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Monday, July 31, 2017

Solar Eclipse to Increase Visitation on Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests



Asheville, N.C., July 31, 2017- Parts of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are expecting extremely high numbers of visitors for the weekend of August 18-21 due to the solar eclipse. Forest Service staff encourage visitors to carefully plan ahead to ensure a safe and memorable event.

We expect our recreation sites and campgrounds to be at capacity on August 21 and the weekend before. Most of our sites do not take reservations and are offered on a first-come basis so make sure to arrive with alternate plans in mind. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the area you plan on visiting including camping restrictions.

Plan ahead and be prepared by wearing layers of clothing, having plenty of gas, water and food, and a map as GPS units are often not reliable or accurate in remote areas of the forest. Visitors are also reminded to check local weather forecasts and the National Forests in North Carolina Facebook (www.facebook.com/nfsnc) for safety alerts and potential forest closures put in place to ensure emergency access.

Remember that the eclipse can be viewed anywhere the sun in visible and forest canopies may obstruct your view. Many local communities will be hosting celebrations through events that are easily accessible and offer various amenities. For more information on these events and visiting the national forests during the eclipse, visit our eclipse page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=fseprd550796

Follow us on social media (www.facebook.com/nfsnc and www.twitter.com/NFsNCarolina).


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response. 

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.


They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

PRESS RELEASE:
Mission Health and Aetna Sign Multi-Year Agreement

PRESS RELEASE
Mission Health
Asheville, NC

July 31, 2017




ASHEVILLE – July 31, 2017 – Mission Health and Aetna have signed a new, multi-year agreement providing Aetna customers who receive healthcare benefits through their employers with in-network access to Mission Health’s hospitals, outpatient centers and employed physicians across western North Carolina. This agreement provides employers in western North Carolina with further access to competitively priced network providers.

“This is the latest in a series of exciting announcements, and this new agreement extends our long-standing, collaborative relationship with Aetna, and offers sustained network coverage to members who rely on our providers for the highest quality healthcare services,” said Paul McDowell, Deputy CFO for Mission Health. “We are committed to a more competitive insurance market in western North Carolina, which will greatly benefit large- and small-group employers and consumers alike, and we’re backing up our words with action. We are lucky to have trusted health plan partners like Aetna, and we look forward to working closely with them to improve quality and control costs in the coming years.”

The agreement is effective October 1, 2017, and includes all of Aetna commercial, employer-based healthcare plans.

This is exciting news for local employers that need reliable access to high quality health care in western North Carolina,” said Jim Bostian, Aetna’s market president for North Carolina. “We applaud Mission Health’s efforts to strengthen our collaborative relationship, and bring more affordable and innovative coverage options to the market. We are pleased to partner with an organization that is so strongly committed to providing the highest level of quality care to our members, as evidenced by Mission Health being named one of the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems by Truven Health Analytics for the fifth time in the past six years.”


About Mission Health
Mission Health, based in Asheville, North Carolina, is the state’s sixth-largest health system. For the fifth time in the past six years, Mission Health has been named one of the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems by Truven Health Analytics, an IBM Company and part of IBM Watson Health in 2017. We are the only health system in North Carolina to achieve this recognition. Mission Health operates six hospitals, numerous outpatient and surgery centers, post-acute care provider CarePartners, long-term acute care provider Asheville Specialty Hospital, and the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. With approximately 12,000 team members and 2,000 volunteers, Mission Health is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina. For more information, please visit mission-health.org or @MissionHealthNC.



About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44.9 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna's customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. Aetna projects to have at least 75 percent of its claim payments in value-based models by 2020. For more information, see www.aetna.com or follow @AetnaNews and learn about how Aetna is helping to build a healthier world.




DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response. 

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.


Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, July 31, 2017




LOCAL OUTLOOK

Relatively cool and dry air will be maintained across the area over the next few days... before more typical summertime conditions return early Friday. An active cold front will affect the region Friday through Saturday and may become stationary over the area through Sunday.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response. 

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for July 31st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 96°F in Franklin in 1999
Lowest Temperature 47°F in Highlands in 2014
Greatest Rainfall 3.00 inches in Franklin in 1879

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on July 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on July 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on July 29, 1879


THREE DAY OUTLOOK

**note from the publisher** The numerical chances of precipitation have been removed from the forecasts because different areas of the county often have different chances of rain/thunder/severe weather or snow. Beginning in August, a new system will be implemented that I hope will provide a better forecast for people living, working and playing in different sections of the county. --Bobby 07-29-2017



TODAY

Patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy early with skies clearing by noon. Highs in the lower 80s and light winds out of the north.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid-50s and calm winds.



TUESDAY

Increasing clouds with highs near 80 and calm winds.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s and calm winds.



WEDNESDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the lower 80s and variable light winds. Slight chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s. Slight chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Mon Jul 31 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. Satellite and radar data indicate that showers and thunderstorms associated with a small low-pressure area located about 90 miles west of Tampa, Florida, are showing some signs of organization. Environmental conditions are marginally conducive for some additional development before the low moves inland over the central Florida peninsula later today or tonight and over the western Atlantic late Tuesday or Wednesday. Regardless of development, the low is expected to produce gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall across portions of the Florida peninsula during the next couple of days. Please see additional information from your local National Weather Service Forecast Offices concerning the rainfall threat.


* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...40 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...40 percent.

2. Shower activity associated with a tropical wave located about midway between west Africa and the Lesser Antilles remains limited. Any development of this system is expected to be slow to occur over the next several days while the system moves westward to west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...10 percent.


ECLIPSE EVENTS (events listed here are paid sponsorships)

RABUN COUNTY

Rabun County, Georgia has a county-wide “Outasight” eclipse viewing party planned for August 21st at the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. More information may be found at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/georgias-total-solar-eclipse-outasight-viewing-party-at-rgns-tickets-36172624293

Other events happening in and near Rabun County the weekend of the eclipse can be found on the Explore Rabun website at http://explorerabun.com/events-happening-total-solar-eclipse-rabun-county-georgia/

BRYSON CITY ECLIPSE WEEKEND

Bryson City invites you to a weekend of celebrating the total solar eclipse. To find out more information, visit their page at https://www.greatsmokies.com/2017eclipse.html

Bryson City is recommended by TravelChannel.com as the spot in North Carolina to watch the eclipse.


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Wednesday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room- "A Trip to the Moon and Beyond: The fantastical science fiction silent films of George Melies"
Each short film will be presented with a LIVE soundtrack featuring musicians Tyler Kittle and Michael Libramento.

Free and open to the public.



September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:14 a.m.
Sunrise 6:42 a.m.
Sun transit 1:40 p.m.
Sunset 8:37 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:05 p.m.

Moon

Moonset 1:20 a.m.
Moonrise 2:55 p.m.
Moon transit 8:27 p.m.
Moonset 1:55 a.m. tomorrow


Phase of the Moon: Waxing Gibbous with 60% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
The next New Moon will occur during a total solar eclipse at 2:36:40 pm on August 21, 2017.


Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:34 am on July 29, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, July 30, 2017




LOCAL OUTLOOK

Relatively cool and dry air will be maintained across the area into the work week... before more typical summertime conditions return on Thursday. An active cold front will affect the region Friday through Saturday.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for July 30th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 94°F in Franklin in 1952
Lowest Temperature 44°F in Highlands in 1911
Greatest Rainfall 3.00 inches in Franklin in 1878

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on July 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on July 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on July 29, 1879


THREE DAY OUTLOOK

**note from the publisher** The numerical chances of precipitation have been removed from the forecasts because different areas of the county often have different chances of rain/thunder/severe weather or snow. Beginning in August, a new system will be implemented that I hope will provide a better forecast for people living, working and playing in different sections of the county. --Bobby 07-29-2017



TODAY

Patchy fog early. Mostly sunny with highs near 80. Calm winds in the morning then from the northwest in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid-50s and light winds out of the northwest.



MONDAY

Sunny with highs in the mid-80s and calm winds.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near 60 and calm winds.



TUESDAY

Mostly sunny with highs in the lower 80s and calm winds.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sun Jul 30 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. A tropical wave located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands is producing disorganized cloudiness and a few showers. Any development of this system for the next several days is expected to be slow to occur due to dry air while the wave moves westward at 10 to 15 mph.

Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.


ECLIPSE EVENTS (events listed here are paid sponsorships)

RABUN COUNTY

Rabun County, Georgia has a county-wide “Outasight” eclipse viewing party planned for August 21st at the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. More information may be found at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/georgias-total-solar-eclipse-outasight-viewing-party-at-rgns-tickets-36172624293

Other events happening in and near Rabun County the weekend of the eclipse can be found on the Explore Rabun website at http://explorerabun.com/events-happening-total-solar-eclipse-rabun-county-georgia/

BRYSON CITY ECLIPSE WEEKEND

Bryson City invites you to a weekend of events celebrating the eclipse. To find out more information, visit their page at https://www.greatsmokies.com/2017eclipse.html

Bryson City is recommended by TravelChannel.com as the spot in North Carolina to watch the eclipse.


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Wednesday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room- "A Trip to the Moon and Beyond: The fantastical science fiction silent films of George Melies"
Each short film will be presented with a LIVE soundtrack featuring musicians Tyler Kittle and Michael Libramento.

Free and open to the public.



September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:13 a.m.
Sunrise 6:41 a.m.
Sun transit 1:40 p.m.
Sunset 8:38 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:06 p.m.

Moon

Moonrise 2:00 p.m.
Moon transit 7:46 pm
Moonset 12:46 a.m

Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on July 30, 2017 at 11:23 a.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on July 28, 2017: First Quarter on July 30, 2017 at 11:23 a.m.
The next New Moon will occur during a total solar eclipse at 2:36:40 pm on August 21, 2017.


Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:35 am on July 30, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, July 29, 2017




LOCAL OUTLOOK

Cooler and drier air will arrive across the region through the weekend and linger through the early part of next week. More typical summertime conditions will return about the middle of next week.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for July 29th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin in 1952
Lowest Temperature 40°F in Highlands in 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands in 1879

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on July 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on July 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on July 29, 1879


THREE DAY OUTLOOK

**note from the publisher** The numerical chances of precipitation have been removed from the forecasts because different areas of the county often have different chances of rain/thunder/severe weather or snow. Beginning in August, a new system will be implemented that I hope will provide a better forecast for people living, working, and playing in different sections of the county. --Bobby 07-29-2017



TODAY

Patchy fog, dense in places, early. Gradually decreasing cloud cover with mostly sunny conditions expected by noon with highs in the lower 80s and light winds out of the northwest gradually increasing to 5 to 10 mph by mid-morning.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid to upper 50s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest.



SUNDAY

Sunny with highs near 80 and light winds out of the northeast.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid to upper 50s and light winds out of the northwest.



MONDAY

Sunny with highs in the lower 80s.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near 60.

HAZARDS

Patchy dense fog is possible this morning. Otherwise, hazardous weather is not expected.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sat Jul 29 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 5 days.

ECLIPSE EVENTS (events listed here are paid sponsorships)

Rabun County, Georgia has a county-wide “Outasight” eclipse viewing party planned for August 21st at the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. More information may be found at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/georgias-total-solar-eclipse-outasight-viewing-party-at-rgns-tickets-36172624293

Other events happening in and near Rabun County the weekend of the eclipse can be found on the Explore Rabun website at http://explorerabun.com/events-happening-total-solar-eclipse-rabun-county-georgia/

MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Wednesday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room- "A Trip to the Moon and Beyond: The fantastical science fiction silent films of George Melies"
Each short film will be presented with a LIVE soundtrack featuring musicians Tyler Kittle and Michael Libramento.

Free and open to the public.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:12 a.m.
Sunrise 6:40 a.m.
Sun transit 1:40 p.m.
Sunset 8:38 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:07 p.m.

Moon

Moonrise 1:04 p.m.
Moon transit
Moonset 12:13 a.m

Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on July 30, 2017, at 11:23 a.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on July 28, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 37% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
The next New Moon will occur during a total solar eclipse at 2:36:40 pm on August 21, 2017.


Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:06 am on July 29, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Friday, July 28, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, July 28, 2017




LOCAL OUTLOOK

A strong cold front will cross the region from the west today and tonight. Cooler and drier air will arrive across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia through the weekend and linger through the early part of next week. More typical summertime conditions will return about the middle of next week.


DAY SPONSOR



The Georgia Department of Economic Development is underwriting Macon Media for today and reminds you that Rabun County, Georgia has a county-wide “Outasight” eclipse viewing party planned for August 21st at the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. More information may be found at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/georgias-total-solar-eclipse-outasight-viewing-party-at-rgns-tickets-36172624293

Other events happening in and near Rabun County the weekend of the eclipse can be found on the Explore Rabun website at http://explorerabun.com/events-happening-total-solar-eclipse-rabun-county-georgia/




WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for July 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin in 1952
Lowest Temperature 36°F in Highlands in 1911
Greatest Rainfall 1.90 inches in Franklin in 1997

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on July 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on July 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on July 29, 1879


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY Severe thunderstorms possible today

Patchy fog early. Cloudy with highs near 80 and calm winds in the morning, then winds out of the southwest in the afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are likely with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected, more is possible in locations that are hit by multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-60s and variable light winds, then 5 to 10 mph from the west before midnight. Precipitation chances are high with showers and thunderstorms expected, mainly before 3 am. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch is expected, more is possible in locations that are hit by multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms.


SATURDAY

Mostly sunny with highs in the low to mid-80s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the upper 50s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the north making it feel like it is in the lower 50s at times.


SUNDAY

Mostly sunny with highs in the lower 50s.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near 60.

HAZARDS

Severe weather is possible this afternoon as a cold front approaches the region. Some of the thunderstorms that develop may become severe, with damaging winds, cloud to ground lightning, torrential rainfall and damaging winds expected. Please remember that if thunder roars, go indoors. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for our region for today and a copy is posted below for your convenience. Please be weather aware and stay close to shelter.

NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook

..TODAY...Severe weather possible. A strong cold front will cross the region this afternoon and tonight. There is considerable uncertainty over how thunderstorms will organize ahead of the front. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat with any storms that form, especially if lines of thunderstorms or organized thunderstorm outflows develop. Locally heavy rain and isolated flooding will be possible in any areas repeatedly affected by thunderstorms.

For more information on dealing with excessive heat, please check out http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN


TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. A large area of cloudiness and disorganized shower activity is associated with a broad low-pressure system located about 800 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Slow development is possible over the next several days while the system moves slowly westward or west-northwestward.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Wednesday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room- "A Trip to the Moon and Beyond: The fantastical science fiction silent films of George Melies"
Each short film will be presented with a LIVE soundtrack featuring musicians Tyler Kittle and Michael Libramento.

Free and open to the public.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:12 a.m.
Sunrise 6:40 a.m.
Sun transit 1:40 p.m.
Sunset 8:40 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:08 p.m.

Moon

Moonrise 12:07 p.m.
Moon transit 6:13 p.m.
Moonset 12:13 a.m. on Saturday

Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on July 30, 2017, at 11:23 a.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on July 28, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 31% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
The next New Moon will occur during a total solar eclipse at 2:36:40 pm on August 21, 2017.


Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:25 am on July 28, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, July 27, 2017




LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will be increased chances of showers and thunderstorms, some of them severe, today and tomorrow. Cooler and drier conditions will arrive behind it for the weekend.



WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for July 27th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 95°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2005
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands in 1911
Greatest Rainfall 3.02 inches in Highlands in 1942

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on July 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on July 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on July 29, 1879


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY Severe thunderstorms possible today

Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 80s and variable light winds. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, with some of the expected to become severe. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected with more possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with fog developing after midnight. Lows in the mid to upper 60s and calm winds. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight.



FRIDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 80s. Calm winds in the morning, then increasing to 5 to 10 mph from the southwest in the afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are likely with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected. More is possible in locations that see thunderstorms, some of which could be severe.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid-60s and winds out of the northwest. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 8 pm.



SATURDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the low-80s.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 60. (About 5 degrees cooler than what it has been over the past few weeks).

HAZARDS

Severe weather is possible this afternoon as a cold front approaches the region. Some of the thunderstorms that develop may become severe, with damaging winds, cloud to ground lightning and damaging winds expected. Please remember that if thunder roars, go indoors. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for our region for today and tomorrow and a copy is posted below for your convenience. Please be weather aware and stay close to shelter.



NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook

..TODAY...Severe weather possible. The atmosphere will become unstable and winds will increase through a deep layer of the atmosphere Thursday afternoon and evening ahead of an approaching cold front. Thunderstorms will develop and some may be severe, with the greatest threat across the mountains, foothills, and western piedmont of North Carolina.

..FRIDAY...Severe weather possible. A strong cold front is expected to cross the region from the northwest Friday afternoon through Friday night. Organized severe thunderstorms may form and produce damaging wind gusts, especially in piedmont locations late Friday.

For more information on dealing with excessive heat, please check out http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Jul 27 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. A tropical wave located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands is producing an area of disorganized showers and scattered thunderstorms. Some slow development is possible over the next several days while the system moves westward or west-northwestward at 5 to 10 mph.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Wednesday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room- "A Trip to the Moon and Beyond: The fantastical science fiction silent films of George Melies"
Each short film will be presented with a LIVE soundtrack featuring musicians Tyler Kittle and Michael Libramento.

Free and open to the public.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:11 a.m.
Sunrise 6:39 a.m.
Sun transit 1:40 p.m.
Sunset 8:41 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:09 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 11:08 a.m.
Moon transit 5:27 p.m.
Moonset 11:40 p.m.

Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on July 30, 2017, at 11:23 a.m. (
Phase of the Moon on July 27, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 22% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
The next New Moon will occur during a total solar eclipse at 2:36:40 pm on August 21, 2017.


Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 3:28 am on July 27, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Macon Aero Modelers Club Fundraiser is Saturday, August 12th

The Macon Aero Modelers Club is having its annual radio control fly-in fundraiser on Saturday, August 12 , on Model Aviation Day, at the club's flying field in Otto. The day is to support the Macon County School's Robotics Team.
Every summer the club picks out a worthy group to support with the proceeds from the day. This year, the flying club is being SMART : (Smoky Mountain Area Robotics Team). The event will not only support the student Robotics program in Macon County, but will also offer the public the opportunity to learn more about radio control aircraft. Gates open at 10 AM and from then till 4 PM there will be demonstrations and flying of R/C airplanes, jets, drones and helicopters. There will be large scale aircraft which are about 25 percent of the size of real airplanes.


At noon there will be special demonstrations of 3D (aerobatic) helicopters, turbine powered jets, and a 50% scale Yak 54 airplane. Throughout the day there will be flying of scale model war birds, civilian and military aircraft, and the opportunity for those who are interested, to fly airplanes on dual controls with an instructor pilot. Spectators will also have the opportunity to fly radio control aircraft on simulators.


There will be BBQ plates and hot dogs for sale., along with soft drinks. Entry fee is $5 per car. 


In case of bad weather, the fly-in will be rescheduled for Saturday the 19th, the next Saturday. Same schedule of events.


The Macon Aero Modelers Flying Field is on US 441 South of Franklin, at Otto. At the Otto Fire Department and Post Office, take a left -- if going south and if going north a right-- onto Tessentee Rd. The field is 1/2 mile from the bridge on Tessentee Rd., on the left. There will be directional signs along the route.


DAY SPONSOR

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference in Bryson City is underwriting Macon Media today.

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference will be taking place in Bryson City on Saturday, July 29th. The purpose of the conference is to examine how the shrinking amount of taxable private property in rural counties leads to below-average economic conditions for businesses and people in those areas. Additionally, the conference will focus on the changing management of federal lands and how this affects rural counties and forest users in the mountains. Learn more about the conference and how you can attend at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-southeastern-private-property-and.html
 


Cradle of Forestry and Sliding Rock Recreation Area to Resume Regular Daily Operations

PRESS RELEASE
USFS

Pisgah Forest, N.C., July 26, 2017- Regular daily operations resume today for the Cradle of Forestry in America and Sliding Rock Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest now that Highway 276 has reopened.


Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5.00 for adults and free for youth under 16 years of age. Friends of the Cradle Annual Pass, America the Beautiful, Golden Age and Every Kid in a Park passes are honored. Admission includes the new film, First in Forestry: Carl Alwin Schenck and the Biltmore Forest School, hands-on exhibits, the Adventure Zone, and historic cabins and antique equipment on two paved trails. The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 412. For more information call 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.org.


Sliding Rock is a 60-foot mountain water slide that ends in an 8-foot deep pool of water. Nearly 11,000 gallons of water per minute power this natural wonder. Onlookers can watch the fun from two observation platforms. The site is staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is open 7 days a week from 10 AM- 6 PM. Admission to Sliding Rock is $2 per person, children under 3 are free. This area is heavily used between the hours of 12 noon and 4 pm, so please come early. Picnicking and alcohol are not allowed in the Sliding Rock Recreation Area. After Labor Day weekend, it is staffed intermittently thru mid-October. The area may close due to heavy rainfall and increased water levels. Visitors can call 828-885-7625 (885-ROCK) for any weather closure updates.


DAY SPONSOR

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference in Bryson City is underwriting Macon Media today.

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference will be taking place in Bryson City on Saturday, July 29th. The purpose of the conference is to examine how the shrinking amount of taxable private property in rural counties leads to below-average economic conditions for businesses and people in those areas. Additionally, the conference will focus on the changing management of federal lands and how this affects rural counties and forest users in the mountains. Learn more about the conference and how you can attend at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-southeastern-private-property-and.html


Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, July 26, 2017





LOCAL NEWS

An accident on US23/74 in Haywood County at about 2:53 pm on Tuesday claimed the lives of two people and seriously injured a trooper working for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The road was closed for several hours and traffic diverted until the road was opened again at 11:15 pm after the State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Unit finished investigating he accident and then the vehicles and debris was removed from the roadway.

Real time updates on the traffic situation was provided by and for motorists on Facebook by Macon Media and the WNC Road Warriors Facebook Group.

Read more about the accident at the following locations:

WLOS-TV

2 Dead, Trooper Airlifted

Haywood County Crash Snarls Traffic

WRGC-AM

Deadly Accident in Haywood County

The Mountaineer Newspaper

Accident Details Emerge

Serious Accident Shuts Down US 23/74

LOCAL OUTLOOK

High pressure moving by to the north is expected to provide cooler temperatures today. Another front will move in from the northwest late in the week, with cooler and drier conditions arriving behind it for the weekend.

DAY SPONSOR

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference in Bryson City is underwriting Macon Media today.

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference will be taking place in Bryson City on Saturday, July 29th. The purpose of the conference is to examine how the shrinking amount of taxable private property in rural counties leads to below-average economic conditions for businesses and people in those areas. Additionally, the conference will focus on the changing management of federal lands and how this affects rural counties and forest users in the mountains. Learn more about the conference and how you can attend at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-southeastern-private-property-and.html

WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for July 26th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 94°F in Franklin in 1999
Lowest Temperature 39°F in Highlands in 1911
Greatest Rainfall 3.06 inches in Highlands in 1943

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on July 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on July 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on July 29, 1879


THREE DAY OUTLOOK

TODAY



Patchy fog, dense in some locations, in the morning. Sunny with highs in the upper 80s and calm winds. Slight chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 pm.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with fog developing after midnight and lows in the upper 60s. Calm winds. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight.



THURSDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny with highs in the mid-80s and calm winds in the morning, then from the southwest in the afternoon. Chances of scattered showers and thunderstorms increase through the afternoon.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-60s and out of the southwest. Scattered showers and thunderstorms.



FRIDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the low-80s. Showers and thunderstorms are likely.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-60s. Showers are likely.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected.

For more information on dealing with excessive heat, please check out http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Wed Jul 26 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. A tropical wave, located a few hundred miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some slow development of this system is possible this weekend as it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Wednesday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room- "A Trip to the Moon and Beyond: The fantastical science fiction silent films of George Melies"
Each short film will be presented with a LIVE soundtrack featuring musicians Tyler Kittle and Michael Libramento.

Free and open to the public.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:09 am
Sunrise: 6:38 am
Sunset 8:41 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:09 pm

Day Length (Sunrise to Sunset) 14 h 3 m
(1 min shorter than yesterday)


Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 11% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
The next New Moon will occur during a total solar eclipse at 2:36:40 pm on August 21, 2017.

Moonrise 10:05 a.m.
Moonset 11:05 p.m.


Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

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Published at 4:15 am on July 26, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center.