News and Weather Briefing for Friday, August 14, 2026

• Announcements
• Sponsorships
• Forecast
• Macon Calendar
• Weather Almanac
• WNC News
• NC News

sunday

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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• 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. Hot and humid weather continues through the weekend and into next week, with thigh heat index values expected over the low terrain each afternoon.

2. Scattered diurnal showers and thunderstorms develop each afternoon through the weekend and into early next week. A couple strong to severe storms, as well as isolated nuisance flooding, will be possible each day.

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SPONSORSHIPS

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Bourbon & Bacon. (Formerly Franklin Office Supply)
Visit their store at 161 Highlands Road in Franklin or check out their website at bourbonandbaconfs.com

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FORECAST

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(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....Patchy fog this morning. Mostly sunny this morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.TONIGHT....Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.SATURDAY....Mostly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.SATURDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.SUNDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 60s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Additional periods of showers and storms are expected today. Chances for severe weather are lower than recent days, but a few strong to severe storms along with localized flooding could occur.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the medium-high range (5.5 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium range (6.9 out of 12.0).

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MACON CALENDAR

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(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

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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.

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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



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

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WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 95°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1999
Lowest Temperature 47°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1964
Greatest Rainfall 5.34 inches in Highlands in 1893
Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

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WNC News

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Jennifer Balkcom, GOP nominee for NC-11 race, talks with News 13 | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• Macon County Board of Commissioners - August 2026 Regular Meeting [Macon Media]
• PHOTOS: Cloud formation seen in western NC explained [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Siler family gathers for 175th meeting [The Franklin Press]
• Schools, trash and pickleball: Cabe updates Macon County’s big projects [Macon Sense]

Economic report flags 'concerning' post-Helene recovery for WNC small businesses Asheville Citizen-Times (Asheville, NC) ]
• Water over the bridge: Fontana Dam’s controversial past and TVA’s changing legacy [Smoky Mountain News]
• After months of silence, plant that spilled pipe in Helene pledges changes [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News

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Wake County trains school leaders on new safety protocol | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• Flock Safety's CEO says safeguards will be added to cameras in January [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

What’s Changing at Flock: Strengthening Privacy, Security & Accountability | Flock


• Who’s responsible if your neighbor’s tree falls on your property? NC law [Raleigh News & Observer]
• NC AG Jackson: Duke Energy gave wrong information about rate hike under oath [NC Local]

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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 Friday, August 14, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Commissioners August 2026 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met for their regualr monthly meeting for August 2026 on August 11th. What follows below is a summary of the whole meeting. All the candidates for County Commssioner were present in the audience. Media present were Macon Media (Bobby), Macon Sense (Dan), and The Franklin Press (Shelby). 

  Macon Commissioners - August 2026 | Macon Media

 Executive Summary

Macon County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting August 11, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Overview

The Board conducted its regular monthly meeting with a full agenda focused primarily on a public hearing regarding regulation of server-based facilities (data centers and cryptocurrency mining). Significant public opposition to these facilities dominated the early portion of the meeting. The Board took several formal actions, including adoption of ordinance amendments, approval of surplus property, consent items, and board appointments. A lengthy discussion on third-party mass surveillance systems (Flock cameras) occurred under New Business, with the Board reaffirming its prior opposition but taking no new formal action.

Key Actions Taken

1. Public Hearing – Amendment to Chapter 157 (High-Impact Land Uses)

• The Planning Board recommended updates to definitions and standards for “Cryptocurrency Mining, Data Centers and Server-based Facilities.”
• More than a dozen citizens spoke, nearly all opposing data centers/crypto mining. Speakers requested a temporary moratorium, stronger water-use restrictions (closed-loop cooling, no new withdrawals), noise and light standards (including low-frequency/dBC limits and dark-sky requirements), battery storage setbacks and fire-response plans, diesel-generator limits, decommissioning bonds, treatment of contiguous parcels as one facility, and conversion of the use to a special/conditional use permit.
• County Attorney Eric Ridenour advised that adopting the proposed amendments (rather than a moratorium) provided the strongest immediate legal protection and could be strengthened later.
• Action: The Board voted to adopt the Planning Board’s recommended amendments to Chapter 157 as presented. Commissioners expressed openness to considering a moratorium at a future meeting (possibly September) for additional layered protection.

2. Surplus Property

• Seven tax-foreclosed parcels in the Watauga Vista subdivision (small lots ranging in value from ~$1,500 to $14,600) were declared surplus.
• Action: Approved (unanimous). Staff directed to advertise for public bid.

3. Consent Agenda

• Approved as presented (minutes of July 11, 2026; Budget Amendments #20–29; Grant Project Ordinance for 2027 Urgent Repair Program; Community Advisory Board Annual Report; Fireworks Permit – Town of Franklin; Nantahala Community Development Club Lease Extension; EDC Updated Bylaws; Transit Updated Drug & Alcohol Policy; July 2026 tax releases totaling $1,061.95; and the monthly ad-valorem tax collection report).

4. Appointments – CHSA Board

• Action: Reappointed Matt Corbin (dentist position) and Garrett Higdon (engineer position) to the Consolidated Human Services Agency Board (unanimous).

5. Other Items

• Recognized Finance staff for receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (FY 2025).
• Received presentation on the Proposed Schedule of Values; public hearing scheduled for a future meeting (expected October).
• Carson Convenience Center design presentation (Old Business) – informational.
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council FY 2026–2027 Certification and Annual Plan – discussed; funding approval emphasized as time-sensitive.
• Outside Agency Funding Requests – deferred for further criteria discussion between staff and Board.
• Mass Surveillance / Flock Safety discussion (added under New Business): Commissioner raised concerns about third-party tracking systems. Board reaffirmed prior removal of Flock cameras and opposition to similar systems on county property/vehicles. No new formal ban was adopted; County Attorney noted limited authority beyond county-financed equipment. Sheriff’s Office noted potential utility of alternative camera systems for investigations.

Meeting Outcome

No closed session was held. The meeting adjourned after the appointments. The Board signaled continued work on data-center regulations (possible future moratorium) and clarified its stance against third-party mass surveillance systems.

Primary Theme: Strong community and Board consensus against large-scale data centers/crypto facilities in Macon County, balanced with careful legal strategy under state law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 160D).

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 2.30am on Friday, August 14, 2026

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News and Weather Briefing for Thursday, August 13, 2026

• Announcements
• Sponsorships
• Forecast
• Macon Calendar
• Weather Almanac
• WNC News
• NC News
• National News

sunday

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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• 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. Showers and thunderstorms possible today, with a few becoming severe. Daily thunderstorms are also possible each afternoon through the end of the week.

2. Heat is expected to build by late week into the weekend with over 90° Fahrenheit heat indices returning.

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SPONSORSHIPS

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

DAY SPONSOR

This space available



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FORECAST

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(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....Patchy fog this morning. Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers this morning, then mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

.TONIGHT....Partly cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.FRIDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

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

.SATURDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy with showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.

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

.SUNDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Additional showers and storms in the evening could lead to isolated strong to severe wind gusts and localized flooding, however, confidence is lower in this time period.

An active, northwest flow pattern will continue through late this week. This pattern has the potential to produce several rounds of showers and thunderstorms. While widespread severe storms aren`t likely, some damaging winds could occur with the stronger storms in addition to heavy rain and isolated flash flooding concerns.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the medium-high range (7.4 out of 12) today with Grasses, Nettle, and Chenopods being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium range (7.1 out of 12.0).

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MACON CALENDAR

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(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

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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.

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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



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

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WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 94°F in Highlands in 1925
Lowest Temperature 42°F in Highlands in 1931
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands in 1940
Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

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WNC News

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4 hospital groups compete for beds in western NCZVTQOHVyNQU | WLOS-TV Asheville, NC



• 1,154 wait in NC county jails as prison staffing shortages sideline thousands of beds [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Siler family gathers for 175th meeting [The Franklin Press]
• Schools, trash and pickleball: Cabe updates Macon County’s big projects [Macon Sense]

Franklin, Roberson battle to 4-4 draw in boys soccer Asheville Citizen-Times (Asheville, NC) ]
• Suit filed against EBCI, tribal officials for breach of contract [Smoky Mountain News]
• Same knee surgery, twice the price: Hospital monopolies push up healthcare costs [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News

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Flock Cameras draw intense debate over personal privacy and public safety | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• Cooper maintains lead in NC’s US Senate race, but Whatley gaining in recognition, Elon poll shows [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• NC voters confident in election process, but many have concerns over fraud, poll says [Raleigh News & Observer]
• This flu season, here’s where and how you can get vaccinated in NC [NC Local]

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National News

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ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - Aug. 12, 2026 | ABC News



NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas Full Episode - Aug. 12 | NBC News




What a biological warfare attack could look like | ABC News




Washington Today (8-12-26): One DSA candidate loses WI Gov. primary, another wins MN Sen. primary | C-SPAN



• Karoline Leavitt steps down as Trump’s press secretary [UK Telegraph]
• Navy meets with USS Abraham Lincoln families over mental health worries [The Hill]
• Lawsuit seeks to ban Trump Media from charging for early access to president’s posts on US policy [AP News]
• Trump doesn't dismiss declaring national emergency to restrict voting [Yahoo News]

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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 Thursday, August 13, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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News and Weather Briefing for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

• Announcements
• Sponsorships
• Forecast
• Macon Calendar
• Weather Almanac
• WNC News
• NC News

sunday

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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• 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. Showers and thunderstorms possible today, with a few becoming severe. Daily thunderstorms are also possible each afternoon through the end of the week.

2. Heat is expected to build by late week into the weekend with over 90° Fahrenheit heat indices returning.

↑ Back to Top

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SPONSORSHIPS

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

DAY SPONSOR

This space available



↑ Back to Top

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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....Partly sunny this morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Patchy fog this morning. A slight chance of thunderstorms. A chance of showers, mainly this morning. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times this morning. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.TONIGHT....Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.THURSDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.THURSDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.FRIDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Additional periods of showers and storms are expected today and tonight. Storms this morning and early afternoon could lead to additional localized flooding and gusty winds.

Additional showers and storms in the evening could lead to isolated strong to severe wind gusts and localized flooding, however, confidence is lower in this time period.

An active, northwest flow pattern will continue through late this week. This pattern has the potential to produce several rounds of showers and thunderstorms. While widespread severe storms aren`t likely, some damaging winds could occur with the stronger storms in addition to heavy rain and isolated flash flooding concerns.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the medium-high range (7.3 out of 12) today with Grasses, Nettle, and Chenopods being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium range (6.6 out of 12.0).

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MACON CALENDAR

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(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

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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



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

↑ Back to Top

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WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 95°F in Franklin in 1957
Lowest Temperature 41°F in Franklin in 1890
Greatest Rainfall 2.91 inches in Highlands in 1940
Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

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WNC News

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• Dangerous heat prompts Weather Warn Days for WNC, Upstate [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Candidates meet for Nantahala forum [The Franklin Press]
• Schools, trash and pickleball: Cabe updates Macon County’s big projects [Macon Sense]

Potentially deadly fungus seen in North Carolina. What it is Asheville Citizen-Times (Asheville, NC) ]
• Balkcom gains NC-11 GOP nomination [Smoky Mountain News]
• In cringeworthy detail, House Ethics panel urges censure of Chuck Edwards for sexual harassment of 2 female staffers [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News

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Duke Energy newest rate hike proposal draws scrutiny | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• Defense firm opens US headquarters in Apex, aiming to counter drone warfare [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Judge chastises NC billionaire Greg Lindberg in heated hearing over restitution [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Inside the secretive deal for a $10 billion data center in rural North Carolina [NC Local]

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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 Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Agenda and Agenda Packet for August 2026 Meeting Macon County Board of Commissioners

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 a public hearing 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 not attempt a livestream on facebook due to technical difficulties. I will have a video on Wednesday or Thursday.

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Public Agenda
August 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM


1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Announcements
3. Moment of Silence
4. Pledge of Allegiance
5. Public Hearing(s)
a. To Consider Amendment of Chapter 157 of the Macon County Code of Ordinances to Include Update Definitions of Server-Based Facilities
Note: Following the close of the public hearing, the board may take action.

6. Additions to agenda
7. Public Comment Period
8. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9. Reports/Presentations
a. GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2025 – County Manager Warren Cabe
b. Presentation of Proposed Schedule of Values and Schedule Public Hearing – Tax Administrator Abby Braswell

10. Old Business
a. Carson Convenience Center Design Presentation – Mr. Cabe

11. New Business
a. Discussion and Consideration of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council FY 2026-2027 Certification and Annual Plan – Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Area Consultant Lorraine Williams
b. Discussion Regarding Outside Agency Funding Requests – Mr. Cabe
c. Consideration to Declare County-Owned Property Surplus and Advertise for Public Bid – Mr. Cabe and Attorney Eric Ridenour

12. Consent Agenda – Attachment #12
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
a. Minutes of the July 11, 2026, Regular Meeting
b. Budget Amendments #20-29
c. Grant Project Ordinance – 2027 Urgent Repair Program
d. Community Advisory Board Annual Report
e. Fireworks Permit – Town of Franklin
f. Nantahala Community Development Club Lease Extension
g. Economic Development Commission Updated Bylaws
h. Macon County Transit Updated Drug and Alcohol Policy
i. Tax releases for the month of July 2026 in the amount of $1,061.95
j. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report – no action necessary

13. Appointments
a. CHSA Board (2 seats)

14. Closed session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11

15. Adjourn/Recess

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Agenda Packet

(Download 128 Page PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1smc8zPpdCUBWEKfBnuvWvXjFTL8IJYJw/view?usp=sharing

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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 3.30pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Tuesday, August 11, 2026

• Announcements
• Sponsorships
• Forecast
• Macon Calendar
• Weather Almanac
• WNC News
• NC News
• National News
• World News
• Iran War News
• Science News
• Technology News
• Interesting Videos
• Crypto News
• Flock Cameras and Constitutional Rights
• Macon Media Files Public Records Request on Flock Cameras

sunday

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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• 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 Marginal Risk of severe thunderstorms for late afternoon and evening, with damaging wind gusts the main concern. Otherwise, mainly isolated to scattered diurnal convection will continue each day through the week, with some potential for isolated pulse severe storms that produce damaging wind gusts and localized excessive rainfall.

2. Hot and humid for at least the next seven days, with temperatures peaking by Thursday and Friday.

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SPONSORSHIPS

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

DAY SPONSOR

This space available



↑ Back to Top

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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....Sunny. Patchy fog this morning. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

..TONIGHT....Partly cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..WEDNESDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny in the morning, then mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..THURSDAY....Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..THURSDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

An active, northwest flow pattern will continue through late this week. This pattern has the potential to produce several rounds of showers and thunderstorms. While widespread severe storms aren't likely, some damaging winds could occur with the stronger storms.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the medium-high range (7.5 out of 12) today with Grasses and Nettle being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium-high range (7.4 out of 3.0).

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MACON CALENDAR

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(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

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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.

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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



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

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WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 93°F in Franklin in 1957

Lowest Temperature 46°F in Highlands in 1989

Greatest Rainfall 3.10 inches in Highlands in 1919

Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

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WNC News

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Jackson County commissioners vote to send $105M bond application in for review | WLOS-TV Asheville, NC



• Jennifer Balkcom picked as Rep. Edwards' replacement in North Carolina congressional race [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Learning about night creatures [The Franklin Press]
• More Macon moves to tighten data center rules, Highlands weighs moratorium [Macon Sense]

Republicans pick ballot replacement for Rep. Chuck Edwards in NC-11 Asheville Citizen-Times (Asheville, NC) ]
• Balkcom gains NC-11 GOP nomination [Smoky Mountain News]
• In cringeworthy detail, House Ethics panel urges censure of Chuck Edwards for sexual harassment of 2 female staffers [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News

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Healthy midlife habits could delay dementia by up to 13 years, study finds | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• NC public safety boss is out as Stein, GOP lawmakers spar [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• NC legislators sent 6 bills to Gov. Josh Stein. How state laws could change [Raleigh News & Observer]
• NCGOP selects Balkcom as NC-11 candidate after US Rep. Edwards’ withdrawal [NC Local]

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National News

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Deadly quake collapses buildings: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - Aug. 10, 2026 | ABC News



NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas Full Episode - Aug. 10 | NBC News




Trump reportedly used catering truck to sneak off Air Force One amid Iranian threats | ABC News




Lectures in History: Why Did America Declare Independence? | C-SPAN



• The picture that spells trouble for Trump [UK Telegraph]
• What to know about Trump’s vaccine executive order [The Hill]
• Trump signs order calling for spacing out childhood vaccines, against medical groups’ guidance [AP News]
• RFK Jr. is targeting a decades-old loophole allowing chemicals in food supply [Yahoo News]

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World News

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How Kim Jong Un "Accidentally" Fixed North Korea's Economy | Economics Explained


UN warns drone strikes worsen in Sudan | FRANCE 24 English


• Germany news: Low water on Rhine could sever freight route [DW News]
• Bashar al Assad sentenced to death in absentia by Syrian court for war crimes [Sky News]
• S. Korea to upgrade key battle tank, anti-ship missile programs: arms agency [Yonhap News Agency]
• Austria breaks up sanctions-evasion scheme supplying Russian arms industry [TVP World]
• NHuge fire breaks out at Libya’s Zawiya refinery after drone attack [Al Jazeera]
• Colombia searches for its missing after a powerful earthquake kills more than 100 [AP News]

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Financial News

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WTF Is Happening To The Economy? | GEN


Iran War: Trump's Sweeping New Demands Dim Hopes of Deal | Daybreak Europe 8/11/2026 | Bloomberg Television



• Bessent’s Whatever-It-Takes Yen Pledge Masks Limited Firepower [Yahoo Finance]
• Nvidia lines up $500 billion in financing as CEO Jensen Huang tells CNBC his chips are ‘investable asset’ [CNBC]

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Science News

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New Antimatter Discovery in the Milky Way Challenges Known Physics | Anton Petrov



• August 2026: What’s in the sky this month? Solar and lunar eclipses, plus the Perseid meteors [Astronomy Magazine]
• Interstellar Travel: The Space Age and Nuclear Rockets [Universe Today]
• 567-million-year-old fossils rewrite the dawn of animal life [ScienceDaily]
• This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 31 – August 9 [Sky & Telescope Magazine]

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Technology News

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China's Rocket Literally Bent Under Pressure! | Scott Manley


• Trump signs bonkers order that cuts vaccines, promotes ones that don’t exist [Ars Technica]
• Mark Zuckerberg’s Answer to Growing AI Safety Concerns Is to Just Trust People to Do the Right Thing [Gizmodo]
• Top 10 Most Pirated Movies of The Week – 08/10/2026 [Torrent Freaks]

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Interesting Videos

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I Bought a Ghost Town 6.5 Years Ago. Here’s What It’s Become. | Ghost Town Living



How Taiwan is Preparing to Get Invaded | Wendover Productions



Janissaries: The Child Levy That Built an Empire | Kings and Generals



Is America prepared for biological war? | PBS NewsHour



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CRYPTO & AI NEWS

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Gold Path for 2026 [Update] | Benjamin Cowen


• Meta Debuts AI Coding Agent Muse: Here’s How It Compares to Claude Code and Codex [Decrypt]
• AI credit bubble could fuel Bitcoin ‘crack-up boom’ past $1M: Hayes [Coin Telegraph]
• Mastercard Closes $1.8B BVNK Deal in Stablecoin Payments Bet [Bitcoin.com]

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Flock Cameras and Constitutional Rights

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



• Brickbat: Unlicensed Search [Reason Magazine]
• Police say Flock cameras help solve crimes, but critics call them an invasion of privacy [PBS 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:		"mcsopio@maconnc.org" <mcsopio@maconnc.org>, rlofthouse@maconnc.org
cc:		wcabe@maconnc.org
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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Published at 6:00am on Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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