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

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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

List of Maconians Running for Office in the 2018 Midterms





**update 4:00 pm** The State Board of Elections has processed the filings in the Federal and State Office Races. The other candidates that Maconians can vote for are listed below. The 2018 primary will be on May 8th:


FEDERAL OFFICES

NC-11 (US House, 11th District of North Carolina)

Democrat Primary

Phillip G Price, filed on 2-12, lives in McDowell County
D Scott Donaldson, filed on 2-19, lives in Henderson County
Steve Woodsmall, filed on 2-23, lives in Transylvania County

Republican Primary

Mark Meadows, filed on 2-12, lives in Henderson County (incumbent)
Chuck Archerd, filed on 2-28, lives in Buncombe County

Libertarian (no primary)

Clifton B Ingram, Jr, filed on 2-23, lives in Jackson County


STATE OFFICES

NC Senate, District 50

Jim Davis, filed as a Republican on 2-21, lives in Macon County (incumbent)
Bobby Kuppers, filed as a Democrat on 2-21, lives in Macon County


NC House, District 120

Kevin Corbin, filed as a Republican on 2-12, lives in Macon County
Aaron Martin, filed as a Democrat on 2-27, lives in Clay County

District Attorney, District 43

Ashley H Welch, filed as a Republican on 2-16, lives in Macon County


Filing for partisan offices has closed.

Here are the list of Maconians running for office:

Candidates who filed to run in Macon County

NC Senate District 50

Jim Davis, Republican, filed on 2-16
Bobby Kuppers, Democrat, filed on 2-21

NC House District 120

Kevin Corbin, Republican, filed on 2-12

Clerk of Superior Court

Vic Perry, Democrat, filed on 2-12

Register of Deeds

Todd Raby, Democrat, filed on 2-12
Linda Herman, Republican, filed 2-28

Board of Commissioners, District 1 

(CORRECTION: there will be a primary in this race)

Jimmy Tate, Republican, filed 2-13
John Shearl, Republican, filed 2-28

Board of Commissioners, District 2 (the two top vote getters will be seated)

Ronnie Beale, Democrat, filed 2-12
Gary Shields, Republican, filed 2-12
Ron Haven, Republican, filed 2-26
Betty Cloer Wallace, Democrat, filed 2-28


Sheriff

Bryan Carpenter, Unaffiliated, filed 2-12 Sheriff by Petition
Robert Holland, Republican, filed 2-12
Eric Giles, Democrat, filed 2-21

The Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, February 28, 2018





LOCAL OUTLOOK

A deep and moist southerly flow of air will be in place ahead of the next cold front which arrives Thursday afternoon. Strong low pressure moves off the East Coast on Friday helping to produce windy conditions for our area. Dry high pressure will settle to our north over the weekend.

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:



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 February 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1944
Lowest Temperature 6°F in Highlands in 1963
Greatest Rainfall 4.00 inches in Highlands 1913
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Nantahala in 1982

Record weather events for February in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 28, 1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on Feb 13, 1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 13, 1966
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on Feb 14, 1912



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY Rain chances increase

Rainy and cloudy with light winds out of the southeast in the morning and early afternoon with a shift to come out of the south in late afternoon. Rain chances near 50% at 6 am and near 80% by noon. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.

TONIGHT Rain, heavy at times

Patchy fog overnight, cloudy with lows near 50. Winds shifting from the south to the southwest after midnight. 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches expected.



THURSDAY Heavy Rain and Increasing Winds

Cloudy with patchy dense fog in the morning. Highs ranging from near 60 to the lower 60s. Winds 5 to 15 mph out of the southwest, gusting to the 25 mph range in the lower elevations and up to 35 mph in the higher elevations. 80% chance of rain, mainly before 2 pm. Rainfall amounts between half and three-quarters of an inch expected.

THURSDAY NIGHT Rain Ends and Winds Blow

Partly cloudy with decreasing clouds to become mostly clear by 6 am. Lows ranging from near freezing to the mid-30s. Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the northwest, with gusts ranging from 25 to 35 mph. The higher values will be on the ridges and mountaintops.



FRIDAY Winds Peak Before Noon, Then Gradually Decrease

Sunny with highs in the 50s. Winds starting out 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest and peaking at 10 to 15 mph out of the northwest with gusts ranging from 25 to 30 mph in the lower elevations to 35 to 40 mph in the higher elevations at around 10 am to noon. Winds will steadily decrease to 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest and gusting in the 20 to 25 mph range by 6 pm.

FRIDAY NIGHT Decreasing Winds

Mostly clear with lows near 30.




GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
11:27 pm to 02:37 am



HAZARDS

Heavy is possible today, so be on the lookout for excessive water in the roadways that may lead to hydroplaning if you exceed safe travel speeds for these conditions today and tomorrow. Moderate flooding may be possible tomorrow in low lying areas and locations with poor drainage. High winds are also in the forecast for Friday. Trees and limbs could fall on power lines, leading to scattered power outages.


NWS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..WEDNESDAY...Heavy rain possible. Widespread showers are expected to spread across the southwest NC mountains Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday with moderate to locally heavy rain.

..THURSDAY...Heavy rain possible.

..FRIDAY...High winds possible. In the wake of a cold front, strong and gusty winds will develop late Thursday night and persist into the day Friday. High elevations of the mountains may experience gusts above 50 mph.

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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
1:57 am



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.




Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!




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 6:39 a.m.
Sunrise 7:04 a.m.
Sun transit 12:46 p.m.
Sunset 6:28 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:54 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 6:10 a.m.
Moonrise 5:11 p.m.
Moon transit 12:06 a.m. tomorrow morning
Moonset 6:54 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on February 28, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 98% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 1, 2018 at 7:51 p.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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 February 28, 2018

#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. 

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, February 27, 2018




LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure will be in control of our weather today then move off the mid-Atlantic. A southerly flow develops on the western periphery of the high on Wednesday bringing deep moisture back over our area. Another cold front is expected to move through the forecast area on Thursday. Strong low pressure moving out over the Atlantic on Friday with dry high pressure to our west will give our region windy conditions on Friday.

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:



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 February 27th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 76°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1944
Lowest Temperature 0°F in Franklin in 1963
Greatest Rainfall 2.80 inches in Highlands 1913
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 11.0 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1982

Record weather events for February in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 28, 1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on Feb 13, 1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 13, 1966
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on Feb 14, 1912



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Sunny skies with highs ranging from the mid-50s at the higher elevations to near 60 in the lower elevations. Calm winds in the morning and winds from the southeast in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Increasing clouds with lows near 40 and winds out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain, mainly after midnight. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are expected.



WEDNESDAY

Mostly cloudy skies with highs ranging from the lower 50s at the higher elevations to the mid-50s in the lower elevations. Winds out of the southeast. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows near 50. Calm winds before midnight and winds from the southwest after midnight. Near 100% chance of rain with thunderstorms possible after 3 am or so.



THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs near 60 and around 80% chance of rain, mainly before 3 pm or so.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows ranging from the mid-30s at the higher elevations to the upper 30s in the lower elevations. A few locations in the higher elevations could see below freezing temperatures and very brief flurries. No accumulation is expected. Rain is expected to end before 7pm.



GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
11:37 pm to 02:32 am



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today. The National Weather Service Office in Greer, South Carolina has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the possibility of a high wind event that may knock down trees and cause scattered to widespread power outages on Firday. It is also posted below for your convenience and to allow you some time to prepare.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..FRIDAY...High winds possible. In the wake of a cold front, strong and gusty winds are expected during the day Friday.


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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
2:32 am



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.




Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!




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 6:40 a.m.
Sunrise 7:06 a.m.
Sun transit 12:46 p.m.
Sunset 6:27 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:53 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 5:20 a.m.
Moonrise 4:02 p.m.
Moon transit 11:09 p.m.
Moonset 6:10 a.m. tomorrow


Phase of the Moon on February 27, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 93% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 1, 2018 at 7:51 p.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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 February 27, 2018

#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. 

Monday, February 26, 2018

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, February 26, 2018





LOCAL OUTLOOK

A nearly stationary front lingers across our region today before being pushed south over Florida tonight with dry high pressure making a brief appearance. As the high pressure moves east over the Atlantic, a southerly flow brings moisture to our area Wednesday. Another cold front arrives on Thursday bringing the possibility of a few storms. Strong low-pressure north of our region on Friday will bring windy conditions on Friday as drier, cooler weather arrives in time for the 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:



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 February 26th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 77°F in Franklin in 1977
Lowest Temperature 3°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1967
Greatest Rainfall 4.25 inches in Highlands 1899
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.5 inches in Franklin in 2015

Record weather events for February in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 28, 1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on Feb 13, 1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 13, 1966
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on Feb 14, 1912



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Foggy in the morning. Mostly cloudy until late in the afternoon. Calm winds in the morning, the from the northwest in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the upper 50s at the higher elevations to the lower 60s in the lower elevations. 80% chance of rain, mainly before noon. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch are expected.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog overnight. Mostly clear with lows ranging from the mid-30s at the higher elevations to the upper 30s in the lower elevations. North winds becoming calm before midnight.



TUESDAY

Sunny with highs ranging from the upper 50s at the higher elevations to the lower 60s in the lower elevations. Variable light winds early increasing to 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast by midmorning.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows around 40 and light winds out of the southeast. 50% chance of rain, mainly after midnight.



WEDNESDAY

Cloudy with highs ranging from the lower 50s at the higher elevations to the mid-50s in the lower elevations. 80% chance of rain, mainly after 9 am.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows around 50. Near 100% chance of rain.



GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
[loop not available at publish time]



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected 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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
2:17 am



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.


Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!




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 6:41 a.m.
Sunrise 7:07 a.m.
Sun transit 12:46 p.m.
Sunset 6:26 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:52 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 4:25 a.m.
Moonrise 2:55 p.m.
Moon transit 10:09 p.m.
Moonset 5:20 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on February 26, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 85% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 1, 2018 at 7:51 p.m.


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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 3:15 am on February 26, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, February 25, 2018




HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK [5:05 AM UPDATE]


A line of showers, with a few embedded thunderstorms, will move across the mountains this morning. Gusty winds will accompany this line of showers, with a few wind gusts perhaps as high as 40 mph. The winds may be strong enough to knock down a few tree limbs. A few cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are also possible, along with brief heavy downpours of rain.

BILLY GRAHAM MOTORCADE TRAVELS TO CHARLOTTE

The late Reverend Billy Graham's body was moved from The Cove in Buncombe County to Charlotte yesterday. A video of the entire motorcade from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has been embedded below, along with a couple of shorter videos from observers. For more information on the life of Billy Graham, visit the memorial website. [LINK]





Black Mountain



Motorcade Arrives at Billy Graham Library




LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will slowly cross the region today and reach the east coast by Monday morning. Cooler and drier air will settle southward behind the front on Tuesday before moisture rapidly returns to the area mid to late week. Cooler and drier high pressure returns next weekend.

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:



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 February 24th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 77°F in Highlands in 1930
Lowest Temperature -5°F in Highlands in 1967
Greatest Rainfall 6.20 inches in Franklin 1875
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 8.0 inches in Highlands in 1894

Record weather events for February in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 28, 1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on Feb 13, 1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 13, 1966
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on Feb 14, 1912



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Cloudy and rainy with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the south becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts ranging from a tenth of an inch to half an inch.

TONIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s. Some locations in the lower elevations may stay above 50. Winds are expected to be light and variable. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch are expected.



MONDAY

Cloudy early, then mostly sunny skies. Highs in the low-to-mid 60s. Calm winds early, the from the northwest as the skies clear off. 60% chance of rain, mainly in the morning with amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch expected.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows dipping into the mid-30s at the higher elevations and the upper 30s in the lower elevations. Winds out of the north before midnight, then calming.



TUESDAY

Sunny with highs in the low to mid-60s.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the low-to-mid 40s. 30% chance of rain, mainly after 3 am.





GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
11:37 pm to 02:32 am



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected 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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
2:27 am



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.




Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!




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 6:43 a.m.
Sunrise 7:08 a.m.
Sun transit 12:47 p.m.
Sunset 6:25 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:51 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 3:25 a.m.
Moonrise 1:53 p.m.
Moon transit 9:09 p.m.
Moonset 4:25 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on February 25, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 76% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on February 23, 2018 at 3:09 a.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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 3:09 am on February 25, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Weekend Weather Briefing for Saturday, February 24, 2018





LOCAL OUTLOOK

Very warm conditions will continue into the weekend. A cold front will slowly cross the area Sunday into Monday, bringing greater chances of showers and a few thunderstorms with it. Drier and cooler high pressure will settle over the region Tuesday.

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:



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

Mostly cloudy with highs ranging from the mid-to-upper 60s at the higher elevations to the lower 70s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the south. 20% chance of rain.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows ranging from the mid-50s at the higher elevations to the upper 50s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest. 70% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

SUNDAY

Cloudy and rainy with highs ranging from the lower 60s at the higher elevations to the mid-60s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest. 60% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows ranging from the mid-40s at the higher elevations to around 50 in the lower elevations. Light winds out of the southwest. 70% chance of rain.

MONDAY

Partly sunny skies with highs in the 60s. 40% chance of rain, mainly before 2 pm.

MONDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s.



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected 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




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.



FUNDRAISER FOR ROBOTICS GROUP

Fundraiser for Macon County STEM's First Robotics group, on Sunday, Feb 25th 1pm - 5pm at The Rathskeller Coffee Haus in Franklin. For a recommended minimum donation of $5, come enjoy an afternoon of board games (old favorites and new!), with snacks available for purchase and prize giveaways. A fun way to support the students of FHS and MEC in the "Makin' Bots" group, who will be traveling to competitions next month with their robot!

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!




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.




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 3:37 am on February 24, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Friday, February 23, 2018

Video Update on the Construction at the old Town Bridge



Construction on the bridge to replace the old town bridge is not entering a phase where daily progress will be easier to see as the actual bridge itself is being built across the Little Tennessee River. The target date for completion is still July 15, 2018. Some photos and a couple of videos of the construction that took place on Thursday, February 22, 2018 is posted below.



Time Lapse of Concrete Girder Installation





Detail of a Concrete Girder being installed




Photos









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

Published at 3:40 pm on February 23, 2018












Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, February 23, 2018





LOCAL OUTLOOK

Warm and moist conditions will continue into the weekend until a cold front moves through on Sunday. Showers will then linger Sunday into Monday before dry high pressure builds in on Tuesday.

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:



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 February 23rd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 75°F in Franklin in 1980
Lowest Temperature 3°F in Highlands in 1939
Greatest Rainfall 2.89 inches in Highlands 1994
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 3.5 inches in Highlands in 1989

Record weather events for February in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 28, 1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on Feb 13, 1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 13, 1966
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on Feb 14, 1912



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs ranging from the lower 70s at the higher elevations to the mid-70s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the south. 20% chance of rain, mainly in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog developing overnight. Mostly cloudy with lows ranging from the lower 50s at the higher elevation to the mid-50s in the lower elevations. Light winds out of the southeast. 30% chance of light showers, with the best chance after midnight. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.



SATURDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs ranging from the mid-60s at the higher elevations to near 70 in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows ranging from the mid-50s at the higher elevations to the upper 50s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest. 70% chance of rain.

[Image not available at publish time]

SUNDAY

Showers before 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Highs in the 60s. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

SUNDAY NIGHT

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the 40s.




GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
11:57 pm to 2:52 am



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected 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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
2:42 am



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.



FUNDRAISER FOR ROBOTICS GROUP

Fundraiser for Macon County STEM's First Robotics group, on Sunday, Feb 25th 1pm - 5pm at The Rathskeller Coffee Haus in Franklin. For a recommended minimum donation of $5, come enjoy an afternoon of board games (old favorites and new!), with snacks available for purchase and prize giveaways. A fun way to support the students of FHS and MEC in the "Makin' Bots" group, who will be traveling to competitions next month with their robot!

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!




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 6:45 a.m.
Sunrise 7:10 a.m.
Sun transit 12:47 p.m.
Sunset 6:24 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:49 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 1:17 a.m.
Moonrise 12:06 p.m.
Moon transit 7:11 p.m.
Moonset 2:21 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on February 23, 2018: First Quarter at 3:09 a.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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 February 23, 2018

#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.