State Releases Tier Designations for 2018 Macon County Ranked Tier 1 for Fourth Year

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has released the 2018 Tier designations, with Tier 1 being most economically distressed to Tier 3 being least economically distressed. Macon County has been designated as a Tier 1 county for the fourth year in a row after being in Tier 2 in 2014 and years previous. A press release and additional information culled from the NC Commerce website are posted below.


The North Carolina Department of Commerce annually ranks the state’s 100 counties based on economic well-being and assigns each a Tier designation. The 40 most distressed counties are designated as Tier 1, the next 40 as Tier 2 and the 20 least distressed as Tier 3. This Tier system is incorporated into various state programs to encourage economic activity in the less prosperous areas of the state.

2018 County Tier Designations were published November 29, 2017

County Tiers are calculated using four factors:

•Average unemployment rate
•Median household income
•Percentage growth in population
•Adjusted property tax base per capita

The law governing County Tier status also further specifies automatic qualifying criteria for Tier One and Tier Two status: Tier One Automatic Qualifiers include:

•A county must be Tier 1 for at least two consecutive years
•A county with less than 12,000 people
•A county with a population less than 50,000 people AND a poverty rate of 19 percent or greater

Tier Two Automatic Qualifier:

•A county with a population less than 50,000 people

See the full list of tiers by county by downloading this PDF. [LINK]

Here is some information culled from the above-mentioned document and other locations on the NC Commerce website, with lower number rank indicating more economic distress (1 being most distressed and 100 being least distressed).
The numbers for Macon County are listed, followed by the numbers for the least and most distressed counties in North Carolina:

Adjusted Property
Tax Base Per Capita
FY 2016-2017

$228,464
Rank 97 

Dare County ranked 100th with $378, 627 Adjusted Property Tax Base Per Capita and Robeson County ranked 1st with $46, 493 Adjusted Property Tax Base Per Capita.

---

Population Growth
(July 2013-July 2016)

Percent change +2.78%
Rank 71 

Brunswick County ranked 100th with 10.44% population growth and Halifax County ranked 1st with 3.17% population loss. 35 counties in North Carolina saw a net loss in population from July 2013 to July 2016.

---

Median Household Income
(2015)

Income $41,395
Rank 48 

Union County ranked 100th with a median income of $71,690 and Halifax County ranked 1st with $31,952 for a median income.

---

Unemployment
12 Month Average
(Oct 16-Sept 17)

Rate 4.87%
Rank 47 

Buncombe County ranked 100th at 3.56% unemployment and Hyde County ranked 1st with 9.22% unemployment.

---

County Rank Sum
(Lower is more distressed)
263

Economic Distress Rank
(#1 is most distressed)
Rank 73 

Chatham County had an economic distress rank of 100 with a Sum of 371 and Edgecombe County had an economic distress rank of 1 with a sum of 14.

---

Population
(July 2016)

35,047

Poverty Rate
(5-year 2011-2016)

19.1% 

Camden County had the lowest poverty rate with 7.9% of the population in poverty and Robeson County had the highest poverty rate with 31.6% of the population living in poverty.

---

Here are the Tier Rankings for Macon County from 2007-2018 (numbers before 2007 are not on the NC Commerce website).

2018 Tier 1
2017 Tier 1
2016 Tier 1
2015 Tier 1
2014 Tier 2
2013 Tier 2
2012 Tier 2
2011 Tier 2
2010 Tier 2
2009 Tier 2
2008 Tier 2
2007 Tier 2

---

Here is the Press Release:


PRESS RELEASE
NC Dept of Commerce
November 29, 2017

Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Commerce released the county tier designations for 2018 today. The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.

Using a formula outlined in General Statue §143B-437.08, N.C. Commerce gathers required statistics for each of North Carolina’s 100 counties, applies the formula and required adjustments, and assigns a tier designation ranking from one to three. Tier 1 counties are generally the most economically distressed and Tier 3 counties are generally the least economically distressed.

The rankings are based on an assessment of each county’s unemployment rate, median household income, population growth, and assessed property value per capita. In addition, any county with a population of less than 12,000 or a county with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents with 19 percent or more of those people living below the federal poverty level are automatically classified as Tier 1. The law calls for 40 counties to be designated as Tier 1, 40 counties to be designated as Tier 2, and 20 counties to be designated Tier 3.

Six counties will change tier designations for 2018. Lenoir and Perquimans will shift from a Tier 2 to a Tier 1 ranking. Forsyth County will change from a Tier 3 to a Tier 2 ranking. Beaufort and Caldwell counties will move from Tier 1 to Tier 2 status. Granville County will shift from Tier 2 to Tier 3.

Tier designations determine eligibility for a number of different grant programs that N.C. Commerce administers including building reuse, water and sewer infrastructure, and the downtown revitalization Main Street program. Tier designations also play a role in the state’s performance-based Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program, serving as a mechanism to channel funds for infrastructure improvements to less populated areas of the state.

For more information about the tier designation system visit:
nccommerce.com/research-publications/incentive-reports/county-tier-designations



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

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

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

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



Posted at 12:57 pm on November 30, 2017

Be kind to one another.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, November 30, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will approach the area and increase rain chances through early Friday. Dry high pressure will return Sunday into Monday. A stronger cold front will approach our region by the middle of next week.


WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for November 30th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 73°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1970
Lowest Temperature 7°F in Franklin in 1959
Greatest Rainfall 1.57 inches in Highlands in 2006
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 0.5 inches in Franklin in 1876


Record weather events for November in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Nov 4, 2003
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands on Nov 25, 1950
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands on Nov 29, 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands on Nov 28, 1922


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Mostly cloudy with highs ranging t=from the mid to upper 50s in the higher elevations and the mid-60s in the lower elevations and winds out of the west. 30% chance of rain, mainly after 2 pm. Rainfall accumulations of less than a tenth of an inch is expected.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with patchy fog expected to form after 10 pm. Lows in the low to mid-40s and variable light winds. 50% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected overnight.



FRIDAY

Mostly sunny with highs ranging from the mid to upper 50s in the higher elevations to the low to mid-60s in the lower elevations. Winds out of the northwest.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 30s in the higher elevations and the lower 40s in the lower elevations. Winds are expected to be calm.



SATURDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the 50s. 20% chance of showers.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with highs ranging from the upper 50s in the higher elevations to the lower 60s in the lower elevations.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends today.

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
100 AM EST Thu Nov 30 2017

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

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


MACON CALENDAR

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


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:55 a.m.
Sunrise 7:23 a.m.
Sun transit 12:22 p.m.
Sunset 5:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 5:49 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 3:40 a.m.
Moonrise 3:33 p.m.
Moon transit 10:06 p.m.
Moonset 4:47 a.m. tomorrow


Phase of the Moon on November 30, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 88% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on December 3, 2017 at 10:47 a.m. (local standard time)



Sky Guides for this week

I took some epic photos of the solar eclipse, but have not yet had time to process them. I will be producing material from the photos and video for sale as a fundraiser for Macon Media. --Bobby

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

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

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

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



Posted at 2:55 am on November 30, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, November 29, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will approach the area on Thursday and increase rain chances through early Friday. Dry high pressure is likely to return Sunday into Monday. Expect a stronger cold front to approach our region in the middle of next week.


WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for November 29th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 74°F in Franklin in 1970
Lowest Temperature 5°F in Highlands in 1922
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands in 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 2.0 inches in Highlands in 1963


Record weather events for November in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Nov 4, 2003
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands on Nov 25, 1950
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands on Nov 29, 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands on Nov 28, 1922


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Sunny with highs in the 50s in the higher elevations and the lower 60s in the lower elevations. Winds out of the west. Relative humidity levels will dip below 30% for most of the afternoon, so be careful if you plan to burn outdoors.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with increasing clouds, becoming mostly cloudy before midnight.



THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the 50s and winds out of the south. Rain chances start out at 10% at 6 am and reach 30% by 6 pm.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows ranging from the upper 30s in the higher elevations and the lower 40s in the lower elevations. Winds out of the southwest. Rain chances peak at 50% around midnight. Total rainfall for this event should be less than a quarter of an inch.



FRIDAY

Partly sunny early, with decreasing clouds, becoming mostly sunny before noon.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30th.

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
100 AM EST Wed Nov 29 2017

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

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


MACON CALENDAR

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


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:54 a.m.
Sunrise 7:22 a.m.
Sun transit 12:22 p.m.
Sunset 5:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 5:49 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 2:36 a.m.
Moonrise 2:56 p.m.
Moon transit 9:14 p.m.
Moonset 3:40 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on November 29, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 79% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on November 26, 2017 at 12:03 p.m. (local standard time)



Sky Guides for this week

I took some epic photos of the solar eclipse, but have not yet had time to process them. I will be producing material from the photos and video for sale as a fundraiser for Macon Media. --Bobby

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

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

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

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



Posted at 3:26 am on November 29, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, November 28, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Videos of the Christmas Tree lighting, the Candlelight Service at the Nativity, and the Christmas Parade are on the blog. [LINK]


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure will persist over the region through Wednesday. A cold front will approach the area on Thursday and bring a chance of rain until the front passes early Friday. The front may stall over the lower piedmont into the early part of the weekend, but with dry high pressure likely returning Sunday into Monday.


WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for November 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 74°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2001
Lowest Temperature 4°F in Highlands in 1903
Greatest Rainfall 4.13 inches in Franklin in 1948
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands in 1922


Record weather events for November in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Nov 4, 2003
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands on Nov 25, 1950
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands on Nov 29, 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands on Nov 28, 1922


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Sunny with highs in the 50 and winds 5 to 10 mph from the south.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the 30s and winds out of the west.



WEDNESDAY

Sunny with highs in the 50s and near 60 in the lower elevations. Winds out of the northwest.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows ranging from the 30s to near 40 and winds out of the southwest.



THURSDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the 50s. 40% chance of showers.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the 30s. 40% chance of showers.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30th.

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
100 AM EST Tue Nov 28 2017

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

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


MACON CALENDAR

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


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:53 a.m.
Sunrise 7:21 a.m.
Sun transit 12:22 p.m.
Sunset 5:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 5:50 p.m.

Moon

Moonset 1:34 a.m.
Moonrise 2:21 p.m.
Moon transit 8:25 p.m.
Moonset 2:36 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on November 28, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 70% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on November 26, 2017 at 12:03 p.m. (local standard time)



Sky Guides for this week

I took some epic photos of the solar eclipse, but have not yet had time to process them. I will be producing material from the photos and video for sale as a fundraiser for Macon Media. --Bobby

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

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

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

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



Posted at 3:35 am on November 28, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

2017 Candlelight Service and Franklin Christmas Parade

The Christmas Season officially began in Franklin this past weekend with the Town Christmas Tree being lit, the Candlelight Service at the Franklin Merchants Nativity Scene and the Franklin Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade taking place. Video of these events is posted below.


Christmas Tree Lighting and Candlelight Service





Franklin Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade


DAY SPONSOR

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

crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

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

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

time posted 11:35 am on 11-27-2017

Remember to be kind to one another.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, November 27, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Cool and dry high pressure will build over the region and persist into midweek. A cold front will approach the area on Thursday and bring increased rain chances for the end of the work week. Dry high-pressure returns for next weekend.


DAY SPONSOR

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

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

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


WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for November 27th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 71°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1990
Lowest Temperature 3°F in Highlands in 1903
Greatest Rainfall 2.84 inches in Highlands in 1984
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 0.8 inches in Highlands in 1950


Record weather events for November in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Nov 4, 2003
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands on Nov 25, 1950
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands on Nov 29, 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands on Nov 28, 1922


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Sunny with highs in the 50s and winds out of the south.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near freezing and winds from the south before midnight and shifting to come out of the west after midnight.



TUESDAY

Sunny with highs ranging from the upper 50s in the higher elevations and the lower 60s (!) in the lower elevations. Winds out of the west shifting to come out of the southwest in the afternoon.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s and winds out of the southeast.



WEDNESDAY

Partly sunny highs in the 50s. 40% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the 30s. 40% chance of rain showers.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30th.

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
100 AM EST Mon Nov 27 2017

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

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


MACON CALENDAR

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


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:53 a.m.
Sunrise 7:20 a.m.
Sun transit 12:21 p.m.
Sunset 5:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 5:50 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 12:35 a.m.
Moonrise 1:47 p.m.
Moon transit 7:38 p.m.
Moonset 1:34 a.m. tomorrow


Phase of the Moon on November 27, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 60% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on November 26, 2017 at 12:03 p.m. (local standard time)



Sky Guides for this week

I took some epic photos of the solar eclipse, but have not yet had time to process them. I will be producing material from the photos and video for sale as a fundraiser for Macon Media. --Bobby

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

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

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

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



Posted at 2:50 am on November 27, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, November 26, 2017

Weekend Weather Briefing
Sunday, November 26, 2017

Outlook

Cool and dry high pressure will build over the region and persist into the middle of next week. A cold front will approach the area on Thursday and bring increased rain chances for the end of the work week.

LOCAL NEWS

The annual Christmas tree lighting and Candlelight Service was held last night in Franklin. Video and photos will be posted sometime Monday.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.

Today

Sunny with highs ranging from the upper 40s in the higher elevations and the lower 50s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest, gusting to 30 mph this morning. Winds should peak in

the late afternoon and decrease by 9 pm tonight.

Tonight

Clear with lows near 30 and winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph before midnight, then light winds after midnight.

Monday

Sunny with highs in the 50s and winds out of the north before noon and shifting to come out of the southwest in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Clear with lows in the 30s and winds out of the southeast.

Hazardous Weather

Hazardous weather is not expected today.



time posted 4:30 am on November 26, 2017

Be kind to one another.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, November 25, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure will remain across the region during the next couple of days. A fast-moving cold front may bring a few showers by Saturday. Another area of dry high pressure builds in after the front and will persist into the middle of next week. Temperatures will remain in the normal seasonal range through the end of the coming week.


WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for November 25th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 76°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1973
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands in 1950
Greatest Rainfall 2.64 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1964
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 3.0 inches in Nantahala in 1939


Record weather events for November in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Nov 4, 2003
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands on Nov 25, 1950
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands on Nov 29, 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands on Nov 28, 1922


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the 50s and winds stating out light from the northwest and increasing through the day, reaching 10 to 15 mph from the northwest in the afternoon, gusting to 25 mph.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near freezing and winds 10 to 15 mph from the northwest, gusting into the 30 mph range.


SUNDAY

Sunny with highs ranging from the upper 40s in the higher elevations and the lower 50s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph from the northwest, gusting into the 25 mph range. Winds should decrease in the afternoon hours.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the 20s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the north.



MONDAY

Sunny with highs in the 50s.

MONDAY NIGHT

Clear with lows in the 30s.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected. It will be a bit breezy today.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30th.

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
100 AM EST Sat Nov 25 2017

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

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


MACON CALENDAR

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


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:51 a.m.
Sunrise 7:18 a.m.
Sun transit 12:21 p.m.
Sunset 5:23 p.m.
End civil twilight 5:50 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 12:37 p.m.
Moon transit 6:05 p.m.
Moonset 11:37 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on November 25, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 40% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on November 26, 2017 at 12:03 p.m. (local standard time)



Sky Guides for this week

I took some epic photos of the solar eclipse, but have not yet had time to process them. I will be producing material from the photos and video for sale as a fundraiser for Macon Media. --Bobby

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

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

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

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



Posted at 3:10 am on November 25, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, November 24, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure will remain across the region during the next couple of days. A fast-moving cold front may bring a few showers by Saturday. Another area of dry high pressure builds in after the front and will persist into the middle of next week.


WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for November 24th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 77°F in Franklin in 1973
Lowest Temperature 3°F in Franklin in 1970
Greatest Rainfall 2.56 inches in Highlands in 1983
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 4.0inches in Highlands in 1981


Record weather events for November in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Nov 4, 2003
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands on Nov 25, 1950
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands on Nov 29, 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands on Nov 28, 1922


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Sunny with highs in the 50s and winds out of the southwest.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows ranging from the upper 20s in the higher elevations to the mid-30s in the the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the west.



SATURDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the 50s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest. Slight chance of a passing shower in the afternoon.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near freezing and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest.



SUNDAY

Sunny with highs ranging from the upper 40s in the higher elevations and the low to mid-50s in the lower elevations.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near the mid-20s in the higher elevations and near 30 in the lower elevations.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30th.

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
100 AM EST Fri Nov 24 2017

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

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


MACON CALENDAR

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


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:50 a.m.
Sunrise 7:17 a.m.
Sun transit 12:20 p.m.
Sunset 5:23 p.m.
End civil twilight 5:51 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 11:59 a.m.
Moon transit 5:18 p.m.
Moonset 10:41 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on November 24, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 31% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on November 26, 2017 at 12:03 p.m. (local standard time)



Sky Guides for this week

I took some epic photos of the solar eclipse, but have not yet had time to process them. I will be producing material from the photos and video for sale as a fundraiser for Macon Media. --Bobby

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

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

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

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



Posted at 3:43 am on November 24, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More