Agenda for February 2020 Franklin Town Council Meeting Released

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting Monday night at 6pm in the lower level of the town hall. Macon Media will be thee and intends to stream live video of the meeting. Copies of the public agenda and the agenda packet have been posted below.

Video



Roll Call
(media outlets with representatives present for the meeting, as well as any elected critters not serving on this board will be recognized here)

Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press
The Macon County News and Shopping Guide
The Smoky Mountain News
WFSC-AM/WFSC-FM

No elected critters other than the ones serving on this board were observed at this meeting.

Public Agenda

1. Call to Order – Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Adoption of the February 3, 2020 Town Council Agenda – Town Council

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda for February 3, 2020
A.) Approval of January 6, 2020 Town Council Minutes
B.) Street Closing Request for 2020
C.) Water and Sewer Allocation for Scenic Ridge Development Project
D.) Legal Dismissal of 18-CVS-642 Town of Franklin vs. Houston Property and Release of Attorney Client Memo

5. Public Session

6. New Business:
A.) Presentation from Altered Frequencies for Franklin Festivals and Events – Jimbo Ledford
B.) Purchase Contract for Property Located at 311 Clyde Street – Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
C.) Purchase Contract for Property Located at 196 West Palmer Street – Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
D.) Update on Town of Franklin Comprehensive Land Use Plan – Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
E.) Update on Minimum Housing Complaint at 18 Wilkie Street – Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
F.) Discussion on Speed Limit Reduction Request along Belle View Park Road – Town Manager Summer Woodard
G.) Discussion on Proposals for NCDOT Utility Project R-5734B – Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
H.) Discussion on Interim Police Chief Appointment –Town Manager Summer Woodard
I.) Discussion on Strategic Planning Session – Town Manager Summer Woodard

7. Legal:
A.) Discussion on Data Breech Policy – Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Amendment to Dental Amalgam Implementation Policy – Town Attorney John Henning Jr. and Town Manager Summer Woodard

8. Announcements
A.) The Town of Franklin will host an Appreciation Ceremony for Chief David Adams on Wednesday February 12, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom.
B.) The Town of Franklin will host a Retirement Ceremony for Captain Stephen Apel on Thursday February 13, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom
9. Adjourn


Agenda Packet

Feb 2020 Aldermen by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

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Published on Friday, January 31, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for January 31, 2020

Outlook

A cool wedge of high pressure will linger over the area for the first part of the day. A weak low-pressure system will track from the Gulf Coast to the Carolina Coasts today and Saturday, which will spread precipitation back into the region. High pressure will bring dry and milder weather to start next week.

News Brief

Gibbins Advisors hosted a meeting for members of the public on Thursday so they could explain their role as an independent monitor of Mission Health/HCA and take some comments from the public. Macon Media was there and video of part of the meeting will be published later today or tomorrow. A technical issue resulted in the first 20 minutes or so of the meeting not being recorded.

Public Safety Log

Today's log is available and will be updated as needed. [LINK]

Yesterday's log is also online. [LINK]



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

---

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 next project.

---

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today (Friday). There will be a chance of snow in the higher elevations (mainly above 4000 feet) today and tonight.

---

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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. Light winds out of the southeast. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain before 1am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 1am and 5am, then a slight chance of snow after 5am. Patchy fog between 8pm and midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday

A slight chance of rain before 11am, then a chance of showers, mainly between 11am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs in the upper 50s.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-30s.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Winds out of the southeast 3 to 5 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly before 2am. Patchy fog between 8pm and midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday

A slight chance of rain before 11am, then a chance of showers, mainly between 11am and 3pm. Partly sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs in the upper 50s.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

A slight chance of rain and snow between 8am and 11am, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 40. WInds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

Rain and snow likely, mainly before 2am. Patchy fog before midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Light and variable winds increasing to come out of the northwest around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers between 9am and 10am, then a slight chance of rain showers after 10am. Partly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night

A slight chance of rain and snow before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs near 50.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-30s.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph becoming light and variable by midmorning. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain before 5am, then a slight chance of rain and snow. Patchy fog before midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers between 7am and 8am, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph by midmorning. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-30s.


Published at 5:00am on Friday, January 31, 2020

Read More

Public Safety Log for 01-31-2020

File photo taken on January 30, 2020



Public Safety Log for 01-31-2020



12:23am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

12:25am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

8:29am Public Assist Franklin EMS

9:03am Structure Fire Clarks Chapel VFD/Franklin EMS

• A structure fire near 1900 Wide Horizon Drive with a person still inside. The person was removed by the first in units. [LINK]

9:04am Mutual Aid Franklin VFD/Otto VFD (assist with the structure fire on Wide Horizon Drive

9:15am Accident Franklin EMS.Franklin VFD

• Car over the guardrail on the US-441 bypass in the southbound lane near the Cullasaja River Bridge. The chief requested that another VFD be called due to all of Franklin's units being out on the structure fire on Wide Horizon Drive. [LINK]

9:16am Accident Cullasaja-Gorge VFD

• Car over the guardrail on the US-441 bypass in the southbound lane near the Cullasaja River Bridge.

9:46am Public Assist Franklin EMS

9:59am Accident Highlands EMS/Highlands VFD

• Accident near Cashiers Road and Rain Tree Lane. [LINK]

10:02am Accident Franklin EMS/West Macon VFD

• Accident reported about a quarter-mile from Wayah Bald Road on Wayah Road, hanging off the road with female and child reported still in the vehicle. [LINK]

10:08am OPEN THREAD established on Facebook so the community can keep each other informed on road conditions. [LINK]



10:22am OPEN THREAD established on Jackson Media Facebook page so readers can keep each other informed about road conditions. [LINK]



10:29am Medical Transport Franklin EMS

10:57am Medical Call Franklin EMS (patient at structure fire)

11:03am Medical Call Highlands EMS

11:42am Accident Highlands EMS/Highlands VFD

• report of accident near 1800 South Fourth Street

11:51am Medical Call Scaly Mountain VFD

• Highlands EMS is requesting a Scaly Mountain Firefighter respond to drive an ambulance to the hospital.

11:52am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD/MCSO (medical call with law enfocment response due to combative patient)

12:30pm Public Assist Franklin EMS

1:08pm Medical Transport Franklin EMS

1:35pm Fire Alarm West Macon VFD

2:26pm Public Assist Franklin EMS

4:11pm Medical Call Franklin EMS (fall)

5:26pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Otto VFD (fall injury)

6:04pm Medical Call Highlands EMS/Scaly Mountain VFD

6:06pm Medical Standby Franklin EMS (cover Highlands district while their ambulance is on a call)

11:15pm Medical Call Franklin EMS






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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published on Friday, January 31, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, January 30, 2020

Outlook

A wedge of cool high pressure will be in place over the area today. An upper trough will cross the region Friday and Saturday, bringing chances of precipitation that will end by early Sunday. Expect dry and milder weather to start next week.

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.

To claim your guest pass, and to learn more about Franklin Health & Fitness, click here: franklinhealthandfitness.com



Public Safety Log

Today's log is available and will be updated as needed. [LINK]

Yesterday's log is also online. [LINK]



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

---

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 next project.

---

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today. There will be a chance of snow in the higher elevations (mainly above 4000 feet) today and tonight.

---

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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Partly sunny, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Calm winds.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Saturday

A chance of rain and snow before 8am, then a slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around freezing.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

Partly sunny, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night

A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with lows around freezing.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Partly sunny, with highs near 40. Light and variable winds in the morning becoming south around 6 mph by noon.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the southeast 3 to 6 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of snow before 10am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 10am and 11am, then a chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 40. WInds out of the southeast 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow before 5am, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the east around 6 mph shifting to come out of the northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Saturday

A slight chance of snow before 8am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 8am and 10am, then a slight chance of rain after 10am. Partly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night

A slight chance of rain and snow before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Partly sunny, with highs in the upper 40s. Light and variable winds.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Light winds out of the southeast. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday

A chance of rain and snow before 10am, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Light winds out of the west increasing and shifting to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph by midmorning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

A slight chance of rain, mixing with snow after 11pm, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30. Chance of precipitation is 20%.


Published at 5:00am on Thursday, January 30, 2020

Read More

Public Safety Log for 01-30-2020

File Photo from September 2016.



DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.

To claim your guest pass, and to learn more about Franklin Health & Fitness, click here: franklinhealthandfitness.com




Public Safety Log for 01-30-2020


3:23am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

8:41am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD (fall injury in the parking lot at Social Security Office)

11:45am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Mountain Valley VFD

1:39am Accident Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

• A two-car accident was reported at Siler Road and Siler Farm Road. The accident was actually on Siler Farm Road at the entrance to SCC and the county library. There were no injuries. [LINK]

2:15pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

3:48pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

4:11pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

5:26pm Message Franklin VFD

7:05pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

9:13pm Medical Transfer Franklin EMS (Code Orange transport to Mission)

9:43pm Medical Alarm Franklin EMS/Burningtown-Iotla VFD

11:10pm Public Assist Franklin EMS





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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published on Thursday, January 30, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Outlook

A weak low-pressure system will give our area a chance for precipitation late tonight. Brief drying occurs again Thursday. An upper trough will cross the region Friday and Saturday, bringing chances of precipitation that will taper off early Sunday.



Public Safety Log

Today's log is available and will be updated as needed. [LINK]

Yesterday's log is also online. [LINK]



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

---

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 next project.

---

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today. There will be a chance of snow in the higher elevations (mainly above 4000 feet) today and tonight. 

Over the next couple of weeks, thee will be multiple opportunities for wintry precipitation events to occur. Right now, none of them are looking like significant events.

---

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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

A slight chance of showers between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before midnight. Patchy fog between 10pm and 3am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday

Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds.

Friday Night

A chance of rain before 4am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

A slight chance of showers between noon and 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with highs near 50. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before midnight. Patchy fog between 10pm and 3am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday

Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds.

Friday Night

A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the pper 30s.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

A slight chance of showers between noon and 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with highs near 40. Calm winds increasing to come out of the south by noon around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain and snow before 2am, then a slight chance of snow between 2am and 4am. Patchy fog before 4am, then patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Light and variable winds. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday

Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs near 40. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. WInds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of rain and snow in the late morning hous, then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with highs near 40. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow before 5am, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

A slight chance of rain and snow showers between 10am and 11am, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

A chance of rain, possibly mixing with snow after 2am, then gradually ending. Patchy fog before 3am, then patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday

Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the upper 0s. Calm winds.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the southeast in the morning around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Friday Night

A chance of rain before 5am, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.


Published at 5:00am on Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Read More

Public Safety Log for 01-29-2020

File photo of a fire taken in May 2016.


Public Safety Log for 01-29-2020




1:05am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

1:22am Medical Transfer Franklin EMS (Code One Trip to Mission) from Angel ER

1:28am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Cullasaja-Gorge VFD

[not able to monitor scanner]

9:28am Medical Call Franklin EMS

12:52pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

1:05pm Medical Transfer Franklin EMS (Angel to Eckerd Center in Highlands)

2:56pm Public Assist Franklin EMS

3:25pm Public Assist Franklin EMS

5:00pm Medical Call Highlands EMS/Scaly Mountain VFD

5:30pm Medical Transfer Franklin EMS (Code Yellow from Angel ER to Harris Regional)

5:31pm Message Mountain Valley VFD

6:42pm Medical Call Highlands EMS/Highlands VFD

6:44pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

8:19pm Mutual Aid Nantahala VFD

• structure fire 1854 Junaluska Road in Cherokee County

8:48pm Medical Transfer Franklin EMS (Orange Transport to Mission)

8:49pm Fie Alarm West Macon VFD

• Fire alarm at LBJ Job Corps at 3170 Wayah Road

9:15pm Public Assist Highlands EMS

9:23pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Otto VFD

10:01pm Medical Call Franklin EMS (fall injury)




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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

Published on Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Outlook

Dry conditions are expected today, followed by another weak low-pressure area moving by to our south late Wednesday and Wednesday night, with another chance for precipitation. Brief drying occurs again Thursday. Another low pressure will cross our region late Friday through Saturday with more chances for precipitation.



Public Safety Log

Today's log is available and will be updated as needed. [LINK]

Yesterday's log is also online. [LINK]



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

---

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 next project.

---

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today. Some area roadways may have become slippery overnight as moisture froze on the surface. Please exercise caution on your morning commute. The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding the potential for slippery roads this morning. A copy is posted below fo your convenience.


Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
954 PM EST Mon Jan 27 2020

...SLIPPERY ROADWAYS EXPECTED ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS INTO TUESDAY MORNING...

Recent mountain rainfall, and high elevation snowfall, will contribute to slippery roadway conditions Tuesday morning as temperatures fall below freezing across the mountains overnight. In addition, sheltered locations may see fog development and patches of freezing fog and elevated icing could make bridges especially slippery by daybreak.

Use caution if driving overnight through Tuesday morning across the North Carolina mountains. Be on the lookout for black ice on area roadways. Allow extra travel time to reach your destination, and slow down while driving.

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WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

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FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lowe 50s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with lows around 30. Light winds out of the northwest.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Calm winds.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain before 1am, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with lows around freezing. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing.

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OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 50s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm by midevening.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain before 3am, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s.

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HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with lows around 30. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 40. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the morning shifting to come out of the southeast in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain and snow before midnight, then a chance of snow. Cloudy, with lows around 30. Winds out of the southeast around 6 mph shifting to come out of the southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with highs near 40.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30.

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NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with lows around 30. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm by midevening.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Light and variable winds. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain before 1am, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with lows around freezing. Light and variable winds. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-40s.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing.


Published at 5:00am on Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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Public Safety Log for 01-28-2020

File photo. May 3, 2016.


Public Safety Log for 01-28-2020


12:49am FIre Alarm Burningtown-Iotla VFD (Liberty Woodworks)

• MCSO also dispatched when burglar alarm later activated. Response canceled by the keyholder.

1:05am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Clarks Chapel VFD

4:48am Public Assist Franklin EMS (fall)

7:48am Accident Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

• Accident reported northbound on US-441 just north of Dowdle Mountain Road (often called Siler Road). The location turned out to be closer to the Little Tennessee River Bridge. [LINK]

9:14am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Cullasaja VFD

9:58am Public Assist Franklin EMS

10:58m Medical Transport Franklin EMS

11:10am Medical Call Franklin EMS/Otto VFD

11:54am Medical Call Franklin EMS

12:06pm Blood Draw Franklin EMS

•NCSHP needs a blood draw at the Macon County Detention Facility. [This is to determine the level of impairment]

12:35pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

1:09pm Fire Alarm Franklin VFD (manual pull station at Lowe's)

1:29pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD (fall injury)

2:57pm Fire NC Foest Sevice/Franklin VFD

• Loose grass fire on Burnett Road. Caller extinguished it before VFD arrived. Response canceled.

3:24pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

4:13pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

5:49pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

• Respond to an assault, stage nearby until law enforcement can secure the scene.

6:17pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

9:41pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD

• report of a person passed out in a van in the parking lot of Franklin Plaza

9:47pm Medical Alarm Franklin EMS

10:04pm Medical Call Franklin EMS

11:00pm Medical Call Franklin EMS/Franklin VFD/MCSO (medical call requiring law enforcement response)

11:26pm Arrest Report MCSO (Macon County Sheriff Office) 

The following report published on social media, no press release sent to this outlet. --editor

Detectives with the Special Victims Unit of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office & SBI Agents have arrested Mark Wayne Saffran of Franklin following an investigation that was initiated from an ICAC tip. Detectives with The MCSO Special Victims Unit are also part of the SBI ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force. Once contacted SVU detectives and SBI agents worked to identify and locate the suspect involved with the possible internet crimes against children. Mr. Saffran was identified and located to be living in Franklin at Pines RV Campground. MCSO executed a search warrant on his residence and vehicle. Late this evening Saffran was formerly charged with 3rd Degree Exploitation of a Minor Class H Felony and booked into the Macon County Detention Center where he remains under $100,000 bond. Mr. Saffran previously lived in Indiana but has been living here for a period of time at the campground. Owners of Pines RV Park were fully cooperative with our investigation and have provided assistance throughout the course of today’s investigation.

Detectives seized several items of evidence including electronic equipment and are currently attempting to identify other minors. If you have any information or know of children who may have been associated with him you are encouraged to contact our office. We are in the process of going through images and trying to identify other children who have obviously been victims of sexual abuse and other crimes against children.

Sheriff Robert Holland states, “This investigation should serve as yet another example of why parents should take the necessary steps to know who their children are communicating with and what information they are sharing. Your minor children DO NOT and SHOULD NOT have a right to privacy when it comes to their computers & phones. If you believe they do... then you are a parent who is a “Predators Dream Come True.”

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are forthcoming.

If you have any information concerning this investigation please contact SGT. Dani Burrows of the Special Victims Unit of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office 349-2268
CrimeStoppers Hotline 349-2600.






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Published on Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, January 27, 2020

Outlook

An upper-level disturbance moving across the region today will result in accumulating snow at high mountain elevations, and a chance of rain showers elsewhere. Expect dry conditions Tuesday, followed by another weak low-pressure area moving by to our south late Wednesday, with another chance for precipitation. Brief drying occurs again Thursday.

DAY SPONSOR

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Their phone number is 371-4718.

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


Public Safety Log

Today's log is available and will be updated as needed. [LINK]

Yesterday's log is also online. [LINK]


News Brief

• A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for locations above 3500 feet in Macon County. More details are included in the Hazardous Weather Segment of this article.

• The Governo has requested US and NC Flags be lowered through Sunday in Honor of Spc. Antonio I. Moore [LINK]

• The Town of Waynesville hires the Franklin Police Chief. [LINK]

• an inmate at the Macon County Detention Facility suffered a broken ankle (bone is protruding from the skin), unknown cause. Emergency personnel found the inmate had multiple broken bones, including both ankles and a leg.

**note** This information has been posted in the public safety log for the day the event took place. Scroll down until you see it. It also includes audio of the initial dispatch of the call. [LINK]



A report by the Sheriff's Office was posted on Facebook, but no press release was sent to this outlet.

"Earlier today an inmate was injured at the Macon County Detention Center. 911 was immediately notified and EMS & first responders from Franklin Fire Dept. responded to the scene. Inmate was checked out and transferred to a medical facility.

An investigation into the incident was initiated immediately. The preliminary findings are that the injured inmate was being encouraged by other inmates to climb up to the bunk area of the cell block & jump from the elevated area to the floor below. The inmate jumped at an elevation of between 15-18 feet. After landing on the floor below and injuring himself, other inmates notified detention officers who responded and called 911. Inmate’s injuries includes fractures to both ankles with one compound fracture and one leg fracture. After several attempts, Detention Staff was able to contact a family member and notified them of the incident and subsequent injuries.

As with all inmates incarcerated at the Macon County Detention Center, unless a waiver has been signed or verbal authorization has been granted by an inmate, medical information may not be released, not even to family members. This is due to the fact that there are strict federal & state guidelines that govern who and what information we can release.

We see no reason to release the identity of this inmate. We are releasing the information into this incident because other inmate’s families have been contacting us concerned after hearing about EMS responding to the Detention Center and were concerned. This particular inmate’s family has been contacted and they are in communication with MCSO Detention Staff. Our staff will now be responsible for around the clock security at the hospital."



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

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WEATHER SPONSOR



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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 next project.

---

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today for most of us in the valleys below 3500 feet. Some snow is expected early thins morning and today, mainly above 4000 feet. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued and is included in this segment below.

Precipitation will develop over the mountains of western North Carolina through the morning hours. Mainly snow is expected at elevations above 5000 feet, with a rain and snow mix down to about 3500 feet, and primarily a cold rain in the mountain valleys. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are possible by daybreak along the highest ridges, with a dusting to an inch possible in other areas seeing snowfall.

Snow showers will continue along the higher elevations through much of today, and snowfall rates could see an uptick during the morning hours. Any heavier snow showers could mix some wet snowflakes down into the mountain valleys, but most accumulating snowfall should remain at elevations above about 4000 feet. By the end of the day, snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches will be possible at elevations above 5000 feet, with an inch or two possible above 4000 feet, and a dusting elsewhere. Roadways across the higher elevations may become quite slippery and drivers are urged to use caution.

Winter Weather Advisory
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
336 AM EST Mon Jan 27 2020

...ACCUMULATING SNOW ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA ABOVE 3500 FEET ...

.A strong upper-level disturbance will combine with plenty of low-level moisture to produce snow across the higher elevations of the North Carolina mountains. Snow levels will generally remain above 3500 feet where up to 2 inches of snow will fall. Elevations above 4000 will likely see 2-5 inches or more...especially across the Smokies, Black Mountains, and the northern mountains such as Beech Mountain. The snow will taper off and become light through the overnight and be mainly confined to the northern mountains near the Tennessee border by daybreak Tuesday.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST TUESDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 2 inches around 3500 feet, with 2-5 inches or more above 4000 feet.

* WHERE...Portions of western North Carolina.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Please report snow and ice accumulations by calling the National Weather Service toll free at...1...800...2 6 7...8 1 0 1. Leave a message with your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You can also post your report to National Weather Service Greenville Spartanburg Facebook or tweet your report using hashtag nwsgsp.

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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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

A 50 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows around 30. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 7 mph.

Tuesday

Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 50s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 30. Calm winds.

Wednesday

A slight chance of snow before 9am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 9am and 10am, then a chance of rain after 10am. Cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing.

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OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

A 50 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Light winds out of the northwest increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with highs in the lower 50s. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Light winds out of the northwest.

Wednesday

A slight chance of rain and snow between 9am and 10am, then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing.

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HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

A chance of rain and snow showers before 10am, then a chance of rain showers. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs near 40. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with lows around 30. WInds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tuesday

Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. WInds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 30. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with highs near 40.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s.

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NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Rain and snow showers likely, becoming all rain after 9am. Patchy fog before 2pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with highs near 40. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

Areas of fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows around 30. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Areas of fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 7 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Light winds out of the northeast.

Wednesday

A slight chance of snow before 9am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 9am and 10am, then a chance of rain after 10am. Cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30.


Published at 5:00am on Monday, January 27, 2020

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