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Friday, August 31, 2018

HCA Enters Into Agreement to Purchase Mission Health Subject to Review by NC Attorney General




PRESS RELEASE
Mission Health
Asheville, NC


Purchase agreement ensures access to high quality care for everyone in western North Carolina and provides exceptional protections for rural communities; Creates largest per capita foundation in America

ASHEVILLE, NC – August 31, 2018 -- Mission Health's Board of Directors announced today that Mission Health and HCA Healthcare (HCA) have entered into a definitive agreement for HCA to acquire Mission Health. The Agreement will be sent to the North Carolina Attorney General for applicable regulatory review.

As part of its normal regulatory review process, the attorney general will evaluate any effect the transaction could have on market competition, whether HCA Healthcare is paying a fair price for the acquisition and how proceeds resulting from the sale will continue to benefit western North Carolina.

The proceeds of the sale combined with Mission Health’s remaining cash and investments – after all debts and obligations have been paid – will ultimately be transferred to the newly formed Dogwood Health Trust whose sole mission is to dramatically improve the health and well-being of all people and communities of western North Carolina.

“From the very beginning, Mission Health’s Board worked diligently and continually to ensure that the very best path was selected for the people of western North Carolina and to make certain that our community has access to high quality, effective and compassionate care for generations to come,” said Mission Health Board Chair John R. Ball, MD, JD. “After completing due diligence and finalizing definitive agreements that have significant protections for our rural communities, we are convinced that HCA Healthcare is the right and best choice for western North Carolina and Mission’s team members, providers and patients. It is heartening to share that every single Mission Health member entity Board voted unanimously to approve this transaction.”

“Mission Health has an impressive, more than 130-year tradition of caring for communities throughout western North Carolina and we are delighted to have finalized our agreements so 2 that we can help continue their legacy,” said Milton Johnson, HCA Healthcare’s chairman and CEO. “As a healthcare provider founded by physicians 50 years ago ourselves, we share Mission Health’s focus on excellence and we look forward to investing in western North Carolina to improve the health of the region.” Mission Health will continue to be managed locally while HCA Healthcare brings its significant capabilities in operations, capital access, clinical trials, research, predictive modeling, analytics and more to augment Mission Health’s existing capabilities. HCA Healthcare Behavioral Health Services is one of the nation’s largest acute care psychiatric providers. HCA Healthcare also brings a strong track record of assisting older adults in meeting their unique healthcare needs, and their system not only includes advanced geriatric care but also supports specialized geriatric emergency services and programs tailored to healthy aging.

“HCA’s Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute has been the clinical trial leader in the majority of approved cancer therapies in the last decade and roughly 60% (106 of 177) of HCA Healthcare’s hospitals are on The Joint Commission’s list of Top Performers,” said John W. Garrett, MD, Vice Chair of the Mission Health Board. “Also, we know how essential nurses are in delivering high quality, compassionate care; ten HCA Healthcare hospitals rank among only eight percent of hospitals nationwide that are Magnet-designated indicating the highest quality of nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice.”

HCA Healthcare has agreed to pay approximately $1.5 billion for the assets of the Mission Health system. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, nearly all Mission Health facilities and clinics will become part of HCA Healthcare while continuing to operate under the Mission brand. Importantly, HCA has committed to maintaining key clinical services for at least five years and keeping open all rehabilitation and acute-care hospitals for a minimum of 10 years, other than St. Joseph’s Hospital which was already planned for transition. Likewise, HCA has agreed not to sell any rehabilitation or acute-care hospital for a minimum

Further, HCA Healthcare has committed to $430 million over five years in capital expenditures which includes the completion of the Mission Hospital for Advanced Medicine, building a replacement hospital for Angel Medical Center and building a new Behavioral Health hospital. Additionally, HCA will contribute $25 million, that when combined with a matching $25 million contribution from Mission Health, will create a $50 million innovation fund to invest in businesses providing innovations in health care delivery that benefit the people of western North Carolina.

“HCA Healthcare looks forward to providing high quality services to the residents of western North Carolina,” said Chuck Hall, President of HCA’s National Group. “I was delighted by my visits to western North Carolina, meeting with the terrific people there and touring so many wonderful facilities. Mission Health’s national reputation as a leader in clinical excellence and 3 patient-centered care is consistent with our focus on quality and safety. Mission will be an exceptional addition to the HCA Healthcare family.”

“The Mission Health Board has been steadfast in its desire to truly improve the health status of the people of western North Carolina. They believe that joining HCA Healthcare is an extraordinary opportunity to build upon Mission Health’s exceptional quality, ensure that every entity within Mission Health has significant protections that it lacks today and to create a remarkable foundation that intends to invest in the social determinants of health,” said Ronald A. Paulus, MD, President and CEO of Mission Health. “HCA Healthcare has a strong track record of enhancing its hospitals’ operations and a proven history of investing in the communities it serves. The fact that we have ensured unprecedented protections for our rural communities in western North Carolina, enabled a $50 million innovation fund and created the Dogwood Health Trust all demonstrate how this transaction will be transformative for our region.”

 To continue to stay informed, the public is encouraged to visit www.missionhealthforward.org.

ABOUT MISSION HEALTH Mission Health, based in Asheville, North Carolina, is the state’s sixth-largest health system. For the fifth time in the past six years, Mission Health has been named one of the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems by Truven Health Analytics, an IBM Company and part of IBM Watson Health in 2017. We are the only health system in North Carolina to achieve this recognition. Mission Health operates six hospitals, numerous outpatient and surgery centers, post-acute care provider CarePartners, long-term acute care provider Asheville Specialty Hospital, and the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. With approximately 12,000 team members and 2,000 volunteers, Mission Health is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina. For more information, please visit missionhealth.org or @MissionHealthNC.

ABOUT HCA HEALTHCARE (NYSE: HCA),

Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, operating 178 locally managed hospitals and approximately 1,800 sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. With its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare created a new model for hospital care in the United States, using combined resources to strengthen hospitals, deliver patient-focused care and improve the practice of medicine. HCA Healthcare has conducted a number of clinical studies, including one that demonstrated that full-term delivery is healthier than early elective delivery of babies and another that identified a clinical protocol that can reduce bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44 percent. HCA Healthcare is a learning healthcare system that uses its more than 28 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care and save lives. Please click here to connect with HCA Healthcare on social media.



# # #END PRESS RELEASE###


**11:07am** Here is a copy of an email sent to Mission Health Employees

Mission Health Team Members,

While much work remains, I am very pleased to announce that due diligence is now complete, our Boards have approved the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) and it will soon be sent to the North Carolina Attorney General for regulatory review. In fact, every single Mission entity unanimously approved the transaction without a single dissenting vote. Our Board decided that it was essential that we act to secure our future from a position of strength. In doing that, the Board has assured the very best transaction for western North Carolina.

This is also GREAT NEWS for our patients, team members and communities. I want to share with you some of the significant benefits for our region as a result of this transaction.

· HCA Healthcare agreed to pay approximately $1.5 billion for the assets of Mission Health system (excluding all cash, investment securities and debt). Because of Mission’s significant cash and securities, the ultimate benefit to the community is highly likely to significantly exceed $1.5 billion.

· It is HCA’s intention to preserve and grow Mission Health’s ability to deliver world-class care for generations to come.

· HCA has committed to maintaining clinical services for at least five years andkeeping open all rehabilitation and acute-care hospitals, other than St. Joseph’s Hospital which was already planned for transition, for a minimum of 10 years. This protection does not exist today.

· HCA also has agreed not to sell any rehabilitation or acute-care hospital for a minimum of 10 years. This protection does not exist today.

· HCA has committed to the completion of the Mission Hospital for Advanced Medicine, building a replacement hospital for Angel Medical Center, and building a new Behavioral Health hospital for the system. Beyond even those large capital commitments, HCA has agreed to provide a minimum of an additional $232 million in capital investments.

· HCA will pay local and state property, sales, use and other taxes that will support our local community governments.

· HCA will pay local and state property, sales, use and other taxes that will benefit our local community governments, likely in excess of $15 million.

· HCA and Mission have each committed to contribute $25 million to create a $50 million innovation fund to invest in businesses providing innovations in the health care delivery that will benefit the residents of western North Carolina.

· A key outcome from this agreement will be the creation of the Dogwood Health Trust (DHT), a transformational foundation that will likely invest $75 million or more every year with a sole focus on dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of western North Carolina.

In terms of next steps, the Attorney General’s review process normally takes 60-120 days, meaning we should have a response by late fall or early winter. The sale will close on the last day of the month following the date that the Attorney General’s favorably completes its review process. On our end, we will now begin the integration planning process, which will provide an opportunity for our two organizations to learn from one another and identify how we can assure the best and strongest organization going forward.

We know that you will have many questions about what comes next, and as we’ve said from the beginning, we are committed to keeping you informed. Over the course of the next several weeks, you will be receiving additional information, access to special resources just for our team members, frequent updates via SCOPE, and more.

As always, your leader is your best resource for any questions you have. If there are questions your leader is not able to answer, you can emailHRDirectConnect@msj.org, or call HRDC at (828) 213-5600 to pose your question. Additionally, please continue to visit our dedicated websiteMissionHealthFowardwhere updates and information are be posted as they become available.

On behalf of the Mission Health Board of Directors, please accept our deep appreciation for your additional and extraordinary efforts during the due diligence process. We know this was frequently challenging as you continued your daily work, and you have contributed greatly to this outcome.

Most important, thank you for the contributions you make every day to our patients, our organization, and our communities. It is a testament to all of you that we were able to pursue and achieve such an outstanding course of action that will protect and serve the best interests of our people, patients and communities for generations to come.

Best Regards,

Ron

Ronald A. Paulus, MD
President and CEO
Mission Health System
Ron.Paulus@msj.org
(828) 213-1144



DAY SPONSOR

BioLite is underwriting Macon Media for today. Visit their online store at https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products?utm_campaign=ZombieApocalypse56 and use the code CHILLOUT and save 15% between now and September 3rd, 2018.

Labor Day Sale Terms & Conditions

15% offer valid 8/29/18 12:01 am ET - 9/3/18. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or used on any previous orders, shipping, or tax charges. Offer is non-transferable and value cannot be redeemed as cash. To redeem offer add products to the shopping cart and enter code: CHILLOUT at checkout. Offer excludes all 2018 products: SolarHome 620, SunLight, and FirePit.



CROWDFUNDING 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.



Become a Patron!

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.


Published at 3:40 am on August 31, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety





Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, August 31, 2018




Agenda Released for September 4th Franklin Town Council Meeting

The Franklin Town Council has released an agenda and agenda packet to the media for their regular September meeting. In the interest of promoting transparency in both local government and local media outlets, these documents have been posted on the blog for the public to read before the meeting. [LINK]


LOCAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

A strong upper-level ridge dominating the East Coast will weaken today, allowing a cold front to approach from the north. The front is expected to stall just north of the area. Then the upper ridge will build back over the eastern states this weekend and remain strong through most of next week.

DAY SPONSOR

BioLite is underwriting Macon Media for today. Visit their online store [LINK] and use the code CHILLOUT and save 15% between now and September 3rd, 2018.

Labor Day Sale Terms & Conditions

15% offer valid 8/29/18 12:01 am ET - 9/3/18. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or used on any previous orders, shipping, or tax charges. Offer is non-transferable and value cannot be redeemed as cash. To redeem offer add products to the shopping cart and enter code: CHILLOUT at checkout. Offer excludes all 2018 products: SolarHome 620, SunLight, and FirePit.


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. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your with your next project.

Weather Almanac for August 31st (1872-2016)
Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 93°F in Franklin in 1957
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1946
Greatest Rainfall 4.11 inches in Highlands in 1893

Record Weather Events for August (1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on August 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on August 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on August 13, 1940


WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm. 

[click on any image in this article to enlarge]
(These images replace the three-day forecast maps)





THREE DAY OUTLOOK



--------------------------------------

FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-80s. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog between 1am and 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s Calm wind.

SUNDAY

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s.

SUNDAY NIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s.


--------------------------------------

OTTO AREA

TODAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Calm wind.

SUNDAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 80s.

SUNDAY NIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s.



--------------------------------------

HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph.

SUNDAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s.

SUNDAY NIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.



--------------------------------------

NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog between 11pm and 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. South wind 3 to 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph in the evening.

SUNDAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s.

SUNDAY NIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s.



--------------------------------------



GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime, multispectral IR
12:22 am to 3:17 am this morning


HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not 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



GOES 16 - Band 15 - 12.3 µm - Dirty Longwave Window - IR (Precipitation)
3:22 am this morning

TROPICAL OUTLOOK




Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Fri Aug 31 2018

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

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Six, located a couple of hundred miles east-southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent.

1. A tropical wave is producing a large area of cloudiness and showers from Hispaniola eastward to the Leeward Islands and the adjacent waters. This activity is forecast to spread westward to west-northwestward, but strong upper-level winds are expected to prevent any significant development of this system during the next several days. Environmental conditions could become more conducive for some development when the system reaches the eastern Gulf of Mexico during the early to middle part of next week. Regardless of development, this system could produce enhanced rainfall across portions of Hispaniola, the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Florida into early next week.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...10 percent.

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.

Organizers of political events must make themselves available for a video interview at least 7 days before a political event they wish Macon Media to promote. Two weeks is the preferred time frame to maximize awareness.




Walk on the Greenway Scheduled for Saturday, Sept 8th

The Friends of the Greenway invites the community to participate in a "Walk on the Greenway" on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 2 PM beginning at the Butterfly Garden behind the Shops at RiverWalk on Highlands Road. Jason Love's walk will cover about a half mile, talking about the butterflies found on the Greenway. The highlight will be catching and releasing found butterflies. Jason is the site manager for the Coweeta Long Term Ecological Research Program located at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in Otto, NC. He has been studying butterflies for over 17 years and is a local authority. A $5 donation is suggested for this benefit walk. Send email of your interest in participating on the walk to: frog28734@gmail.com.

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.

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 7:05 a.m.
Sun transit 1:34 p.m.
Sunset 8:02 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:28 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 10:39 p.m. last night
Moon transit 5:10 a.m.
Moonset 11:48 a.m.
Moonrise 11:14 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on August 31, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 75% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Last Quarter on September 2, 2018 at 10:37 p.m. (local daylight 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]

CROWDFUNDING 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.


Become a Patron!

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.


Published at 3:40 am on August 31, 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, National Hurricane Center, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and the Weather Prediction Center.

Agenda Released for September 2018 Franklin Town Council Regular Meeting



The Franklin Town Council has released an agenda and agenda packet to the media for their regular September meeting. In the interest of promoting transparency in both local government and local media outlets, these documents have been posted below for the public to read before the meeting.

A separate article will be posted after the meeting with a video and supporting documents. A link will be added here.

DAY SPONSOR

BioLite is underwriting Macon Media for today. Visit their online store [LINK] and use the code CHILLOUT and save 15% between now and September 3rd, 2018.

Labor Day Sale Terms & Conditions

15% offer valid 8/29/18 12:01 am ET - 9/3/18. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or used on any previous orders, shipping, or tax charges. Offer is non-transferable and value cannot be redeemed as cash. To redeem offer add products to the shopping cart and enter code: CHILLOUT at checkout. Offer excludes all 2018 products: SolarHome 620, SunLight, and FirePit.



Public Agenda

Franklin Town Council
Agenda
September 04, 2018 | 6:00 p.m.


1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Approval of the August 6 and August 21, 2018 Town Council Minutes
4. Adoption of the September 4, 2018 Town Board Agenda
5. Public Hearing 6:05 p.m. for Text Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance
6. Public Session

7. New Business
A.) Board Action on Text Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance - Town Council
B.) Proclamation for Constitution Week - Mayor Bob Scott
C.) Proclamation for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month - Mayor Bob Scott
D.) Resolution for Mission and HCA - Mayor Bob Scott
E.) Resolution for Red Flag - Mayor Bob Scott
F.) Presentation from Non-Profit Funding Pool Applicants for FY 18-19 - Mayor Bob Scott
G.) Budget Amendments - Finance Officer Kyra Doster
H.) Tax Releases - Town Manager Summer Woodard
I.) Appointment of Matt Holland to the Tourism Development Authority Board - Town Manager Summer Woodard
J.) Re-Appointment of Peter Mosco to the Town Planning Board - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
K.) Re-Appointment of Sissy Pattillo to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board - Town Manager Summer Woodard
L.) Water Treatment Plant Synagro Contract - Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Engineer Nathanael Moore
M.) Discussion on Women’s History Trail Plaque Honoring Eloise Potts - Council Member Barbara McRae
N.) Discussion on Historic Preservation Site Survey - Council Member Barbara McRae
O.) Discussion on Main Street Parking - Council Member David Culpepper
P.) Discussion on Letter of Support for Women’s History Trail Sculpture - Council Member Barbara McRae
Q.) Discussion on Read2Me Story Walk at Memorial Park - Town Manager Summer Woodard
R.) Delegation of Voting Delegate for NCLM Conference 2018 - Town Manager Summer Woodard
S.) Street Closing Request for Centro Comunitario - Town Manager Summer Woodard

8. Legal
A.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Comprehensive Plan - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Delegation of Authority Regarding Town Polices - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.

9. Announcements
A.) Family Movie Night Friday September 7, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. movie will be Paddington 2
B.) Retirement Party for Public Works Director Jay Gibson Friday September 14, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
C.) Special Called Town Council Meeting to Discuss Non-Profits Monday September 24, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
D.) Joint Meeting with the Town of Highlands and Macon County Tuesday September 25, 2018 6:30 p.m. at the Springhouse in Highlands, NC

10. Adjournment



Agenda Packet





CROWDFUNDING 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.


Become a Patron!

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.


Published at 2:55 am on August 31, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety





Thursday, August 30, 2018

Update - Lowering of United States and North Carolina Flags in Honor of the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain

PRESS RELEASE
NCDOA Communications Office


In honor of the extended interment of U.S. Senator John McCain, the original flag alert issued by Governor Cooper on Monday will expand until Sunday. All United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities shall remain at half-staff until sunset September 2, 2018 in honor of the passing of military veteran and U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona.


"John McCain was a true American hero who served his country with honor throughout his life, and our nation has lost a great man," said Governor Cooper. "Our prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and served with him."

###END PRESS RELEASE###

Previous coverage [LINK]

DAY SPONSOR

BioLite is underwriting Macon Media for today. Visit their online store [LINK] and use the code CHILLOUT and save 15% between now and September 3rd, 2018.

Labor Day Sale Terms & Conditions

15% offer valid 8/29/18 12:01 am ET - 9/3/18. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or used on any previous orders, shipping, or tax charges. Offer is non-transferable and value cannot be redeemed as cash. To redeem offer add products to the shopping cart and enter code: CHILLOUT at checkout. Offer excludes all 2018 products: SolarHome 620, SunLight, and FirePit.


CROWDFUNDING 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.



Become a Patron!

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.


Published at 11:02 am on August 30, 2018





Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, August 30, 2018





Walk on the Greenway Scheduled for Saturday, Sept 8th

The Friends of the Greenway invites the community to participate in a "Walk on the Greenway" on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 2 PM beginning at the Butterfly Garden behind the Shops at RiverWalk on Highlands Road. Jason Love's walk will cover about a half mile, talking about the butterflies found on the Greenway. The highlight will be catching and releasing found butterflies. Jason is the site manager for the Coweeta Long Term Ecological Research Program located at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in Otto, NC. He has been studying butterflies for over 17 years and is a local authority. A $5 donation is suggested for this benefit walk. Send an email of your interest in participating in the walk to: frog28734@gmail.com.

LOCAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

A strong upper-level ridge will weaken through Friday. This will allow a cold front to approach from the north. The front is expected to stall just north of the area Friday. The upper ridge will then build back over the Southeast states this weekend through early next week.

DAY SPONSOR

BioLite is underwriting Macon Media for today. Visit their online store [LINK] and use the code CHILLOUT and save 15% between now and September 3rd, 2018.

Labor Day Sale Terms & Conditions

15% offer valid 8/29/18 12:01 am ET - 9/3/18. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or used on any previous orders, shipping, or tax charges. Offer is non-transferable and value cannot be redeemed as cash. To redeem offer add products to the shopping cart and enter code: CHILLOUT at checkout. Offer excludes all 2018 products: SolarHome 620, SunLight, and FirePit.


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. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your with your next project.

Weather Almanac for August 30th (1872-2016)
Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 92°F in Franklin in 1948
Lowest Temperature 41°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1968
Greatest Rainfall 7.76 inches in Highlands in 1940

Record Weather Events for August (1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on August 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on August 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on August 13, 1940


WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm. 

[click on any image in this article to enlarge]
(These images replace the three-day forecast maps)




THREE DAY OUTLOOK



--------------------------------------

FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3am. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

FRIDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-80s. Light and variable wind. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 60s. Calm wind.

SATURDAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-low 80s.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.


--------------------------------------

OTTO AREA

TODAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4am. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

FRIDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Light and variable wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 60s. Calm wind.

SATURDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a chance of showers between midnight and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.



--------------------------------------

HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4am. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. West southwest wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

FRIDAY

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly in the afternoon. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph.

SATURDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 70s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.


--------------------------------------

NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3am. Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

FRIDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Partly sunny, with highs in the upper 70s. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.

SATURDAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s.

SATURDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.


--------------------------------------



GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime, multispectral IR
10:52 pm last night to 2:07 am this morning


HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not 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



GOES 16 - Band 15 - 12.3 µm - Dirty Longwave Window - IR (Precipitation)
2:22 am this morning

TROPICAL OUTLOOK




Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Aug 30 2018

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

1. Disorganized showers and thunderstorms moving off the coast of Senegal are associated with a strong tropical wave and broad area of low pressure. A more well-defined low-pressure system is forecast to form between Senegal and the Cabo Verde Islands later today after the tropical wave moves offshore over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean, and the low is likely to become a tropical depression by the weekend while moving westward or west-northwestward at about 15 mph. This system is expected to bring heavy rains and gusty winds to the Cabo Verde Islands on Friday and Saturday, and interests on the islands should monitor the progress of this disturbance.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...60 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.



Suminski Family Books Summer Film Fest for Families

All ticket sales sold by FROG volunteers benefit:

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY, INC.

Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Start time for each movie: 7:00 PM
Save When You Pre-Buy Your Tickets!

Single Ticket $5 for each movie (pre & at the door)
Season Pass $15 1 ticket to each movie Family of 4 Season Passes $50 4 tickets to each movie

Movies and Dates:

Paddington 2 on July 12, 2018
Hidden Figures on July 19, 2018
Peter Rabbit on August 19, 2018
Wonder on August 26, 2018 (benefits Friends of the Greenway)

Purchase at FROG Quarters, 573 E. Main (next to new bridge) Hours: Wed-Fri, 9 AM-2 PM

There are 3 other non-profits involved: Folk Heritage Association of Macon County NC, Grandpa’s Woodshed Project, Women’s History Trail, and Read2Me. The FROG-specific specific movie is Wonder, but our members can pre-sell tickets to all movies.

Franklin Health & Fitness 30th Anniversary Celebration [LINK]
http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2018/07/franklin-health-fitness-announces-their.html

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.

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 7:05 a.m.
Sun transit 1:34 p.m.
Sunset 8:03 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:29 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 10:07 p.m. last night
Moon transit 4:24 a.m.
Moonset 10:49 a.m.
Moonrise 10:39 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on August 30, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 84% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Last Quarter on September 2, 2018 at 10:37 p.m. (local daylight 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]

CROWDFUNDING 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.


Become a Patron!

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.


Published at 3:05 am on August 30, 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, National Hurricane Center, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and the Weather Prediction Center.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, August 29, 2018





COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HOLD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met yesterday afternoon to pass a resolution in support of attempting to obtain a grant of $412,500 from the North Carolina Department of Commerce in support of the business concern identified as Project Wayah. The business will be identified at a later date.

The purpose of the grant is to renovate an existing building in Macon County. A public hearing on the matter will be held at a time to be determined later. The grant requires a 5% match ($20,625) from Macon County.

A gavel-to-gavel video of the meeting is on the blog, as is a roll call of media outlets present and a copy of the resolution. The next meeting of the Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2018. [LINK]



LOCAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

A strong upper-level ridge will persist over the area through midweek, which will result in hot and humid conditions through much of the week. A cold front will approach from the north by the end of the week as the ridge temporarily weakens.




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. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your with your next project.

Weather Almanac for August 29th (1872-2016)
Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 96°F in Franklin in 1948
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1968
Greatest Rainfall 3.89 inches in Highlands in 1940

Record Weather Events for August (1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on August 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on August 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on August 13, 1940


WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm. 

[click on any image in this article to enlarge]
(These images replace the three-day forecast maps)





THREE DAY OUTLOOK



--------------------------------------

FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with highs in the mid-80s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog after 11pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

THURSDAY

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8am. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-80s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

THURSDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 60s. Calm wind.

FRIDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.


--------------------------------------

OTTO AREA

TODAY

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Patchy fog after 11pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

THURSDAY

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8am. Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

THURSDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 60s. Calm wind.

FRIDAY

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2pm and 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60s. Chance of precipitation is 50%.



--------------------------------------

HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 4am, then a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog before 1am, then patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows in the lower 70s. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

THURSDAY

A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Light and variable wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

THURSDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Light west wind.

FRIDAY

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 11am. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s.


--------------------------------------

NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. Light west southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog after 9pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 60s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

THURSDAY

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8am. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

THURSDAY NIGHT

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Calm wind.

FRIDAY

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s.

FRIDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.


--------------------------------------



GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime, multispectral IR
11:37 pm last night to 2:32 am this morning


HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not 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



GOES 16 - Band 15 - 12.3 µm - Dirty Longwave Window - IR (Precipitation)
2:37 am this morning

TROPICAL OUTLOOK




Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Wed Aug 29 2018

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

1. A tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa late Thursday or early Friday, with an area of low pressure likely to form between the coast of Africa and the Cabo Verde Islands. Development of this system is possible over the weekend while it moves west-northwestward over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. Development could be limited early next week when the system reaches cooler waters west of the Cabo Verde Islands.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.



Suminski Family Books Summer Film Fest for Families

All ticket sales sold by FROG volunteers benefit:

FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY, INC.

Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Start time for each movie: 7:00 PM
Save When You Pre-Buy Your Tickets!

Single Ticket $5 for each movie (pre & at the door)
Season Pass $15 1 ticket to each movie Family of 4 Season Passes $50 4 tickets to each movie

Movies and Dates:

Paddington 2 on July 12, 2018
Hidden Figures on July 19, 2018
Peter Rabbit on August 19, 2018
Wonder on August 26, 2018 (benefits Friends of the Greenway)

Purchase at FROG Quarters, 573 E. Main (next to new bridge) Hours: Wed-Fri, 9 AM-2 PM

There are 3 other non-profits involved: Folk Heritage Association of Macon County NC, Grandpa’s Woodshed Project, Women’s History Trail, and Read2Me. The FROG-specific specific movie is Wonder, but our members can pre-sell tickets to all movies.

Franklin Health & Fitness 30th Anniversary Celebration [LINK]
http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2018/07/franklin-health-fitness-announces-their.html

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.

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 6:38 a.m.
Sunrise 7:04 a.m.
Sun transit 1:34 p.m.
Sunset 8:04 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:30 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 9:36 p.m. last night
Moon transit 3:40 a.m.
Moonset 9:50 a.m.
Moonrise 10:07 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on August 29, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 90% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on August 26, 2018 at 7:56 a.m. (local daylight 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]

CROWDFUNDING 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.


Become a Patron!

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.


Published at 3:05 am on August 29, 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, National Hurricane Center, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and the Weather Prediction Center.