Allison Lee Forkner graduated magna cum laude from Appalachian State University in May, with a degree in Health Promotion and a minor in Nutrition.

Forkner is taking a year off from school to work as a physical therapy tech.

She plans to apply for physical therapy school for the fall of 2012.

She is the daughter of Tom and Sandy Forkner of Franklin.

After more than a year of debate and consideration, the Town of Franklin Tourism Development Authority unanimously voted on Monday to sponsor a motorcycle event scheduled for next year.

During the past several years Macon County has witnessed an influx of motorcycle tourism, as it serves as a scenic passage to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the mountain roads of Western North Carolina.

Women seeking hope and reform offered a positive destination

All too often, women in Western North Carolina who have done time for making a mistake in life find that they have no place to go upon their release from jail. For these women, who live in an age where jobs are scarce and drugs are plentiful, the prospect of freedom can be nightmarish.

Luckily there is now a positive destination for such women in WNC.

Pam Forshee has been named the 2011-2012 President of Franklin Daybreak Rotary.

Officers are (L-R) Charles Thun, Jeff Cloer, Jane Kimsey, Julie Voorhees, Rachel Hoskins, Pam Forshee, Larry Stenger, Shelia Price, Josh Owens and Kristy Swafford.