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Macon County Commissioners

Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County Board of County Commissioners.

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Coverage of the meetings of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen.

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Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County School Board.

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Thursday, July 16, 2026

News and Weather Briefing for Thursday, July 16, 2026

7/16/2026 04:57:00 AM , 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS


• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]

• Nine N.C. counties in exceptional drought as statewide drought continues [Macon Media]

WEATHER OUTLOOK

1. A cold front will approach from the north and bring higher rain chances over the weekend, and slightly cooler temperatures early next week. ↑ Back to Top
SPONSORSHIPS
WEATHER SPONSOR

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This half price sale is for those who sign up during July and remains effect for the rest of the year. Current sponsors receive the half price discount automatically.

DAY SPONSOR

This space available



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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....Areas of fog this morning. Mostly sunny this morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. North winds around 5 mph this morning, becoming light and variable. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.TONIGHT....Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. North winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.FRIDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly sunny with showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the lower 80s. North winds around 5 mph in the morning, becoming light and variable. Chance of rain 70 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. North winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.SATURDAY....Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

.SATURDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.

.SUNDAY....Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.MONDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the low-medium range (3.5 out of 12) today with Grasses and Plantain being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the low-medium range (0.5 out of 3.0).

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MACON CALENDAR


(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

Benefit for Randy Drinnon
July 25th at 5pm
Learn more on Facebook

Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to our Christmas in July sale, July 22-25, 9-2 each day. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the Gift Shop. On Saturday, July 25th, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy great music from 11-1. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St, Franklin.
The many ways you can connect to Mountain Findings to arrange donation pick-ups, drop-off location, shopping hours, volunteering, and to learn more on our community grants programs and graduating seniors scholarships.
Facebook: @MountainFindings
Phone: 828-526-9929
Email: MountainFindings1@gmail.com
Webpage: MountainFindings.org
Location: 452 Spruce St, Highlands, NC

LIVE SATURDAY MIDDAY MUSIC CALENDAR FOR JUNE/JULY 2026

11a to 1p at Friends of the Greenway, Inc.
573 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
contact: frog28734@gmail.com; 828-369-8488

7-18-26—Two Troubadours...George James and Gary Gibson.

7-25-2026---Bill Petersen will be singing the blues along with maybe some originals. Then, up from Florida, hear John Bois and the Emotional Support Band.

To find out more about the Greenway and our organization, our website is: littletennessee.org.

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WEATHER ALMANAC


Record Weather Events for this date in Macon County (1872-2025)

Highest Temperature 96°F in Franklin in 1980
Lowest Temperature 41°F in Highlands in 1903
Greatest Rainfall 5.77 inches in Highlands in 1916

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on Jul 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on Jul 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on Jul 29, 1879
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of July
Highest Temperature 109°F Albemarle, Stanly County Jul 28, 1940
Lowest Temperature 32°F Celo, Yancey County Jul 10, 1961
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 21.15 in Highlands, Macon County Jul 29, 1879

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WNC News

• Macon County Board of Commissioners July 14, 2026, Part One Introduction and Public Comment [Macon Media]

WNC county's budget amendment amid state law changes | WLOS-TV Asheville, NC


• Jackson County looks to restrict library community room use [Smoky Mountain News]
• Argent allegations, and now Federal charges [Macon Sense]
• NC has some of the highest cyclosporiasis numbers in the U.S. [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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NC News


Reaction as House lawmakers pass permanent daylight saving time bill | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• NC attorney general challenges Duke Energy Progress rate hike [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• NC county elections meeting erupts over early voting disputes, auditor influence [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Granville County elections board fails to adopt unanimous early voting plan after heated meeting [NC Newsline]

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National News


Dangerous wildfire smoke for millions: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - July 15, 2026 | ABC News



NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - July 15 | Tornado strikes Texas, Train trapped in wildfire | NBC News



• Epstein Files Update: JD Vance Admits Trump Admin ‘Screwed Up’ [Newsweek]
• 100 House Democrats vote to cut off aid to Israel, showcasing party shift [The Hill]
• ICE should keep making traffic stops despite recent shootings, Trump says [AP News]
• Congress might make daylight saving time permanent. Experts say another approach could be even better. [Yahoo News]

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World News


48 Ships in 120 Hours: Ukraine’s Campaign to Cut Off Crimea (+28 more on July 11: A Total of 76) | What's Going on With Shipping?


Brits in Spain describe deadly wildfire: 'There's nothing as far as the eye can see' | Sky News


• Middle East live: Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim strikes against Oman, Bahrain [France 24]
• Iran Update Special Report, July 12, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 12, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Ukraine strikes Moscow and sets oil depots ablaze as drone blitz continues [DW News]
• Ukraine reels after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death, fearing a weaker link to Trump [AP News]

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Iran War News


How Iran war is highlighting data center vulnerabilities | DW News


• Iran Update Special Report, July 10, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Iran war live: Trump threatens to ‘decimate’ Iran if it tries to kill him [AL Jazeera]
• Live Updates: Qatari mediators visit Iran to deescalate tensions, Trump responds to alleged assassination threats [Jerusalem Post]

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Russo-Ukraine War


China’s role in Russia’s war in Ukraine? What the leaked files reveal | World News Tonight | TVP World


• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 10, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Trump grants Kyiv Patriots licences: What’s next in the Russia-Ukraine war? [DW News]
• Ukrainian drones batter Russian oil facilities and set more oil tankers ablaze [AP News]

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Financial News


Wall Street Week | The World’s First Trillionaire, Governance Meets Growth, Menopause Market Boom | Bloomberg Television


• U.S. Treasury has borrowed $155 billion every month of this fiscal year—and is now paying $24 billion a week in interest on its debts [Fortune Magazine]
• Apple is suing OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft [Yahoo Finance]
• The AI race is shifting from bigger models to cheaper, smarter systems [CNBC]

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Science News


China Released First Ever Picture of Earth's Quasi-Moon Kamo'oalewa | Anton Petrov



• Astronomers Use a Neutron Star Merger to Measure Cosmic Expansion [Universe Today]
• Why the human body has so many design flaws [ScienceDaily]
• Did a Passing Star Shower Us with Comets? [Sky & Telescope Magazine]

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Technology News


China Lands Its First Rocket // Two Asteroids // Milky Way's Bigger Than We Thought | Fraser Cain


• Study shows how toxic RFK Jr.’s change to measles vaccine is for US toddlers [Ars Technica]
• Space Force Has a New Weapon to Blind Enemy Satellites [Gizmodo]
• Pearson’s Anti-Piracy Vendor Takes Down Best-Selling Author’s Own GitHub Repo [Torrent Freaks]

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Interesting Videos


Satellites are watching the uplifted beach, and it can tell us something | TheGeoModels



Comparing the Biggest Explosions - Conventional vs Nuclear vs Accidents | Anton Petrov



Illegal dolphin hunting | DW Documentary



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CRYPTO NEWS


Bitcoin: Dubious Speculation | Benjamin Cowen


• Democrats Call for Senate Hearings on Trump's Massive Crypto Profits [Decrypt]
• DOJ moves to dismiss charges against alleged $722M BitClub fraudster: Report [Coin Telegraph]
• Ransomware Hacker Pleads Guilty After $15M Bitcoin Extortion Scheme [Bitcoin.com]

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Flock Cameras and Constitutional Rights


We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds. 🫥 | Benn Jordan



• How Benn Jordan Discovered Flock's Cameras Were Left Streaming to the Internet [404 Media]
• The Supreme Court Just Lit a Fuse Under Flock's License Plate Camera Empire [Yahoo News]

• Schmidt v. Norfolk [ACLU]

• Chatrie v. United States [SCOTUSblog]

• Under Surveillance: Constitutional Concerns Surrounding Flock Cameras [North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology]

• Research Report on Automatic License Plate Readers: Legal Status and Policy Recommendations for Law Enforcement Use [Brennan Cebnter for Justice]

This Flock Camera Leak is like Netflix For Stalkers | Benn Jordan and 404 Media



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Public Records Request for Macon County Flock Safety Cameras

As an independent citizen journalist covering local government in Macon County for over 16 years, I have submitted a public records request to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office for documents related to the Flock Safety automated license plate reader system. This request seeks contracts, board approvals, usage policies, camera locations, performance data, and related correspondence to promote full transparency and public accountability in how this surveillance technology is funded, deployed, and operated with taxpayer resources. By making these records available, we can separate facts from myths, address community concerns about privacy and effectiveness, and ensure informed civic dialogue about tools that impact public safety and individual rights in our rural mountain community.

from:Bobby Coggins robertcogginsjr@gmail.com
to:
cc:
date:Jul 11, 2026, 2:13 AM
subject:Public Records Request – Flock Safety Cameras / ALPR / License Plate Reader Contract & Related Documents – Macon County Sheriff’s Office
mailed-by:gmail.com

Sheriff’s Office Public Records Custodian,

Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132), I request the following records related to Flock Safety (or any automated license plate reader/ALPR system):

  1. All contracts, agreements, amendments, proposals, invoices, payment records, and correspondence between Macon County Sheriff’s Office (or County) and Flock Safety (or Flock Group, Inc.), including any subscription, installation, maintenance, or data access terms.
  2. Board of Commissioners agendas, minutes, resolutions, motions, or approvals authorizing the purchase, funding, or use of Flock cameras (including budget line items from FY 2023–2024 onward).
  3. Policies, procedures, manuals, training materials, or guidelines for use of the Flock system by Sheriff’s Office personnel (including access controls, data retention, audit logs, and privacy protections).
  4. Any usage statistics, reports, or summaries on camera performance, alerts generated, cases assisted, or data shared (redacted as necessary for law enforcement sensitivity).
  5. Location list or map of all deployed Flock cameras in Macon County.
  6. Any privacy impact assessments, legal opinions, or correspondence regarding compliance with NC law or data sharing.

Preferred format: Electronic copies (PDF/email) where possible. I am willing to pay reasonable costs; please notify me in advance if fees will exceed $50.

Please provide these records as soon as practicable. If any portion is denied, please provide a written explanation with the specific legal basis and contact information for appeal.

Thank you for your assistance. I can be reached at robertciogginsjr@gmail.com.

Sincerely, Bobby Coggins, Publisher Macon Media [robertciogginsjr@gmail.com]

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Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 6:00am on Thusday, July 16, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
font-size: medium;

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Macon County Board of Commissioners
July 14, 2026, Part One
Introduction and Public Comment

7/16/2026 04:43:00 AM , , , , , , , 0 comments




Executive Summary

The July 14, 2026, Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting opened with a large, engaged crowd. After brief announcements about pickleball court construction at the Rec Park and upcoming boardwalk work, and procedural items, the Board entered an extended public comment period. Public comment focused on three main topics and was overwhelmingly critical of proposed changes.

Media Outlets Present

Macon Media (Bobby)
Smoky Mountain News (Kyle)
The Franklin Pres (Shelby)
Macon Sense (Dan)

Public Comment (organized by topic)

Redistricting

Near-unanimous opposition to the Planning Board’s 3:2 recommendation (with at-large elements). Speakers strongly preferred five pure districts with district-only voting for better local representation, rural voice protection, and accountability. Many called for a public referendum after broader community outreach and education.

Data Centers/High-Impact Land Use Ordinance

Intense opposition to large-scale data centers. Key concerns included constant noise pollution, massive water and electricity consumption, light pollution harming dark-sky tourism and wildlife, environmental risks to headwaters, lack of meaningful local jobs, and potential loopholes in the current ordinance. Speakers urged stronger restrictions, a moratorium, or an outright ban.

Library/Fontana Regional Library (FRL)

Concerns about exiting the long-standing regional library system. Speakers emphasized its value, called for supportive appointments to library boards, and suggested exploring partnerships rather than withdrawal.

Macon County Commissioners Part 1 (07-14-2026) | Macon Media



Opening & Announcements (approx. 6:00–6:07 PM)

Chairman Josh Young called the meeting to order and welcomed the large turnout.

Announcements covered Pickleball courts at Red Park are now under construction (area closed to the public). Boardwalk construction on Arthur Drake Road is expected to begin soon (parking lot access adjustments noted).

Commissioner John Shearl (Planning Board liaison) stated that while redistricting was on the agenda, no action would be taken tonight. He emphasized the need for several months of community outreach to residents who had not attended Planning Board meetings.

Chairman Young announced plans to strengthen the high-impact land use ordinance (Chapter 157) to better address data centers and server-based facilities (crypto mining already covered by noise restrictions). Proposed language was included in the agenda packet (shown in red). The item would be referred to the Planning Board for review, followed by a public hearing and board vote the following month. He noted that speakers in favor of data centers should use their time, as most commissioners appeared inclined to support restrictions.

A moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. There were no public hearings or agenda additions. The public comment period opened with the clarification that all signed-up speakers would be heard and that speakers could address multiple topics in one trip to the podium.

Public Comment Period – Divided by Topic (approx. 6:07–8:15 PM)

Topic 1: Redistricting

The first block of public comment focused on the Planning Board’s recommendation for a 3:2 configuration (with some at-large voting). Nearly every speaker opposed this and advocated for five pure districts with district-only voting.

Key points raised

The 3:2 plan would dilute rural voices (especially in Highlands, Nantahala, Scaly Mountain, and Otto areas) by expanding District 1 and 3 territories or concentrating representation in less-populated areas.

It prioritizes candidate convenience and political ambition over fair citizen representation and local knowledge.

The current system (three districts with a multi-member central district) resulted from a 1976 referendum that passed overwhelmingly for fairness and has worked without major public complaint.

Planning Board meetings showed little data analysis or serious consideration of alternatives; public comment there was overwhelmingly against 3:2 (only one supportive comment noted). Calls for the Board to reject the recommendation, conduct robust community education on all options, and ultimately put any change to a public referendum/ballot vote.

Historical and constitutional context was cited, along with examples from other North Carolina counties.

Speakers in this block included Joanne Rosner (Scaly Mountain), Kim Leister (Franklin, also on the town planning board), Lisa Walker, Constance Neely (Scaly Mountain), Margaret Pickett (Highlands), Lorraine Ross (Union Precinct), Ricky (Highlands), Heather Johnson (Otto), and others. The consistent message was “Let the voters decide.”

Topic 2: Data Centers / High-Impact Land Use Ordinance

The next block addressed data centers and proposed ordinance tweaks. Opposition was intense and detailed.

Key concerns expressed

Noise: Constant high-pitched or freight-train-like hum from cooling and backup generators; residents in other communities report needing windows closed year-round or using plexiglass/mattresses for soundproofing.

Resource consumption: Enormous water use for cooling and electricity demand (potentially requiring gas turbines); risks to wells, rivers, and the county’s headwaters status.

Light pollution: Would harm dark-sky tourism (a significant economic driver), lightning bugs, and salamander habitat (Macon County described as “salamander capital of the world”).

Economic & environmental impact: Limited local jobs (national contractors used); built-in obsolescence; property value declines; toxic “e-waste” and chemical discharge risks.

Loopholes & enforcement: Current language too vague or specific; crypto facilities could convert to data centers; calls for a moratorium, broader definitions, or outright prohibition.

Transparency: Difficulty finding zoning/ordinance details online; need for clearer public notice.

Speakers included Matt Jackson (realtor perspective on “unrestricted” land and need for stronger rules), a storyteller-style critique highlighting environmental protection, Chuck Watson, Rob James (tech industry background warning about AI resource drain and bubble economics), Michael Scarborough (IT professional calling for better transparency in zoning changes), Judy Hartley, and Pam Haley (noise and quality-of-life impacts from other communities). Several speakers urged the Board to “vote against these data centers of all kind” and strengthen the ordinance language.

Topic 3: Library / Fontana Regional Library (FRL)

The final public comment block addressed the library system and potential exit from the regional partnership.

Key points

The FRL has served the community well for over 80 years and should be maintained or improved rather than exited.

Jackson County’s departure was noted, but speakers urged Macon County to stay and work on solutions (e.g., recruiting another partner county or appointing board members who support the library).

Libraries were framed as essential community “data centers” providing broad public benefit. Calls to appoint supportive members to library boards rather than those opposed to the system.

Speakers included Linda Tyler and Dan Kowal (who also touched on data centers and the responsibility of protecting headwaters water quality).

Public comment concluded after these topics. The Board then moved into formal New Business items (including the scheduled discussion on Flock Safety cameras with Sheriff Brent Holbrooks). These parts of the meeting will be covered by later articles and videos.

This public comment segment was notably passionate and heavily skewed toward protecting local character, environment, privacy, and democratic representation. No formal votes or actions occurred during this portion of the meeting.

Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 4:40am on Thursday, July 14, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Macon County Board of Commissioners July 2026
Agenda and Livestream

7/14/2026 04:05:00 AM , , , , , , , 0 comments



The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting tonight at 6pm in the county courthouse. There will likely be a large number present due to public concern about data centers and discussions about the Macon County Public Library and flock cameras being on the agenda, so arrive early, before 5.30pm, especially if you want a good seat or intend to sign up to speak. Macon Media intends to be there before 5pm.

The county will livestream the meeting, but be advised that their audio is almost always less than adequate and you will not be able to hear commissioners, staff, and members of the public who do not speak into the microphones. Those of you who are forced into the overfill room if we do not go upstairs need to let the deputies know if you cannot hear what is being said during the meeting.

Livestream | Macon County



Macon Media will attempt a livestream on Facebook starting at 5.55pm at https://www.facebook.com/MaconMediaNews/live_videos/ I apologize that it is in portrait mode instead of landscape mode.

Public Agenda
July 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM


1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Announcements

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Hearing(s)

5. Additions to agenda

6. Public Comment Period

7. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

8. Reports/Presentations - None

9. Old Business
a. Continued Discussion Regarding Macon County Public Library - County Manager Warren Cabe
b. Re-districting Recommendation from Macon County Planning Board - Planning, Permitting, and Development Director Joe Allen
c. Update on the 2027 Reappraisal for Macon County - Tax Administrator Abby Braswell

10. New Business
a. Discussion concerning License Plate Reader Cameras - Sheriff Brent Holbrooks
b. Schedule Public Hearing on proposed revisions to the High Impact Ordinance and request the Planning Board to review – Attorney Eric Ridenour

11. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes of the June 9, 2026 Regular Meeting
b. Budget Amendments #2-12 and 14
c. Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce Service Contract
d. Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce Service Contract
e. USDA Lease Agreement
f. FY 2026-2027 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Certification and County Plan
g. Revised Overtime (Compensatory Time) Policy
h. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment - Highlands School Project
i. Tax Releases for the Month of June 2026 in the Amount of $3,075.10
j. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report - no action necessary

12. Appointments
a. SCC Board of Trustees (1 Seat)

13. Closed Session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11

14. Adjourn/Recess

Agenda Packet } (Download 117 Page PDF) 



Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 4.03am on Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Monday, July 13, 2026

Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham
Beginning immediately until sunset Saturday, July 18, 2026

7/13/2026 11:26:00 AM , , 0 comments



Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff beginning immediately until sunset Saturday, July 18 in honor of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham who passed away on Saturday, July 11. A longstanding Republican politician, Senator Graham represented South Carolina and was the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He was elected  to the U.S. Senate in 2002. He previously represented South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 through 2003. He also served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1993 until 1995. 

 

 

Join us  

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

 

Background

North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance with regulations outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.
Click for the NC State Government Flag Guide. 


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Impact Health to Lead Landmark Rural Health Initiative in Western North Carolina

7/13/2026 10:52:00 AM , , 0 comments



 Impact Health to Lead Landmark Rural Health Initiative in Western North Carolina

 NC Department of Health and Human Services names Impact Health Region 1 NC ROOTS Hub Lead, advancing coordinated rural health priorities across 19 counties

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The NC Department of Health and Human Services has selected Impact Health as the NC Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability (NC ROOTS) Hub Lead for Region 1. In this role, Impact Health will lead implementation of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) in Western North Carolina (WNC).

 

NCRHTP is supported by $213 million in federal funding from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The statewide program aims to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and create a more connected and sustainable rural health system that serves all North Carolinians.

 

The NC ROOTS Hub model creates regionally governed networks that bring together healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, and community partners to address the unique needs of rural communities. Impact Health will lead WNC’s network across 19 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Region 1.

 

Laurie Stradley, DrPH, CEO of Impact Health, said the state’s designation builds upon Impact Health’s proven role as a regional convener and collaborator — an approach shaped by its work with regional partners through the NC Healthy Opportunities Pilot.

 

“It’s a great privilege to be selected as the Region 1 ROOTS Hub Lead,” Stradley said. “Our proposal reflects the lessons and expertise gained through Healthy Opportunities. Over the next several years, we will focus on strengthening, expanding, and sustaining efforts that are already working in WNC, while improving coordination and communication across partners.”

 

Regional Priorities & Partners

Over the next five years, Impact Health and other NC ROOTS Hub Leads will support rural communities by:

  • Improving behavioral health and substance use services
  • Enhancing care coordination across regions
  • Leveraging digital tools to improve outcomes
  • Expanding access to primary care
  • Strengthening healthcare through workforce development

 

Currently, Impact Health is in the process of convening rural hospitals, primary care providers, behavioral health organizations, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, community-based organizations, and social service agencies to complete a regional needs assessment and asset-mapping process. Findings will inform the Region 1 Hub Action Plan and guide investments to strengthen rural health infrastructure across the region.

 

During the first year of the five-year initiative, Dogwood Health Trust will provide capital to support implementation and establish the Region 1 NC ROOTS Hub, Stradley noted.

 

“NCRHTP operates under a unique funding structure,” she said. “We would not be able to lead this work on behalf of our region without the partnership and collaboration of Dogwood Health Trust.”

 

“Healthy rural communities depend on dynamic and connected systems,” said Dr. Susan Mims, President and CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “This is an opportunity to strengthen the relationships, partnerships and systems that help people access and receive high-quality care close to home. Dogwood is proud to support Impact Health as it brings community organizations and local providers together around a shared vision for healthier rural communities.”

 

North Carolina is presently home to more than 3.5 million rural residents, the second-largest rural population in the nation.


###



About Impact Health
Impact Health is a regional nonprofit organization serving the 19 counties of Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary. Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Impact Health brings together health care providers, community organizations, and public agencies to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and build healthier communities.

 

About Dogwood Health Trust

Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation dedicated to dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities across Western North Carolina. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and collaboration, Dogwood works to create opportunities for every person to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. NCDHHS serves as the lead state agency for North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program aimed at improving health care for rural North Carolinians and their communities.

 

Stevens Amendment Disclosure: This news release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $213,008,356.47 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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News and Weather Briefing for Monday, July 13, 2026

7/13/2026 05:09:00 AM , 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS


• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]

• Nine N.C. counties in exceptional drought as statewide drought continues [Macon Media]

WEATHER OUTLOOK

1. Very active convective weather is expected to continue through at least Monday. Isolated severe storms and localized flash flooding will be possible during this time. Otherwise, a cooling trend is expected, with well-below normal high temperatures forecast Monday and Tuesday.

2. A return to seasonably hot conditions and typical coverage of heat-driven afternoon showers and storms is expected during the latter half of next week. ↑ Back to Top
SPONSORSHIPS
WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available



This half price sale is for those who sign up during July and remains effect for the rest of the year. Current sponsors receive the half price discount automatically.

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.

↑ Back to Top
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. Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then thunderstorms with showers likely in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.

.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

.TUESDAY...Partly sunny with a chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.TUESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s. East winds around 5 mph.

.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. A chance of showers andthunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Increasing chance of storms today and this weekend.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the low range (0.5 out of 12) today with Grasses and Plantain being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the low range (0.5 out of 12.0).

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MACON CALENDAR


(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

Benefit for Randy Drinnon
July 25th at 5pm
Learn more on Facebook

Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to our Christmas in July sale, July 22-25, 9-2 each day. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the Gift Shop. On Saturday, July 25th, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy great music from 11-1. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St, Franklin.
The many ways you can connect to Mountain Findings to arrange donation pick-ups, drop-off location, shopping hours, volunteering, and to learn more on our community grants programs and graduating seniors scholarships.
Facebook: @MountainFindings
Phone: 828-526-9929
Email: MountainFindings1@gmail.com
Webpage: MountainFindings.org
Location: 452 Spruce St, Highlands, NC

LIVE SATURDAY MIDDAY MUSIC CALENDAR FOR JUNE/JULY 2026

11a to 1p at Friends of the Greenway, Inc.
573 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
contact: frog28734@gmail.com; 828-369-8488

7-18-26—Two Troubadours...George James and Gary Gibson.

7-25-2026---Bill Petersen will be singing the blues along with maybe some originals. Then, up from Florida, hear John Bois and the Emotional Support Band.

To find out more about the Greenway and our organization, our website is: littletennessee.org.

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WEATHER ALMANAC


Record Weather Events for this date in Macon County (1872-2025)

Highest Temperature 96°F in Franklin in 1954
Lowest Temperature 39°F in Highlands in 1918
Greatest Rainfall 2.08 inches in Highlands in 1898

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on Jul 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on Jul 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on Jul 29, 1879
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of July
Highest Temperature 109°F Albemarle, Stanly County Jul 28, 1940
Lowest Temperature 32°F Celo, Yancey County Jul 10, 1961
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 21.15 in Highlands, Macon County Jul 29, 1879

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WNC News


Over $3M in FEMA funds missing: western NC town | WLOS-TV Asheville, NC


• Farm & Garden: Black soldier fly compost workshop, Black Jar Honey Contest and more [Mountain Xpress]
• High housing prices, low wages driving young people away from Asheville [Asheville Watchdog]
• WNC Senator who drafted NC's appraisal moratorium may be among those to benefit from it [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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NC News


Cyclospora cases increase in NC; here's how to protect yourself | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• State Health Plan ditches Aetna, sends business back to Blue Cross [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Shielded records & stripped money. How NC’s new budget alters college discipline [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Ohio takes best spot for business as North Carolina slips from No. 1 ranking [NC Newsline]

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National News


ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - July 12, 2026 | ABC News



Special Report: The political legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham | NBC News



Meet the Press Full Episode — July 12 | NBC News


• Graham death sends shockwaves through Senate [The Hill]
• Sen. Lindsey Graham likely died after aorta tear, medical examiner says [AP News]
• Sen. Mitch McConnell breaks silence, says fall led to hospitalization [Yahoo News]

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Flock Cameras and Constitutional Rights


We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds. 🫥 | Benn Jordan



• How Benn Jordan Discovered Flock's Cameras Were Left Streaming to the Internet [404 Media]
• The Supreme Court Just Lit a Fuse Under Flock's License Plate Camera Empire [Yahoo News]

• Schmidt v. Norfolk [ACLU]

• Chatrie v. United States [SCOTUSblog]

• Under Surveillance: Constitutional Concerns Surrounding Flock Cameras [North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology]

• Research Report on Automatic License Plate Readers: Legal Status and Policy Recommendations for Law Enforcement Use [Brennan Cebnter for Justice]

This Flock Camera Leak is like Netflix For Stalkers | Benn Jordan and 404 Media



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Public Records Request for Macon County Flock Safety Cameras

As an independent citizen journalist covering local government in Macon County for over 16 years, I have submitted a public records request to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office for documents related to the Flock Safety automated license plate reader system. This request seeks contracts, board approvals, usage policies, camera locations, performance data, and related correspondence to promote full transparency and public accountability in how this surveillance technology is funded, deployed, and operated with taxpayer resources. By making these records available, we can separate facts from myths, address community concerns about privacy and effectiveness, and ensure informed civic dialogue about tools that impact public safety and individual rights in our rural mountain community.

from:Bobby Coggins robertcogginsjr@gmail.com
to:
cc:
date:Jul 11, 2026, 2:13 AM
subject:Public Records Request – Flock Safety Cameras / ALPR / License Plate Reader Contract & Related Documents – Macon County Sheriff’s Office
mailed-by:gmail.com

Sheriff’s Office Public Records Custodian,

Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132), I request the following records related to Flock Safety (or any automated license plate reader/ALPR system):

  1. All contracts, agreements, amendments, proposals, invoices, payment records, and correspondence between Macon County Sheriff’s Office (or County) and Flock Safety (or Flock Group, Inc.), including any subscription, installation, maintenance, or data access terms.
  2. Board of Commissioners agendas, minutes, resolutions, motions, or approvals authorizing the purchase, funding, or use of Flock cameras (including budget line items from FY 2023–2024 onward).
  3. Policies, procedures, manuals, training materials, or guidelines for use of the Flock system by Sheriff’s Office personnel (including access controls, data retention, audit logs, and privacy protections).
  4. Any usage statistics, reports, or summaries on camera performance, alerts generated, cases assisted, or data shared (redacted as necessary for law enforcement sensitivity).
  5. Location list or map of all deployed Flock cameras in Macon County.
  6. Any privacy impact assessments, legal opinions, or correspondence regarding compliance with NC law or data sharing.

Preferred format: Electronic copies (PDF/email) where possible. I am willing to pay reasonable costs; please notify me in advance if fees will exceed $50.

Please provide these records as soon as practicable. If any portion is denied, please provide a written explanation with the specific legal basis and contact information for appeal.

Thank you for your assistance. I can be reached at robertciogginsjr@gmail.com.

Sincerely, Bobby Coggins, Publisher Macon Media [robertciogginsjr@gmail.com]

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• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
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Published at 6:00am on Monday, July 13, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
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