After much prayer, thoughtful reflection, and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term.
Serving the people of Western North Carolina has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I ran for Congress with one purpose: to serve this nation, defend our Constitution, and fight for the common people living in these mountains. Every vote I have cast and every decision I have made has been guided by that commitment.
This decision has not come easily. Public service always requires sacrifice—not only from those who serve, but from their spouses, families, volunteers, and supporters. Teresa and I are profoundly grateful for the countless people who have stood beside us with their prayers, encouragement, and friendship throughout this journey.
To every volunteer, every supporter who made a contribution, every constituent who shared their concerns, and every citizen who placed their trust in me, thank you. Your confidence has been a blessing that I will never forget.
While my campaign is ending, my love for the people of Western North Carolina and my faith in America’s future remain as strong as ever.
Before I close, there is one group of people who deserve recognition beyond words—my staff.
The public often sees me, but they rarely see the dedicated men and women working long hours behind the scenes to serve our constituents. Under the dedicated leadership of Toby Douthat, our Chief of Staff, and Chris Burns, District Director and ardent friend, every day, my team answers thousands of phone calls, helps families navigate federal agencies, assists veterans, supports communities recovering from disasters, works tirelessly on legislation, and represents the people of Western North Carolina with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you. May God continue to bless each of you, Western North Carolina, and the United States of America.
• 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. Above-average rain chances and below normal temperatures continue through Thursday.
2. A more typical summer pattern begins Friday and continues through early next week with temperatures being around normal and thunderstorm chances being elevated throughout this weekend. Rain and thunderstorm chances dwindle to normal past this weekend and early into next week.
(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 mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times this morning. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming south around 5 mph this afternoon. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.THURSDAY....Partly sunny. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.THURSDAY NIGHT....A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid 60s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.FRIDAY....Mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.FRIDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy with showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected each afternoon through Friday. Locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds will be primary storm threats.
POLLEN REPORT
Pollen levels are expected to be in the low range (0.9 out of 12) today with Grasses and Nettle being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the low range (2.1 out of 3.0).
(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)
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.
Record Weather Events for this date in Macon County (1872-2025)
Highest Temperature 93°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2006
Lowest Temperature 45°F in Highlands in 1985
Greatest Rainfall 4.54 inches in Highlands in 1901
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
Rep. Chuck Edwards faces possible censure after House Ethics Committee investigation | WLOS-TV Asheville, NC
• Franklin Town Council August 2026 Regular Meeting [Macon Media]
• Franklin honors Purple Heart veterans [The Franklin Press]
• Taxes, tourism, and Purple Hearts dominate Town Council meeting [Macon Sense]
• North Carolina mayor takes 3-month leave of absence following drug charges [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
NC Democrats' sold-out Unity Dinner in Raleigh hosts Elizabeth Warren as headliner | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)
• Should felons be allowed to own guns? Yes, advocates tell NC Supreme Court [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Post-election legislative session is one to watch when it comes to Gov. Stein veto [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Balancing public safety and privacy [NC Local]
ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - August 2, 2026 | ABC News
NBC Nightly News Full Episode - August 2 | NBC News
After Words: Stuck - How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress | C-SPAN
• Blanche rescinds Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' amid AG confirmation pressure [ABC News]
• Senate GOP looks for ‘chorus’ of Republicans to fill void left by Graham [The Hill]
• Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season [AP News]
• Armed bystander distracted gunman in fatal In-N-Out shooting [Yahoo News]
Two die after helicopters collide mid-air in Greece while battling wildfires | BBC News
• Morocco blames Ceuta migrant rush on 'misleading information' on social media [France 24]
• Spain's wildfires: Counting the economic cost [DW News]
• Army's 1st Corps commander relieved of duty over unloaded weapons directive: military [Yonhap News Agency]
• Polish patrol aircraft helps EU board Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker [TVP World]
• Japan and US confirm rare joint intervention to prop up yen [Al Jazeera]
• Ceuta grapples with aftermath of border surge after most migrants leave the Spanish territory [AP News]
Hamas says it agrees to disarm in Gaza as at least eight killed in overnight strikes | BBC News
• Iran Update Special Report, August 2, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Iran war live: Trump says talks to resume; Tehran, Oman near deal on Hormuz [AL Jazeera]
• Live Updates: Trump says canceled strikes against Iran would have been 'biggest attack since World War II' [Jerusalem Post]
Deadly Explosion at Moscow Restaurant: What do we know? | DW News
Russia faces bombing in Moscow and attacks on key infrastructure | World News Tonight | TVP World
• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 2, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Russian and Ukrainian strikes kill 14 on both sides [Al Jazeera]
• Ukrainian drones kill 5 in Russia and set fire to Wildberries warehouse [AP News]
New DeepSeek, Alibaba Models Take On Anthropic, OpenAI | The China Show | 8/3/2026 | Bloomberg Television
• Yen's sudden jump puts traders on alert for further intervention [Yahoo Finance]
• Why the U.S. stepped in after decades to prop up Japan’s yen — and what’s at stake [CNBC]
• August 2026: What’s in the sky this month? Solar and lunar eclipses, plus the Perseid meteors [Astronomy Magazine]
• It Took a Century, but Astronomers Imaged Betelgeuse's Companion [Universe Today]
• Two deadly flowers could inspire powerful new medicines [ScienceDaily]
• This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 31 – August 9 [Sky & Telescope Magazine]
When Pilots Used Sounds To Guide Planes | Scott Manley
• Not just Neanderthals: Ghost lineage in Africa left its mark on our DNA [Ars Technica]
• OpenAI Smuggled the Announcement of Astra, Its Next AI Model, Into a Blog Post About Math [Gizmodo]
• World Cup Piracy Crackdown Shows Limits of Domain Seizures, MPA Pushes Site Blocking [Torrent Freaks]
Bitcoin: The Beauty of Mathematics (Part 72) | Benjamin Cowen
• Coldcard Bitcoin Exploit Balloons to $88 Million as Attackers Keep Draining Wallets [Decrypt]
• Here’s what happened in crypto today [Coin Telegraph]
• Ordinary WiFi Can Now Identify People With Near-Perfect Accuracy [Bitcoin.com]
↑ Back to TopFlock Cameras and Constitutional Rights
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]
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):
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.
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).
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).
Any usage statistics, reports, or summaries on camera performance, alerts generated, cases assisted, or data shared (redacted as necessary for law enforcement sensitivity).
Location list or map of all deployed Flock cameras in Macon County.
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.
Members of 828 Vets with Mayor Guffey with a proclamation recognizing August 28, 2026 as 828Vets Day in Franklin, North Carolina.
This article is divided into four parts: a copy of the agenda packet (with a download link), an Executive Summary and Accounting of Votes, Video of the meeting, and a longer account of the meeting organized according to the meeting agenda.
The Town of Franklin Town Council met on August 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Stacy J. Guffey called the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Mike Lewis. The agenda and consent agenda (including July 6 and July 14 minutes plus budget amendments) were approved.
Staff recognitions highlighted new Wastewater Treatment Operator Brian Tallent and several certifications earned by Jake Slagle (Wastewater Lab Analyst II), Jeff Shuler (C Surface), Pedro Ruiz and Kyle Pocquette (Plant Maintenance Technologist I), and Chris Waldroop (OSHA MESH).
Presentations covered the Quarter Cent Sales Tax Referendum (led by former Mayor Jack Horton, Commissioner Gary Shields, and committee members), with discussion of potential Town support via a future resolution, and the Franklin TDA Strategic Plan (presented by Chairman Tim Crabtree with Morgan Stewart), outlining 1-, 3-, and 5-year goals focused on funding optimization, event calendars, infrastructure (signage, murals, bathrooms), marketing (“Experience Franklin”), and collaboration.
A Main Street update was given. The public hearing on the rezoning of 1.10 acres at 85 Maple Street from C-2 to C-2 Conditional Zoning (for two additional townhome/duplex units with reduced setbacks and a future sidewalk easement) had no public speakers and was approved.
Old Business: The Council approved metering Southwestern Community College’s burn-building hydrant water use at the inside volume rate ($5.28/1,000 gallons) rather than a full waiver.
New Business:
Additional facade/sign grant funds for Kitchen Sink, Inc. were approved.
A retroactive facade grant for Nantahala Building Products was approved 4–2 (Collins and Salain dissenting).
A new five-year contract with J&B Disposal was approved.
The award to HMC Paving Company, Inc. ($635,126.99) for multi-area paving and sidewalks was approved.
Adoption of the Utility Refunds Policy was deferred to September for added language on credits for future rate increases.
Public Works departmental updates covered water/sewer capital projects, cellular meter rollout, Allman Drive boardwalk (mid-to-late October start), Sunnyside Park bathroom progress, right-of-way mowing, and other operational items. Announcements included a special-called meeting the next day, the next regular meeting on September 8, Labor Day closure, Pickin’ on the Square dates, and Fall Litter Sweep. The meeting adjourned.
2. Accounting of All Votes
Adoption of the August 3, 2026 Agenda — Approved (unanimous; voice/hand vote).
Approval of the Consent Agenda (July 6 Regular and July 14 Special Called minutes + budget amendments) — Approved (unanimous).
Rezoning of 1.10 acres at 85 Maple Street (C-2 to C-2 Conditional Zoning) — Approved after public hearing with no speakers (unanimous).
Metered hydrant for Southwestern Community College continuing-use fees (inside volume rate of $5.28 per 1,000 gallons) — Approved (unanimous).
Additional Economic Development Incentive Grant funds for Kitchen Sink, Inc. ($2,244.18 to maximize façade/sign matches) — Approved (unanimous).
Economic Development Incentive Grant for Nantahala Building Products ($4,067.13 façade grant, retroactive) — Approved 4–2. No votes: Councilman Joe Collins and Councilwoman Rita Salain. (Four other members approved.)
New five-year contract with J&B Disposal — Approved (unanimous).
Award to HMC Paving Company, Inc. for multi-area paving and sidewalks ($635,126.99) — Approved (unanimous).
Adoption of the Utility Refunds Policy — Deferred to September meeting for additional language; no final vote taken.
Adjournment — Approved (unanimous).
Franklin Town Council (08-03-2026) | Macon Media
1. Call to Order
Mayor Stacy J. Guffey opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. He read a complimentary quote from a local journalist praising the Council’s transparency and the dedication of Council members, the Town Manager, Police Chief, and staff.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Vice Mayor Mike Lewis.
3. Adoption of the August 3, 2026 Town Council Agenda
Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously with no discussion.
4. Approval of the Consent Agenda
Included approval of the July 6, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes, July 14, 2026 Special Called Meeting minutes, and budget amendments. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.
5. Introduction/Recognition
Jason Hopkins introduced new Wastewater Treatment Operator Brian Tallent.
Hopkins recognized Jake Slagle (absent; at training) for earning Wastewater Lab Analyst II certification (one of only two in Macon County).
Kyle Pocquette recognized Jeff Shuler (on solo shift) for C Surface certification and Pedro Ruiz (on vacation) for Plant Maintenance Technologist I.
Public Works Director Bill Deal recognized Kyle Pocquette for Plant Maintenance Technologist I and Chris Waldroop for the OSHA Manager of Environmental, Safety and Health (MESH) certification (requiring 100 hours of training). Photos and brief remarks followed.
6. PresentationsA. Quarter Cent Sales Tax Referendum
Former Mayor Jack Horton, Eric Haggart (“Chaos Coordinator”), and committee members (including Commissioner Gary Shields) presented. They explained the history of local sales taxes in North Carolina, noted that all surrounding counties already have the quarter-cent rate (bringing their total to 7%), and clarified the impact: one extra penny on every $4 spent. Projected revenue exceeds $2 million annually and could fund public safety, EMS, senior services, animal shelter, capital needs, and education without relying solely on property-tax increases or fund-balance draws. Ballot language is state-mandated. A Facebook page and community outreach meetings were announced. Council Member Rita Salain moved that the Town Council go on record supporting the referendum; after discussion, the matter was deferred so a formal resolution could be prepared for the September meeting.
B. Franklin TDA – Strategic Plan
Chairman Tim Crabtree (with Morgan Stewart standing in for Subcommittee Chair Colin McGinnis) presented the living 1-, 3-, and 5-year plan. Guiding principles emphasize making Franklin a premier destination, accountability, collaboration (Chamber, Visit Smokies, Highlands TDA, Town staff, Raleigh), and external partnerships. Focus areas: funding optimization (occupancy-tax rules), event calendar coordination and a new quarterly funding application with green checklist and post-event reporting, tourism-related infrastructure (welcome signage, murals, directional totems, sculptures, public bathrooms, parking), and marketing under the “Experience Franklin” brand with research-driven, AI-aware outreach. Legal counsel confirmed the Currituck County Supreme Court ruling and the Town’s local act give broad latitude for tourism-related expenditures. Questions addressed measurement of overnight stays and continued event funding.
7. Public Session
No speakers are recorded in the transcript for a formal open public session (aside from the later public hearing).
8. Items from Council
Mayor Guffey and Council Member Robbie Tompa discussed the need to develop more activities and amenities for young people and families (bowling, skating, etc.), tying into Main Street and economic-development efforts.
Brief remarks from other members; no formal resolutions or proclamations were adopted during this portion in the transcript (the agenda listed Purple Heart and veterans-related items, but the transcript focuses on family/youth discussion).
Main Street update referenced earlier work.
9. Public Hearing – Rezoning of 1.10 acres at 85 Maple Street
Fire Chief/Town Planner Justin Setser presented the conditional rezoning request by OHNC LLC to allow two additional townhome/duplex units (increasing density), reduced side setbacks (from 10 ft to 5 ft), and zero lot line between duplexes, in exchange for a future sidewalk easement. Planning Board recommended approval; a neighborhood meeting was held with limited attendance and no opposition at the Planning Board or this hearing. Town Attorney John Henning emphasized this as an excellent use of conditional zoning that advances the Comprehensive Plan’s housing-density goals near services. No one signed up to speak. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.
10. Old Business – Waiver of continuing-use fees for Southwestern Community College
Town Manager Amie Owens presented options after the July 6 waiver of the $49,700 availability fee. Council chose to install a metered hydrant and charge the inside volume rate of $5.28 per 1,000 gallons (rather than a full waiver or the higher outside rate). Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously. Staff will notify the College and supply the meter.
11. New BusinessA. Economic Development Incentive Grants
Kitchen Sink, Inc.: Additional funds ($2,244.18) approved to maximize the $5,000 façade + $500 sign matches after cost overruns on a new awning/sign. Unanimous approval. Town Attorney noted work on a simple contract form to protect the Town’s interest.
Nantahala Building Products: Retroactive façade grant of $4,067.13 for completed exterior painting on Depot Street. After discussion about whether the program is meant as a true incentive (pre-work) versus reimbursement, and noting prior interest shown in February plus the visible improvement to Depot Street, the grant was approved 4–2. Councilman Joe Collins and Councilwoman Rita Salain voted no. Staff will clarify policy language and bring revisions later.
B. New five-year contract with J&B Disposal
Town Manager Amie Owens and Benita Hamstra presented. Cost is lower than the current contract; multi-year term requires Council approval. Unanimous approval.
C. Award to HMC Paving Company, Inc.
Lowest responsible bid of $635,126.99 (well under the ~$840,000 budgeted) for multi-area paving and sidewalks. Priority on the large Sunnyside parking lot; work expected before asphalt plants close. Unanimous approval. Remaining funds may allow additional spring projects. A separate pavement-condition study RFP is planned.
D. Adoption of the Utility Refunds Policy
Town Attorney John Henning presented a draft clarifying deposits and establishing limited eligibility for refund of tap/system-development fees (primarily residential ≤1-inch service when a project falls through). Discussion raised the issue of long-term credits when future rates rise; the item was deferred to September so language can be added.
12. Departmental Updates – Public Works
Bill Deal (Public Works Director): Updates on Hillside Street 2-inch water line (to precede paving), generator transfer switch, storage adapters for fire department, pump-station upgrades, rollout of 250+ cellular LTE meters, 10,000+ ft of sewer cleaning, Allman Drive boardwalk pre-construction (start mid-to-late October; will remain gravel initially, 10 ft wide with handrails), and positive results from the new in-house fleet mechanic. Thanks expressed for COLAs/steps.
Kyle Pocquette (Water Treatment): Normal operations; voluntary water restrictions continue under extreme drought; reporting requirements increased; settling basins cleaned; annual state inspection positive; plant upgrade construction progressing (building, electrical, HVAC); valve and bypass issues resolved.
Jason Hopkins (Wastewater Treatment): SCADA system procurement underway; pretreatment activity high (new food trucks/restaurants); successful state pretreatment and bacteriological inspections; new role overseeing boil-water advisory testing.
Chris Waldroop (Streets Supervisor): Right-of-way long-arm mowing progressing with weekly notices; Main Street trash collection routine solid; Women’s History Trail/roundabout beds under recovery after weather delays; Sunnyside Park bathroom nearing completion (fixtures installed, doors locked, walkway paving imminent, fencing ordered, siding pending); target opening mid-September if all elements ready; fall decorations planning beginning; staffing interviews underway in coordination with other departments.
Mayor Guffey thanked Public Works staff for both the visible and “behind-the-scenes” work.
13. Announcements
Special Called Meeting: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. (presentation only; no action; quorum issues noted for some members).
Next regular meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (Labor Day adjustment).
Town offices closed Monday, September 7 (Labor Day).
Pickin’ on the Square: August 8 & 22, 6:00 p.m.; special event September 5 with fireworks.
Fall Litter Sweep: Saturday, September 26, 8:00 a.m.–noon (led by Council Member Travis Higdon).
14. Adjournment
Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned.
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.
(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 showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TONIGHT....Mostly cloudy with thunderstorms likely with a chance of showers in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Light and variable winds, becoming east around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TUESDAY....Mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then mostly cloudy with showers with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..TUESDAY NIGHT....A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid 60s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
..WEDNESDAY....Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then showers with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy with showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 80 percent.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected through at least mid-week. Locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds will be possible each afternoon.
POLLEN REPORT
Pollen levels are expected to be in the low-medium range (4.2 out of 12) today with Grasses and Nettle being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the low-medium range (4.2 out of 3.0).
(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)
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.
Record Weather Events for this date in Macon County (1872-2025)
Highest Temperature 94°F in Franklin in 1957
Lowest Temperature 46°F in Highlands in 1998
Greatest Rainfall 2.80 inches in Highlands in 2018
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
Western NC festival delayed until 2027 | WLOS-TV Asheville, NC
• Flyover ramp to Westgate Parkway reaches scheduled closure date [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Asheville homes now taking 88 days to sell, longest market time in a decade [Asheville Citizen-Times]
• One was ‘always clowning,’ the other calm and mature. The best friends died together in latest spasm of gun violence in Asheville [Asheville Watchdog ]
NC Democrats' sold-out Unity Dinner in Raleigh hosts Elizabeth Warren as headliner | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)
• Should felons be allowed to own guns? Yes, advocates tell NC Supreme Court [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Post-election legislative session is one to watch when it comes to Gov. Stein veto [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Balancing public safety and privacy [NC Local]
ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - August 2, 2026 | ABC News
NBC Nightly News Full Episode - August 2 | NBC News
After Words: Stuck - How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress | C-SPAN
• Blanche rescinds Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' amid AG confirmation pressure [ABC News]
• Senate GOP looks for ‘chorus’ of Republicans to fill void left by Graham [The Hill]
• Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season [AP News]
• Armed bystander distracted gunman in fatal In-N-Out shooting [Yahoo News]
Two die after helicopters collide mid-air in Greece while battling wildfires | BBC News
• Morocco blames Ceuta migrant rush on 'misleading information' on social media [France 24]
• Spain's wildfires: Counting the economic cost [DW News]
• Army's 1st Corps commander relieved of duty over unloaded weapons directive: military [Yonhap News Agency]
• Polish patrol aircraft helps EU board Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker [TVP World]
• Japan and US confirm rare joint intervention to prop up yen [Al Jazeera]
• Ceuta grapples with aftermath of border surge after most migrants leave the Spanish territory [AP News]
Hamas says it agrees to disarm in Gaza as at least eight killed in overnight strikes | BBC News
• Iran Update Special Report, August 2, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Iran war live: Trump says talks to resume; Tehran, Oman near deal on Hormuz [AL Jazeera]
• Live Updates: Trump says canceled strikes against Iran would have been 'biggest attack since World War II' [Jerusalem Post]
Deadly Explosion at Moscow Restaurant: What do we know? | DW News
Russia faces bombing in Moscow and attacks on key infrastructure | World News Tonight | TVP World
• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 2, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Russian and Ukrainian strikes kill 14 on both sides [Al Jazeera]
• Ukrainian drones kill 5 in Russia and set fire to Wildberries warehouse [AP News]
New DeepSeek, Alibaba Models Take On Anthropic, OpenAI | The China Show | 8/3/2026 | Bloomberg Television
• Yen's sudden jump puts traders on alert for further intervention [Yahoo Finance]
• Why the U.S. stepped in after decades to prop up Japan’s yen — and what’s at stake [CNBC]
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• It Took a Century, but Astronomers Imaged Betelgeuse's Companion [Universe Today]
• Two deadly flowers could inspire powerful new medicines [ScienceDaily]
• This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 31 – August 9 [Sky & Telescope Magazine]
When Pilots Used Sounds To Guide Planes | Scott Manley
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• OpenAI Smuggled the Announcement of Astra, Its Next AI Model, Into a Blog Post About Math [Gizmodo]
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Bitcoin: The Beauty of Mathematics (Part 72) | Benjamin Cowen
• Coldcard Bitcoin Exploit Balloons to $88 Million as Attackers Keep Draining Wallets [Decrypt]
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• Ordinary WiFi Can Now Identify People With Near-Perfect Accuracy [Bitcoin.com]
↑ Back to TopFlock Cameras and Constitutional Rights
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]
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):
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.
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).
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).
Any usage statistics, reports, or summaries on camera performance, alerts generated, cases assisted, or data shared (redacted as necessary for law enforcement sensitivity).
Location list or map of all deployed Flock cameras in Macon County.
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.
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