Franklin News

Ruminations from the Distant Hills reports: In the November 4, 2009 issue of the Franklin Press, Quintin Ellison and Barbara McRae report that Macon Bank has filed lawsuits alleging it was "duped into making questionable loans in excess of $3.5 million" to buyers of lots in the 2200 acre Wildflower development north of Franklin.

Not one face is changing in Franklin's local government despite close contests for mayor and aldermen.

U.S. trees are exploding in brilliantly colorful fall foliage this year in many regions, thanks to stellar growing conditions and excellent temperatures, say experts.

It took nearly 20 years, but Jamil Kadouras can now eat the pita bread of his native Jerusalem.

Fall foliage is in vibrant color in Asheville, Highlands and Cullowhee and should peak in Franklin by the weekend, according to Visit N.C. The Piedmont region is beginning to blaze with color as well with Hanging Rock State Park entering the peak period.

Nominations are now being accepted by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce for several annual awards including Citizen of the Year, Civic Club or Community Organization of the Year and Chamber Member of the Year.

Downtown shoppers try to keep dry as they walk along Main Street Hendersonville Friday.

The National Weather Service has updated its flood watch for Western North Carolina, dropping Macon County but leaving it in effect for southern Jackson and Transylvania counties, along with parts of update South Carolina.

STAFF REPORTS * communitynews@citizen-times.com * published October 13, 2009 3:56 pm FRANKLIN This year marks The 17th Annual Smoky Mountain Fall Art & Craft Festival to be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct.

Two Western North Carolina projects will receive $1.6 million from federal funds designated for the nation's scenic byways.

When the new family movie, "Mandie and the Secret Tunnel" hosts its Tennessee premiere at The Factory in Franklin tonight at 7 p.m., a familiar face will be a part of the cast on the screen.

While neighboring hospitals count down the days until an affiliation is finalized, Angel Medical Center in Franklin continues to stand alone during a time when independent hospitals are becoming increasingly rare.

Duke Energy's rate hike request met strong opposition at a public hearing before members of the N.C. Utilities Commission in Franklin last week.

Rubies of America, you got to be kidding! Yes there actually are rubies they can be found in the United States.

Sept. 21 Counterfeiting/forgery reported on U.S. 70 Larceny - felony reported on Grizzly Court Communicating threats reported on Glen Drive.

Six teenagers face felony charges in connection with the attempted firebombing of the Wayah Bald Lookout Tower in Macon County.

Dorothy Rose Crawford, of Franklin, is the newest member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging.

Published: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. SOCCER Hendersonville 5, Owen 0 In Black Mountain, Brayan Aguirre had a hat trick in the first half as third-ranked Hendersonville handed sixth-ranked Owen its first loss of the season in this Western Highlands Conference match.

Cherokee and Macon counties will receive $724,000 in grants for expansion of health care facilities to increase access to care and to create jobs.

Officers confiscate white liquor DREXEL - Burke County Narcotics Task Force and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement officers seized approximately 30 gallons of white liquor Monday from a Drexel residence.