The State Highway Patrol has completed its Operation Slow Down Initiative that began on March 28 and ended on April 3. The purpose of the operation was to reduce speed related collisions on North Carolina Interstates. Last year 1,110 motorists died on North Carolina highways. Of those, 279 deaths were attributed to speed.

During the week long initiative, troopers stepped-up enforcement and patrols across the state, focusing on motorists speeding on interstates and major four-lane highways.

Macon Bank sponsored The Rathbun Center’s fundraiser, The Best of the Best, held on Friday, March 18, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. A big “Thank You” to all who donated money, time or talent for this important fundraiser.

Music was provided by The Dueling Pianos (Cathey Gray and Michael Conard), WestSound of Asheville, The Rye Holler Boys and Sheri Lynn & Mountain Friends. The Franklin High School Cheerleaders got everyone into the spirit by doing a cheer on stage and then passed the donation buckets through the crowd.

N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has awarded a contract to replace the bridge on Mirror Lake Road over the Cullasaja River near Highlands in Macon County.

A $577,544 contract was awarded to Dane Construction Inc. of Mooresville. Work can begin as early as April 25 and is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31.

The bridge, constructed in 1960, needs to be replaced due to its age and condition.

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division has made safety improvements at a railroad crossing in the Jackson County community of Balsam.

NCDOT installed crossing signals and gates at the intersection of Old Balsam Depot and the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. This $247,643 improvement project was paid for with 90 percent federal funding and 10 percent state funding. Maintenance for the project will be divided equally between the state and Norfolk Southern Railroad.