State says foul on school bond referendum support
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
After investigating the actions of the Macon County School Board for the past two months, officials at the North Carolina State Board of Elections have determined that the school district violated two campaign finance statutes.
Cowee group fights to keep school community-owned
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
For more than 60 years, students have been learning at Cowee Elementary School. But with the rise in Macon County’s student population, county leaders are looking to build a new school to accommodate the county’s sudden influx of pupils.
Mining company appeals decision; quarry’s future remains uncertain
A Franklin-based mining company has filed an appeal against the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources decision denying a permit to operate a rock quarry in the Tuckasegee community in Jackson County.
Macon seeks solution to animal woes
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
Dealing with stray dogs and cats has been a problem for Macon County officials for some time now, Sheriff Robbie Holland said.
Macon County explores TDA options
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
Macon County business leaders are devising a plan to ensure that the county’s lodging tax will promote tourism and travel throughout the county.
Vandals strike Macon greenway
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
Vandals have been wreaking havoc at Macon County Recreation Park and the Little Tennessee River Greenway by burning picnic tables, destroying park benches, and breaking into concession stands, according to county recreation leaders.
Macon likely to approve $40 million in school projects
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
Macon County commissioners spoke in favor of committing nearly $40 million to fund school construction at their meeting Nov. 26 but stopped short of taking any formal vote on the projects.
Finding his calling: Dr. Carlos Vargas seeks to provide perpetual health to the uninsured of Macon County
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
Imagine having the flu and sitting in a folding chair in a crowded waiting room for five hours just to see a doctor. For those with no health insurance this is probably the best option when seeking care for minor illnesses. An office visit to a family physician could cost at least $100, and that’s not including prescription costs.
Horton returns to WNC as Macon county manager
By Jennifer Garlesky & Becky Johnson • Staff Writers
An influential yet controversial figure in public policy is reclaiming a leadership post in the mountains three years after his forced departure as Haywood County’s manager.
Macon looks for alternative funding for school projects
By Jennifer Garlesky • Staff Writer
Voters in Macon County rejected a $42.1 million bond that would have provided new funding to build new schools, leaving county officials no choice but to seek out alternative funding.