Macon County Board of Commissioners May 2025 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting at 6pm in the commissioners boardroom on the third floor. Access after 5pm will be through the back entrance to the courthouse. If more people arrive than can be accommodated, the meeting may be moved upstairs to the big courtroom on the 4th floor, provided there is no trial underway.

Live Video
(the live video will be replaced a few days later will an edited version that contains graphics. The live video may be deleted).



MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS May 13, 2025
6 P.M. AGENDA

1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Announcements
• (A) A public hearing on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget will be held on June 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. during the regular meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners, in the Commissioners Board Room located at 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC.

3. Moment of Silence

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Public Hearing(s) - None

6. Additions to agenda

7. Public Comment Period

8. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9. Reports/Presentations - None
• (A) Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Presentation - County Manager Warren Cabe
• (B) Annual report for Macon County Sheriff's Department - Sheriff Brent Holbrooks
• (C) Update report for the Broadband Committee - Macon County Broadband Consultant Jeff Lee

10. Old Business
• (A) Update on Franklin High School Project - Carroll Daniel Construction Operations Manager Dave Gotwalt
• (B) Discussion regarding Panther Drive and Porter Street Intersection Redesign - Mr. Cabe

11. New Business
• (A) Discussion and approval of the updated resolution for the Macon County Fire and Rescue Commission - Fire and Rescue Commission Chairman Dustin Pendergrass
• (B) Discussion and consideration of funding for a Fire Safety Trailer for the Macon County Fire and Rescue Commission - Mr. Pendergrass
• (C) Discussion regarding Sheriff's Department Vehicle Request - Mr. Cabe and Sheriff Brent Holbrooks
• (D) Consideration and approval of Public Records Request Process - Human Resource and Safety Director Tammy Keezer
• (E) Update from Burningtown-Iotla Fire and Rescue - Chairman Mike Yacks

12. Consent Agenda - Attachment #12
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
• (A) Minutes of the April 8, 2025, Regular Meeting
• (B) Budget Amendments #285-287
• (C) Approval of Macon Aeromodelers Agreement
• (D) Ratify approval of fireworks permit for Parties by Design
• (E) Approval of fireworks permit for Nantahala Volunteer Fire and Rescue
• (F) Approval of fireworks permit for the Town of Franklin
• (G) Approval of fireworks permit for Cool Receptions
• (H) Tax releases for the month of April 2025 in the amount of $2,101.51
• (I) Monthly ad valorem tax collection report - no action necessary

13. Appointments - None

14. Closed session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11

15. Recess until May 22, 2025, for a budget work session.

Agenda Packet
[Download 60-page PDF]





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Published at 4.00pm on Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Tuesday, May 13, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

Low pressure will move slowly northeast across the Ohio River Valley through midweek. Numerous showers and thunderstorms will continue across our region through Wednesday. Drier high pressure moves over our area Thursday, followed by a cold front bringing another round of showers and storms across our region Friday. Above normal temperatures will continue through the weekend.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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DAY SPONSOR

This space available

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog this morning. A chance of showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms this morning, then showers with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
..WEDNESDAY...Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny with a chance of thunderstorms. Showers. Highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy with showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Winds out of the southwest around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Winds out of the southwest around 5 mph.
..THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

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• Mountain Findings Awards $51,000 in Scholarships [Macon Media]

• Disturbance involving Rep. Edwards came after speech turned political, event attendee says [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• NC bill sparks teen health and privacy concerns [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• NC congressman hit another man with a clipboard at conference, Rotarian says [Raleigh News and Observer]

• 'Our farm wiped off map from Helene:' ASAP reports impact to small Western NC farmers [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• Colorado economists question the goals, approach of U.S. tariffs [Denver Post]

• Trump’s plan to accept free Air Force One replacement from Qatar raises ethical and security worries [AP News]

• Tariff receipts topped $16 billion in April, a record that helped cut the budget deficit [CNBC]

Trump Meets Most of China's Trade Demands | Bloomberg: The China Show 05/13/2025



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 12, 2025 | ABC News



• Russia burned down Warsaw’s biggest mall, Tusk says [Politico]

• ‘Trump Was Forced to Back Off’: Fox Business Reporter Drops Blunt Analysis of Trump Trade Cave [Mediaite]

• Trump targets massive investments in first Middle East trip [Fox News]

• Inside the Qatari luxury jet on offer to President Donald Trump [Semafor]

• Trump’s Plan to Accept Luxury Jet From Qatar Strains Bounds of Propriety [New York Times]

• Airlines prepare for nuclear war [The Telegraph (UK) ]

Nightly News Full Episode - May 12 | NBC News



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 12, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

White South Africans granted refugee status by Trump arrive in US | DW News



• GOP Senator Introduces Bill to Make All Porn a Federal Crime, Following Project 2025 Playbook [ Gizmodo ]
• It's Been a Year Since the Most Powerful Solar Storm in Decades. What Did We Learn? [Universe Today ]


• Truth Social Denies Meme Coin Plans as Trump Token Slips [Decrypt]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

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Support Macon Media

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 5.00am on Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Mountain Findings Awards $51,000 in Scholarships

 PRESS RELEASE (05-12-2025)

MOUNTAIN FINDINGS THRIFT STORE 

Focus on certifications, trades, and 2-year degrees highlighted $51,000 in scholarships awarded

For nearly 60 years, Mountain Findings in Highlands, NC has been dedicated to enriching our local communities. This year, Mountain Findings proudly recognize thirteen outstanding graduating seniors with a total of $51,000 in scholarships, celebrating their achievements and fueling their future endeavors.

Jill Helmer, president, highlighted a significant focus on this year's awards, which proudly recognized seniors pursuing careers in the trades, certification programs, and 2-year degrees. 

• Caleb Burrell

• Brooklynn Petrone

• Aislynn Wyatt-Luck

• Emily Craig

• Gabriela Diaz-Martinez

• Shirley Diaz-Ovando

• Mallory Shriver

• Max Deppe

• Katie Earp

• Carson Forrester

• Yasmin Mendoza Cortez

• Rea Miller

• Finn Garner

Mountain Findings is honored to recognize a senior who has demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to their community. Finn Garner, who has volunteered at Mountain Findings for nearly three years, embodies the spirit of community and commitment that drives the 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization.

In recognition of his exceptional contribution, Mountain Findings proudly awarded Finn Garner a $20,000 scholarship to support his college career, empowering him to continue making a positive impact.

A heartfelt gratitude goes to all the donors, volunteers, and patrons, whose generosity has made this possible.

Mountain Findings is a 501(c)3 organization that accepts donations of gently used furniture, housewares, artwork, and other miscellaneous items. The funds raised are allocated toward scholarships and community enrichment grants to nonprofit organizations. For more information, please visit www.MountainFindings.org.

Donations may be dropped off at 452 Spruce Street, Highlands location or call 828-526-9929 to arrange for a pickup.

(Lf to Rt) Board members John Warner and Jill Helmer, along with scholarship committee member Steve Parnell, present Finn Garner with a $20,000 scholarship to support his pursuit of a degree in Construction Management from Western Carolina University.

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Weather Briefing for Monday, May 12, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

Low pressure over the lower Mississippi Valley region today will move slowly northeast through mid week, spreading showers and thunderstorms across our region. Periods of heavy rain may result in some flooding today and tonight, mainly over the eastern side of the mountains. Drier high pressure moves over our area Thursday then a cold front stalls to our north next weekend with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms and above normal temperatures across our region.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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DAY SPONSOR

Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media for today.

They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.

---

GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms this morning, then showers with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. Patchy fog. Locally heavy rainfall possible this afternoon. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times this morning. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..TONIGHT...Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Patchy fog. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TUESDAY...Patchy fog in the morning. Thunderstorms likely. Showers. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. Highs in the upper 60s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
..TUESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..WEDNESDAY...Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

A prolonged period of heavy rainfall is expected from tonight through Tuesday across most of the area. Some isolated areas of nuisance to minor flooding are possible.

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

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• Trump to sign executive order to reduce prescription drug prices by up to 80% on Monday [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• Major NC biopharma investment announcement expected Monday [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• Riggs won NC’s Supreme Court battle, but elections will face long-term consequences [Raleigh News and Observer]

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• Trump administration poised to accept 'palace in the sky' as a gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources [ABC News]

• US touts ‘substantial progress’ in tariff talks with China, but details are still scarce [AP News]

• U.S. and China agree to slash tariffs for 90 days in major trade breakthrough [CNBC]

US-China Trade Progress & Trump Targets Big Pharma | Daybreak Europe 05/12/2025 | Bloomberg Television



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 11, 2025 | ABC News



• Reporting from behind shifting front lines in Myanmar’s civil war [Al Jazeera]

• Trump fires head of Copyright Office after firing Librarian of Congress [The Hill]

• US, China announce reduced tariffs for 90 days after trade talks [Fox News]

• Protesters targeted Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad, demanding a name change amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. [Hindustan Times]

• Trump Is Poised to Accept a Luxury 747 From Qatar for Use as Air Force One [New York Times]

• The network evening news is in flux: Why an American TV institution is under pressure [Los Angeles Times]

Nightly News Full Episode - May 11 | NBC News



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 11, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

Ukraine: Zelenskyy willing to meet Putin in Turkey | DW News



• Moderna’s Super-Vaccine for Flu and Covid Works—Now Politics Could Sink It [ Gizmodo ]
• New Lego-building AI creates models that actually stand up in real life [Ars Technica ]


• Malaysia’s Largest Energy Firm Reports 300% Rise in Crypto-Linked Power Theft [Decrypt]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

---

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Support Macon Media

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 5.00am on Monday, May 12, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Sunday, May 11, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

Low pressure will slowly lift north out of the central Gulf through the today and eventually through the Ohio Valley early next week. This will bring a period of wet weather to the region, especially Monday and Tuesday, with a threat of heavy rain. The low should move past Tuesday night and Wednesday, followed by Summer-like weather for the rest of the week with a return of thunderstorm chances by late week.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

---

DAY SPONSOR

Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media for today.

They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.

---

GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Cloudy. Showers likely, mainly in the morning. Patchy fog. Highs around 60. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TONIGHT...Showers likely in the evening, then showers after midnight. Patchy fog. Locally heavy rainfall possible after midnight. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times after midnight. Lows in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..MONDAY...Patchy fog in the morning. Showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
..MONDAY NIGHT...Showers with a chance of thunderstorms. Near steady temperatures in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
..TUESDAY...Showers with a chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
..TUESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 90 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

A prolonged period of heavy rainfall is expected from tonight through Tuesday across most of the area. Some isolated areas of nuisance to minor flooding are possible.

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

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• An earthquake of 4.1 preliminary magnitude reported in Tennessee[BPR]

East Tennessee earthquake---are the ancient Appalachians coming back to life? | The Geology Hub



• USGS research geophysicist: Eastern earthquakes are felt in larger area due to older rocks [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 8 [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• Timeline of a high-stakes campaign to open North Carolina to the casino industry [Raleigh News and Observer]

• Appalachian Ingenuity, Recipes of Comfort, Resilience: Cobblers, Crumbles, Crisps, more [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• VA says its job cuts will limit doctor, nurse resignations [NPR]

• Soviet-era spacecraft plunges to Earth after 53 years stuck in orbit[AP News]

• Trump’s crypto agenda is being threatened by his pursuit of personal profits [CNBC]

'We Will Start to See Empty Shelves'' From the Trade War, Says Apollo's Slok | Bloomberg Television



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 10, 2025 | ABC News



• Putin proposes direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul on May 15 [Al Jazeera]

• Hegseth sparks fears as he moves to ax generals [The Hill]

• Trump says 'total reset negotiated' with China during tariff talks in Geneva [Fox News]

• Ceasefire after 4 days of fighting: What weapons did India, Pakistan use? [Hindustan Times]

• Reluctant at First, Trump Officials Intervened in South Asia as Nuclear Fears Grew [New York Times]

• Trump executive order envisions housing homeless veterans at VA center in West L.A. [Los Angeles Times]

Ukraine ready for "full, unconditional ceasefire" with Russia | CBS News



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 10, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

Europe threatens increased Ukraine aid and fresh sanctions if Russia rejects 30-day truce | DW News



• The New Pope Wants to Take on AI Pope Leo XIV says artificial intelligence is a challenge to “human dignity.” [ Gizmodo ]
• Linux kernel is leaving 486 CPUs behind, only 18 years after the last one made [Ars Technica ]


• Bigger Brains Lead to Longer Lifespans, Says New Study [Decrypt]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

---

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Support Macon Media

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 5.00am on Saturday, May 10, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Weather Briefing for Saturday, May 10, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

A cold front stalls over the region this weekend. By Sunday, an upper low develops, bringing rain back from the south. The slow movement of this system maintains rainy and unsettled weather around through the first half of next week. Some heavy rainfall is early from Sunday night through Tuesday.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

---

DAY SPONSOR

This space available

---

GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
..TONIGHT...Showers likely. Lows in the lower 50s. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
..SUNDAY...Showers likely, mainly in the morning. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
..SUNDAY NIGHT...A chance of thunderstorms. Showers. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..MONDAY...A chance of thunderstorms in the morning. Showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
..MONDAY NIGHT...Showers with thunderstorms likely. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight

A prolonged period of heavy rainfall is expected from Sunday night through Tuesday across most of the area. Some isolated areas of nuisance to minor flooding are possible.

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

---

• State Representative Karl Gillespie Releases Statement on TVA’s Proposed Plans for Chatuge Dam Spillway [Macon Media]

• NC lawmakers focus on guns, immigration and parental rights ahead of a key deadline [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• Proposed foster care law could give NC parents a second chance to reunite with children [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• NC chipmaker Wolfspeed says bankruptcy is possible as it faces looming debt [Raleigh News and Observer]

• AdventHealth seeking an additional 129 beds at Weaverville facility; 93 already approved [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• Federal judge temporarily halts Trump's sweeping government overhaul [NPR]

• India and Pakistan don’t fight wars like other countries. Here’s why [AP News]

• Trump administration ‘looking at’ suspending habeas corpus for migrants, Stephen Miller says [CNBC]

Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, May 9, 2025



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 9, 2025 | ABC News



• Vladimir Putin: After 25 years in power, what next for Russia’s president? [Al Jazeera]

• FEMA leader axed after contradicting Noem, Trump [The Hill]

• Mexico sues American tech giant over Gulf of America name change [Fox News]

• Pakistan moving troops to forward areas, shows intent to escalate tensions: India [Hindustan Times]

• This Is the Trade Conflict Xi Jinping Has Been Waiting For [New York Times]

• Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as details emerge of how votes coalesced in secret conclave [Los Angeles Times]

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testifies at Senate hearing on artificial intelligence | full video | CBS News



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 9, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

Pakistan launches military operation against India | DW News



• ‘The President Has No Idea What He’s Talking About’: Trump Slams The Digital Equity Act as ‘Racist’ and ‘Unconstitutional’ [ Gizmodo ]
• Trump kills broadband grants, calls digital equity program “racist and illegal” [Ars Technica ]


• Vice President JD Vance to Headline Bitcoin Conference, Following Trump's Lead [Decrypt]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

---

---

Support Macon Media

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 5.00am on Saturday, May 10, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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State Representative Karl Gillespie Releases Statement on TVA’s Proposed Plans for Chatuge Dam Spillway

Statement on TVA’s Proposed Plans for Chatuge Dam Spillway

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has released proposed plans to address safety concerns at Chatuge Dam following a recent study identifying vulnerabilities in the spillway. While not an immediate threat, TVA is exploring long-term solutions to enhance dam safety and has outlined four potential options.

Residents, local officials, and business owners have expressed strong concerns about the potential economic impact of any extended drawdown, given Lake Chatuge’s importance to tourism and regional commerce. My office is actively monitoring this issue and while TVA falls under federal purview, I remain committed to working with federal, state, and local stakeholders to advocate for a solution that protects both public safety and our local economy.

I encourage all residents to review the TVA’s Notice of Intent and participate in the public comment period. All comments must be submitted no later than May 28th to be considered. TVA will also hold a series of public meetings to gather feedback and address community concerns.

Public comments may be submitted online, by email to NEPA@tva.gov, or by mail to Erica McLamb, NEPA Project Manager, 1101 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Public Meetings:

• May 13: In-person Open House from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET at Towns County Recreation Center, 150 Foster Park Rd., Young Harris, GA 30582

• May 15: Virtual Meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET Register here. 

-30-

Editor's Note: See this TVA website for more information.

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