Members of the community gathered around Town Square last Friday to honor North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2012.

Master of Ceremonies Al Caiata, Sergeant At Arms, FOP Lodge #81, led the ceremony to remember the fallen officers.

Guest Speaker Congressman Mark Meadows addressed the crowd to share his gratitude for the service of all the officers that protect the citizens of North Carolina.

Children at East Franklin Elementary poured into the gym last Thursday to be fitted for a brand new pair of Nike tennis shoes. Biltmore Baptist Church, based in Arden, worked with school officials to target the students who would benefit the most from the give-away.

“Biltmore Baptist Church understands that there are needs throughout the community but after working with Macon County Board of Education we determined that the greatest need at the time would be with East Franklin Elementary,” said Amanda Bullman, communications project coordinator for Biltmore Baptist Church.

Franklin was bursting with color on Saturday, May 11, for the third annual Airing of the Quilts celebration.

Homeowners and businesses alike participated in the event, with hundreds of quilts on display downtown and throughout Franklin.

The event grew this year, with newly added workshops, demonstrations, presentations, a wreath laying ceremony by the Daughters of the Confederation and Civil War reenactors.

The celebration takes place every year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

Becky Reece Kimsey is a busy retiree living here in her beloved mountains, surrounded by many of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her recently published novel, “Roxie Daughter of the Mountains” tells the story of Kimsey's grandmother who was born, raised and lived most of her life here in Macon County.

Roxie's life in the post Civil War days of the 1800s through the early 1900s, gives insight into family life with its daily struggles and evident joys of raising their 10 children.

Books are available now locally at the Historical Museum, Books Unlimited and Dalton’s Book Store as well as online at www.amazon.com and www.inspiringvoices.com.