It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Franklin, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
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“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the people that they provide have been good so far. They have removed a lot of stress from my life.”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during her decline and eventual passing. They were thoughtful, kind, supportive, considerate and readily available. Mary, one of the nurse managers at the Asheville location, was so supportive it is as if she became family. She would come without hesitation as I navigated through this difficult time offering tremendous support. She not only foresaw what was needed, but understood what I needed and catered to that need. She is a tremendous asset to your team! I am forever grateful for her.”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel like this will be a most rewarding opportunity.”
“I am a current client of this provider I couldn't have a life without them. They do the cooking and everything for me. One was a poor caregiver and the other was good.”
“I am a current client of this provider This helps us both be more refreshed and get breaks from each other. I like the fact that they seem to be a Christian-based organization. That comes through with the care that is provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped tremendously with her sadness. I like how I can call, get a person and not just a recording.”
“Always Best Care was always responsive to our family’s caregiving and respite needs. They created a thorough and detailed individual care plan with us that addressed all of our concerns and caregiving requirements. Our caregiver Elaine was fantastic. She is genuinely caring, compassionate, friendly, and engaging. My father was always excited when Elaine came to the house. They would talk for hours, laugh, play games, do puzzles, look at photo albums, and watch all kinds of sports together including tennis, football, soccer, and basketball. He said that Elaine made the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches too. She even stopped by to check on us after hurricane Helene to make sure that we were ok. I fully recommend Always Best Care to any family needing respite and caregiving services for their loved ones. They are truly the Best!”
“I am a past client of this provider They have helped the most with just providing me really good care and there was a never struggle with them. I liked that Always Best Care was always very kind and worked with me very easily.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most by talking to him. They're very good about doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
“I am a current client of this provider They provide me with company. They make you feel comfortable.”
“I am a current client of this provider I can depend on her coming and being there. They are very responsive and do what they say they're going to do and are dependable.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting staff to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Franklin, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Franklin, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Franklin, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Penn State officially moved on from head coach James Franklin on Sunday.The Nittany Lions fired the veteran college football head coach on Sunday, following three straight losses. Penn State lost to Northwestern on Saturday afternoon. It was Penn State’s third straight loss, as the Nittany Lions previously fell to UCLA and Oregon.“Penn State owes an enormous amount of gratitude to Coach Franklin who rebuilt our football program into a national power,” Penn State’s AD, Patrick Kraft, announced. “He ...
Penn State officially moved on from head coach James Franklin on Sunday.
The Nittany Lions fired the veteran college football head coach on Sunday, following three straight losses. Penn State lost to Northwestern on Saturday afternoon. It was Penn State’s third straight loss, as the Nittany Lions previously fell to UCLA and Oregon.
“Penn State owes an enormous amount of gratitude to Coach Franklin who rebuilt our football program into a national power,” Penn State’s AD, Patrick Kraft, announced. “He won a Big Ten Championship, led us to seven New Year’s Six bowl games and a College Football Playoff appearance last year. However, we hold our athletics programs to the highest of standards, and we believe this is the right moment for new leadership at the helm of our football program to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships.”
Penn State president Neeli Bendapudi added: “I am grateful for all that Coach Franklin has done for Penn State football and the University over the past 11-plus years. We thank him for his dedication, and we extend our best wishes to him and his family as they move forward into their next chapter. Our commitment to excellence extends across every facet of our institution, including athletics, and I am looking forward with great anticipation to this exciting new chapter for the Nittany Lions as we continue to build on that standard.”
Franklin, who is set to get $50 million in a buyout, is only 53 years old. He’s probably not done coaching.
Where will he land next?
Two jobs have been mentioned.
The Bruins have been playing well since firing head coach DeShaun Foster, but the program could make a big move and go after Franklin.
“UCLA MUST consider James Franklin. Weeks ago his team was in the top-5 (and consistently has been). After last week, even if he left Penn State he would’ve never considered Westwood over the open SEC spots. Now, there’s a chance he’d consider the Bruins. They MUST consider him,” one fan wrote.
Former USC star Su’a Cravens added that the Bruins should be going after the ex-Penn State head coach.
The Tar Heels are a disaster with Bill Belichick, but the program still has some serious potential.
Could Franklin land at North Carolina?
“North Carolina should hire James Franklin literally right now,” one fan wrote.
“James Franklin is going to do wonders as North Carolina’s head coach next season,” one fan added.
It's officially the end of an era at Penn State.According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Nittany Lions have fired head coach James Franklin, who had held the position since 2014.Despite Franklin's struggles with Penn State, he remains a respected coach who is likely to garner interest from teams in need of a change in leadership.Let's take a look a look at some of Franklin's top landing spots following his departure from the Nittany Lions.The Billy Napier experiment at Florida appears to have run its course, which cou...
It's officially the end of an era at Penn State.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Nittany Lions have fired head coach James Franklin, who had held the position since 2014.
Despite Franklin's struggles with Penn State, he remains a respected coach who is likely to garner interest from teams in need of a change in leadership.
Let's take a look a look at some of Franklin's top landing spots following his departure from the Nittany Lions.
The Billy Napier experiment at Florida appears to have run its course, which could open up an opportunity for Franklin to remain with a big-name program.
Napier, who had losing seasons in two out of his first three years, has led the Gators to a 2-4 record in 2025. Despite showing promise with a win over Texas, Florida appears to have stagnated.
While moving from the Big Ten to the SEC would be a step up in competition, Franklin is an experienced leader who can turn around a program that hasn't competed for a national championship since its last win in 2008.
Franklin is likely to be the biggest name on the coaching market this year, so Florida could eye him if they move on from Napier in their quest to return to prominence.
If Franklin wants to stay in the Big Ten, he could have the chance to remain on the East Coast by joining Maryland.
Since leaving the ACC and joining the Big Ten in 2014, the Terrapins have had seven losing seasons and just five bowl game appearances. Mike Locksley is in his seventh year at the helm and has the team off to a 4-2 start, but it's currently riding a two-game skid.
If Maryland chooses to move on from Locksley, it would be the program's fourth head coaching change since moving to the Big Ten.
Hiring Franklin could give the Terrapins a veteran coach who could steady the ship. However, it should be noted that after his struggles with the Nittany Lions, he could face the same issues of navigating the Big Ten with a new program.
There have been rumblings that legendary head coach Bill Belichick could be a one-and-done with UNC, which would be a massive shakeup for a program that thought it landed the best leader possible.
Unfortunately, Belichick's first attempt at coaching college football hasn't gone as expected, as the Tar Heels have a 2-3 record, most recently losing to Clemson 38-10.
Parting ways with Belichick after one year would raise questions about UNC's direction, but the program could silence any doubters by hiring an experienced head coach like Franklin.
The Tar Heels have been chasing the chance to become a national powerhouse for quite some time, and Franklin could be next to take on the challenge if they move on from Belichick.
“I can’t,” said Crawford, who has been on the job since August 2024. “A two-hour round trip every day plus triple fuel costs. I know a few people are parents and caregivers. People are still processing [the announcement].”Crawford said about 40 people are employed inside the warehouse with another hundred or so drivers operating under the company’s Flex program — an app-based gig system that has long been both a gateway to quick income and a source of frustration for those trying to make a liv...
“I can’t,” said Crawford, who has been on the job since August 2024. “A two-hour round trip every day plus triple fuel costs. I know a few people are parents and caregivers. People are still processing [the announcement].”
Crawford said about 40 people are employed inside the warehouse with another hundred or so drivers operating under the company’s Flex program — an app-based gig system that has long been both a gateway to quick income and a source of frustration for those trying to make a living in rural Western North Carolina.
The Franklin facility serves as a last-mile delivery station. Workers sort and distribute packages to Flex drivers who compete through the company’s app for limited “blocks” — three- to four-hour shifts that pay variable rates depending on distance, demand and delivery conditions.
Flex drivers are not Amazon employees. They use their own vehicles and pay their own fuel, maintenance and insurance costs. They also lack tax withholdings, which makes the program attractive for side work but precarious for full-time earners.
“It’s one of the better jobs you can get in Franklin unless you do skilled labor, construction or plumbing,” said a Flex driver who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation by Amazon. “But it’s barely worth it because of the crazy drives.”
Those drives may soon get even longer, and even less profitable for gig workers. The new Hayesville site will reportedly include some of Amazon’s branded “Blue” trucks — operated by company employees under its delivery service partner network — but Franklin was staffed exclusively by Flex drivers.
The shift westward could make it harder for existing contractors to access lucrative delivery blocks, especially if out-of-state drivers continue competing for routes in the mountain region.
“They bring in drivers from other states who can’t drive the roads. Sometimes they have their luggage with them,” the driver said. “Sometimes the sleep in their cars. Once they receive their 1,000 packages, they can transfer out back to where they live.”
Crawford said management has offered to transfer Franklin’s warehouse staff to Hayesville, but some employees see that as a way to minimize unemployment payouts.
“They’ve extended the offer to us,” Crawford said. “In my opinion, if we reject the offer, it’s to save the company money from paying out unemployment benefits.”
Amber Plunkett, an Amazon spokesperson, told The Smoky Mountain News that the $638 billion company is doing everything it can to provide opportunities to workers affected by the closing.
“We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees, customers, partners and drivers,” Plunkett said. “As we wind down operations at this facility, we're working closely with all employees to provide the latest information about transfer opportunities to our other facilities in the area.”
The closing comes amid a broader slowdown in e-commerce as inflation, tariffs and weakening consumer sentiment squeeze discretionary spending.
In the first quarter of 2025, U.S. consumer spending rose just 1.8% year over year, compared to 4.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Over the same period, spending on goods rose only 0.5 %, compared to the previous 6.2%, and package volume growth among all carriers rose only 0.4%.
The disappointing numbers arose even before the effects of President Donald Trump’s tariff regimes became apparent.
In May 2025, consumer spending actually fell 0.1% compared to the prior month, marking the second decline in 2025.
Across many categories of nonessential goods — electronics, furniture, home décor, sporting goods — e-commerce purchase rates have declined due to tariff pressure and economic uncertainty, according to a 2025 AlixPartners report based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers.
“For the first time since the survey's 2012 inception, consumers report that their online purchases have declined across all product categories except groceries, which remain flat," the report reads.
Retailers and logistics operators are feeling the pinch. Adobe Analytics now forecasts U.S. holiday online sales to grow by just 5.3 % this season, down from 8.7 % last year — a sign that “boom years” may be moderating.
UPS, in particular, has already begun cutting costs and reconfiguring its network in response to shrinking profitability in certain sectors. Simultaneously, UPS is reducing the volume of Amazon business it handles — halving its Amazon package load by mid-2026 — and plans to eliminate around 20,000 jobs and shutter dozens of facilities in 2025.
Smaller markets are often the first to feel the cuts. Consolidation of delivery networks tends to target low-volume or high-cost areas first, and shifting routes or facilities is a common way for large shippers to prune marginal operations.
Plunkett said the move from Franklin to Hayesville would not affect customers or their deliveries.
Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $12 billion in North Carolina, including infrastructure and employee compensation across its 13 fulfillment and sorting centers, 14 delivery stations, 16 Whole Foods locations and two Prime fulfillment centers. Amazon also operates a solar farm and a wind farm in the state. All told, the 24,000 full- and part-time jobs provided by Amazon in North Carolina have added $13.1 billion to the state’s GDP and support more than 26,000 other jobs that rely on the company’s presence.
A 2024 report by the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Center for Urban Economic Development says that most front-line Amazon workers report making between $16 and $20 an hour, and that 45% earn less than $45,000 a year. Consequently, a third of Amazon workers have used one or more publicly funded assistance programs, including 23% who have used the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Franklin warehouse, located at 322 Industrial Park Road, was built in 1969 and sits on 15.7 acres southwest of downtown Franklin. Property records show its owner as MirTek Properties of N.C., Inc, which is owned by Teresa Reis Mira, widow of the late John Knippel. Mira’s father founded TekTone Sound and Signal, where Knippel served as operations manager for 28 years until his retirement in 2016. TekTone’s headquarters is listed as an adjacent building at 324 Industrial Park Road. Mira’s contact info was not immediately available.
James Franklin is unemployed. He is being paid a lot of money, so no one should feel bad for him, but he is probably thinking about his next college football landing spot. We know that Bill Belichick has been a colossal disaster at North Carolina. No firing has been made yet, but it wouldn't be shocking if a divorce occurred soon. Meanwhile, at Michigan State, one former Spartan has already said he wants Franklin to coach in East Lansing, as Spartans Wire reported:"Former Spartans standout cornerback Trae Waynes took to social me...
James Franklin is unemployed. He is being paid a lot of money, so no one should feel bad for him, but he is probably thinking about his next college football landing spot. We know that Bill Belichick has been a colossal disaster at North Carolina. No firing has been made yet, but it wouldn't be shocking if a divorce occurred soon. Meanwhile, at Michigan State, one former Spartan has already said he wants Franklin to coach in East Lansing, as Spartans Wire reported:
"Former Spartans standout cornerback Trae Waynes took to social media on Sunday to express his thoughts on how to get Michigan State back on track like when he was wearing the green-and-white. His message was simple, go get newly unemployed James Franklin.
"Franklin was fired by Penn State on Sunday afternoon, in what is considered a massive move that'll shake up the coaching carousel. Franklin will be due reportedly $49 million as part of his buyout from Penn State, but certainly will be looking to land on his feet somewhere else as a head coach. So why not Michigan State like Waynes is calling for?"
If there is a tug of war for James Franklin as a coaching carousel candidate, we need to ask a number of questions, starting with this one: Would North Carolina be a better fit than Michigan State for Franklin? Think about that question as we dive into a deeper discussion of places which make sense for Franklin:
Bill Belichick isn't enjoying himself. He and general manager Michael Lombardi are constantly on the defensive. The mood in Chapel Hill is tense, bordering on ugly. No one is winning here. This is not healthy for anyone. Belichick barely communicates with anyone during games. The strong culture he built with the New England Patriots is nowhere to be seen. Grownups can admit when they made a mistake or when a new venture just didn't work out for all parties concerned. This misadventure absolutely has to end in 2025. There shouldn't even be a conversation about this. It ought to be a done deal.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!In the coming coaching carousel, one would think no elite program will give James Franklin a chance. Franklin is a good coach who falls short of greatness. This has to be a program a notch below the superpowers in the sport. That's where we have to focus in mapping out landing spots for Franklin.
If Florida does fire Billy Napier, James Franklin should not be a top Gator candidate. Florida is way too big a program -- with top-tier expectations -- to turn to Franklin as its answer, at least not as a top-three choice. Franklin to Gainesville would happen only if three or four quality candidates turn the Gators down, and UF pivots to Franklin as a Plan D or E.
Would Nebraska really want James Franklin? Remember: Nebraska fired Frank Solich, and then Bo Pelini, despite being a nine-win program (more or less). Nebraska wants to get back to being elite. Franklin would face Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, and Oregon at a program which is not as attractive as Penn State in the current landscape. That would make no sense.
The reasons why Nebraska wouldn't make sense for James Franklin are largely the same reasons a Franklin move to East Lansing wouldn't make sense.
This might be an intriguing option for James Franklin. He could build the Cardinal in a manner similar to David Shaw, focusing on line play. He would have resources under Andrew Luck. Expectations at Stanford are far more manageable than at Florida or Nebraska or other places one could mention. This is worth considering.
NC State could be a realistic landing spot if the Wolfpack cut the cord with Dave Doeren. However, NC State's whole problem in the Doeren era was getting to 10 wins. Franklin won 10 games a lot in the Big Ten, but with Penn State-level resources. A lot of NC State fans would be worried that with comparatively fewer resources, Franklin would repeat the Doeren pattern of being good but not great, and falling short of the big goals (ACC Championship Game, big-time January bowl, playoff) the Wolfpack have never achieved, not even once, in their snake-bitten football history.
James Franklin going to an ACC football program seems like a realistic outcome. Virginia Tech could do a lot worse than James Franklin, but the memory of Frank Beamer might make the Hokies want something more than a coach who has just endured a hard fall at Penn State. Moreover, recently-fired Tech coach Brent Pry came from Penn State. The idea of hiring another Penn State coach might not sell well in Blacksburg.
People will remember how well James Franklin performed at Vanderbilt. This could make him attractive to Arkansas. If there is an SEC landing spot for Franklin, it's Fayetteville more than Florida.
North Carolina has endured an absolutely miserable season. This program, assuming it does fire Belichick, would have to start over for a second time in two years. When a program sits in that kind of situation, what does it need? Stability. James Franklin was a steady winner at Penn State, not a huge success but certainly not a failure from year to year. He couldn't beat Ohio State or Michigan, but he beat nearly everyone else.
If North Carolina has a coach who loses to Clemson and Miami but beats nearly everyone else, that will play. UNC could be a nine-win program with an occasional chance at 10 wins. This is a fit James Franklin and Carolina could live with.
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LOUISBURG, N.C. (WNCN) — Part of Franklin County is under a boil water advisory on Sunday, according to town and county officials in Louisburg. The town is also temporarily without power.The Town of Louisburg issued the advisory Saturday night after construction crews were working in the area of Johnson Street earlier that day. Officials said the crew broke a 16-inch water line while digging in the ground, causing low pressure in the water’s distribution center.“The low-pressure event occurred primarily on the...
LOUISBURG, N.C. (WNCN) — Part of Franklin County is under a boil water advisory on Sunday, according to town and county officials in Louisburg. The town is also temporarily without power.
The Town of Louisburg issued the advisory Saturday night after construction crews were working in the area of Johnson Street earlier that day. Officials said the crew broke a 16-inch water line while digging in the ground, causing low pressure in the water’s distribution center.
“The low-pressure event occurred primarily on the South and Southwest parts of our distribution near the Sunbeam Tank on Hwy 56 West from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,” officials said in a social media release. “When the valves were opened back up feeding the Distribution System South of the Tar River, the velocity along with air entering the line when being repaired tend to scour the inner lining of the water lines causing discoloration of the natural mineral contents build up over time.”
Officials reported Saturday afternoon that water service was out for Louisburg residents. Service was restored around 5 p.m. Saturday.
“Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increases the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system,” officials said.
Officials are advising residents that boiling their water vigorously for at least one minute will kill organisms that can cause a disease. Officials also said that residents should run all faucets for five minutes to clear up internal plumbing from the main to each water location.
Part of Louisburg also lost power Sunday.
According to Franklin County Emergency Management, a tree limb took out a transformer around 12:30 p.m. near North Main Street. Officials said traffic lights were malfunctioning, and advised drivers to treat the intersections affected like a four-way stop.
Town officials said the outage was primarily in the northern part of Louisburg.
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