News

Photo/Travis Long/News & Observer

Photo/Travis Long/News & Observer

Ferguson joins House

Anna Ferguson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was sworn in as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives during a session in Raleigh, on Tuesday, April 21. Appointed by the Republican Party, she will represent District 119 and serve out the term of the late Rep.

MountainTrue supports HB369

Shelby PowellReporter@thefranklinpress.com The General Assembly is considering a bill that would remove restrictions on the number of offstreet parking lots required for buildings.The two-page bill can be viewed at ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H369.

Mountain Discovery kicks off $2M capital campaign

Mountain Discovery Charter School (MDCS) is kicking off their “Two Years – Two Million Dollars” capital campaign with a family event at Darnell Farms, this weekend.The event, slated for April 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature faceprinting, bouncy houses, a Charity Scenic Ride and live music.
Advisory board members (l to r) AnnMarie Wright, Toby Allman, Nick Nichols, Lisa Kim Fisher, Diane Jones, Amber Lyons, Beth Maennle, Mike Shakar.

Advisory board members (l to r) AnnMarie Wright, Toby Allman, Nick Nichols, Lisa Kim Fisher, Diane Jones, Amber Lyons, Beth Maennle, Mike Shakar.

Gift Fund unites agencies in service to Swain residents

Rachel Hoskinsrhoskins@thefranklinpress.com "Breaking bread together" signifies sharing a meal, spiritual nourishment, and fostering community.
Jack Igelman / Carolina Public Press.  An area of the Pisgah National Forest near Shope Creek, where severe damage occurred during Tropical Storm Helene in 2024.

Jack Igelman / Carolina Public Press. An area of the Pisgah National Forest near Shope Creek, where severe damage occurred during Tropical Storm Helene in 2024.

Future of forest plan in doubt

Jack Igelman  Carolina Public Press   Only three years into the completion of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest Land Management Plan, its future hangs in limbo, putting both current and future timber projects in Western North Carolina on pause.

‘Sprang Thang’ on stage this weekend

Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   The “Sprang Thang” outdoor music festival returns to Lands Creek Log Cabins this weekend. The festival is set to take place Friday, April 17, from 6-11 p.m. and on Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Balltown Road in Bryson City.
Forest Service photo/Matt Switzer.  Fire crew hiking to the fire line.

Forest Service photo/Matt Switzer. Fire crew hiking to the fire line.

Wildfires: Crews battle blaze near Needmore

Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   A wildfire spreading in the Needmore area started Thursday afternoon and kept burning over the weekend.

Rejected

Katie Myers Blue Ridge Public Radio   A federal judge has rejected the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest Plan, saying the plan violates the Endangered Species Act. The U.S.