Macon Sense

12/20/2024

Not too late to make some incredible holiday plans...

T.M. Rickman Store is decorated for Christmas and is open on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering bluegrass jam sessions and homemade treats. Visit Friends of the Rickman Store on Facebook to learn more. Located at 295 Cowee Creek Road, Franklin. Mark Krancer’s book signing for his just-rel...

12/19/2024

Latest edition of Macon Sense hot off the presses and on the delivery route as we speak (or type)!!!

12/18/2024

ICYMI: Our town does Christmas right!

Franklin’s annual Christmas parade was held Sunday, Dec. 1, on a crisp but clear afternoon. Hundreds turned out to view colorful and creative floats sponsored by area organizations, churches, businesses, law enforcement, and more. Franklin’s High School band marched in the parade, providing fest...

12/17/2024

'Tis the season for giving. Read how so many people helped, and are still helping, those in need.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me … Matthew 25: 35-36 Hurricane Helene ravaged Western North Carolina on Sept. 27 and the needs immediately became great on...

12/16/2024

How does Macon Middle School do it?

Following the success of the soccer program, which recently won its third Blue Ridge Athletic Conference (BRAC) championship in October, Macon Middle School (MMS) football and volleyball did the same. Both programs also went undefeated within the BRAC. Volleyball Brooke Southard, who teaches health....

12/15/2024

Yum. Time to start cooking!

As much as possible, I try to find recipes in which I can incorporate as many regionally grown and harvested foods as possible. Cranberry Apple Casserole fits the bill, with apples and pecans as main ingredients.  It is an easy and flavorful dish to complement chicken, turkey, ham, pork, beef tende...

12/14/2024

Cabin Fever? The story of Franklin's own Canyon Woodward should get your blood flowing. Here's an incredible tale of perseverance and dedication.

On the brisk morning of Oct. 17, Franklin native Canyon Woodward sat down to reminisce on his recent success in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) race. The race was held in Chamonix, France, on Aug. 25-31. Hundreds of top trail runners from around the world show up every year to compete in the .....

12/13/2024

Today is officially the last week of Fall. Here's the real reason for this season...Merry Christmas.

The December cover of WORLD magazine encouraged me – “Simpler Celebrations: Weary of cultural Christmas excess, some Christians are rethinking the holiday.”  In recent years, Christ has been eliminated from Christmas, even though Jesus’ birth is solely why we have reason to celebrate this...

12/12/2024

So...what should replace the old hospital?

Angel Medical Center was first established by Dr. Furman Angel in the early 1900s in Franklin, but it was in the 1960s that a main hospital was built – and added onto and renovated over the years. Then, in 2022, a brand-new hospital was built, at 124 One Center Court, leaving the future of the ......

12/11/2024

What will Macon's newest county commissioner bring to the table? Our interview with Commissioner Barry Breeden

When Macon County primary elections were held last spring, in his first run as a candidate, 30-year resident Barry Breeden, at 43 years old, succeeded Commissioner Paul Higdon for the District III seat on the Macon County Commissioner Board. Higdon honorably served 12 years on the board, which also....

12/10/2024

Stacy Guffey, Franklin's Vice Mayor, believes preserving history is important. Here's why.

At the recent “Where We Live” speaker series at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, I spoke about why historic districts and historic preservation are important. Even I was surprised at how powerfully the themes resonated with an audience that included people like me who were natives of the reg...

12/09/2024

Learn more about a local organization offering light to veterans and Gold Star families.

Hello, Macon County! After Cory (my husband) retired from 21 years of service in the military, we found ourselves with a remarkable opportunity — we could move anywhere in the United States to dedicate our lives to the healing work we believe in so deeply. From coast to coast, we considered countl...

12/08/2024

From our Faith & Family section. Love is...

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” – Acts 2:42 In the midst of division and dissension in American...

12/07/2024

It's a new day in Macon County. Read about the changes to the County Commissioners offices.

At a special-called Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting December 2, members and positions were solidified going forward into 2025 and beyond.  The first order of business was to present an appreciation plaque to Paul Higdon, a commissioner for 12 years and a former chair. Barry Breeden (pic...

12/07/2024

'Tis the season for so many wonderful Christmas things to do....Make your plans today. 🎅🎅

Neighborhood Christmas Trunk-N-Treating Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 360 First Street. Hot cocoa, cookies, and treats for the kids. The Bethlehem Experience presented by Cartoogechaye Baptist Church is a live nativity drive-thru event Dec. 6-8, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.; and a w...

12/06/2024

Merry Christmas! Get the latest edition of Macon Sense today. At a newsstand near you!

12/05/2024

Cowee is always a great Christmas experience.

The 10th Annual Cowee Christmas will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center at 51 Cowee School Drive. Beginning at 10 a.m., and running until 3 p.m., families and shoppers will be able to enjoy activities and vendors inside the school. This annual event began as a free holi...

12/05/2024

Great story about a local HS sports photographer

What originally started out as a fun hobby to get outside with his grandchildren sprouted into a love and dedication for photography. Born and raised in Franklin, Ronnie Vanhook regularly snaps pictures at a variety of activities in Macon County.  Even though he currently photographs various athlet...