The North Carolina Utilities Commission has announced public hearings across the state to solicit input over the Duke Energy rate increase proposal. Franklin will host a hearing for the increase for Macon and surrounding counties on May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Macon County Courthouse.

The public hearing in Franklin will mark the second time that the Utilities Commission has used Macon County as the host for the only public hearing in far western North Carolina, the first being last year regarding Duke Energy's first increase proposal.

U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, yesterday received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award (DPSA) from Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus. The DPSA is the highest honor for a non-Navy individual and is awarded based on contributions and accomplishments that have had impact on the Navy and beyond.

“As a Senator from North Carolina, I am honored to receive the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Navy,” said Hagan.

With so many news headlines focusing on the the nationwide debate of gun laws, many places throughout the country have seen the sale of ammunition and firearms increase substantially. Many North Carolinians are not fully aware of the state's laws concerning firearms and what they can and cannot do.

In N.C., there are few laws that restrict rifles and shotguns and none that demand owners of any type of gun to register them, including handguns. According to federal law, convicted felons may not own a firearm, therefore making it illegal in N.C. as well.

Horseback riders in Western North Carolina are joining forces with citizens in surrounding states to combine their riding skills with life saving techniques. A volunteer organization known as the County Mounties trains horseback riders to aid law enforcement agencies in an array of circumstances.

The County Mounties was founded in 2007 by Lawrence Beal of Hayseville, N.C. The mounties is a non-profit organization that operates out of Hayesville but reaches beyond the area and into many other states and jurisdictions.

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