Author: Bobby Coggins

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The 2018 Observance of Memorial Day

Video and photos of the annual observance of Memorial Day are posted below.




Photos
[click on any image to enlarge]



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to everyone who has donated time, funds and equipment. You are greatly appreciated. Find out more about becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 2:15 am on May 29, 2018

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