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Sunday, May 31, 2020

Daily News and Weather Briefing for Sunday, May 31, 2020






OUTLOOK

Dry and cool air will mix in from the northwest today and linger through Monday. By Wednesday, muggy and warm air moves in with thunderstorms expected each afternoon into the weekend.

GoFundMe Established to Benefit Children of David and Dawn Head

On Saturday, 5/23/2020, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, a Physical Therapist with Highlands/Cashiers Hospital, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They leave behind four children, Jeslyn Head (17), J.D. Head (13), Erin Sanborn (17), and Sidney Sanborn (19). This fund has been set up by the employees of the Macon County Sheriff's Office in an effort to help all 4 children of David and Dawn Head. [LINK]

News Briefing Moved to Between the Weather Segment and COVID-19 Segment

Due to the length of this morning's news briefing, it has been moved to after the weather briefing segment and before the COVID-19. Scroll down to see it.



General Forecast Through Monday Night



Today

Patchy fog this morning. Mostly sunny. Highs ranging from the lower 70s in the higher elevations to near 80 in the main valley around Franklin and Otto. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear. Lows in the 40s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph.

Monday

Sunny. Highs in the 70s to near 80. Winds out of the south around 5 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly clear. Lows in the 50s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. Highs in the 70s to the lower 80s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy. Lows ranging from around 60 down into the 50s.



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


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.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)



Special Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sun May 31 2020

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

Special Tropical Weather Outlook issued to discuss the area of low pressure over the central Atlantic and the potential for tropical cyclone formation over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

1. An area of low pressure located about 350 miles east of Bermuda is producing limited shower activity. The low is forecast to move northeastward at 5 to 10 mph later today, and development is not expected due to unfavorable environmental conditions.

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

2. Tropical Depression Two-E, located near the Pacific coasts of Guatemala and El Salvador, is forecast to move inland and dissipate over Guatemala or southeastern Mexico by tonight. However, the remnants are expected to turn northwestward within a broader developing area of disturbed weather, possibly emerging over the Bay of Campeche on Monday. If the remnants do move back over water, environmental conditions appear conducive to support some redevelopment of the system while it moves little during much of the upcoming week. Regardless of redevelopment, heavy rainfall is likely over portions of southern Mexico during the next few days. The next Special Tropical Weather Outlook will be issued later this morning by 9 AM EDT.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.


End Daily Weather Segment




Begin News Briefing

Two Americans Launch Into Space Aboard a SpaceX Dragon Capsule



SpaceX Demo-2 (also referred to as Crew Demo-2, and Dragon Crew Demo-2) is a crewed test flight of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which launched yesterday at 3:22pm. Demo-2 is the first crewed orbital spaceflight launched from the United States since the final Space Shuttle mission (STS-135 [LINK]) in 2011, and also the first-ever operated by a commercial provider. The mission, which launched spacecraft commander Douglas Hurley and joint-operations commander Robert Behnken to the International Space Station, is also the first two-person orbital spaceflight launched from the United States since STS-4 in 1982 [LINK]. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station at 10:29am.


Recap Video by NASA



SpaceX Ongoing Live Coverage Through Docking

SpaceX will provide live coverage of the flight through the docking with the Internation Space Station later this morning at 10am.



Postflight News Conference


NASA has a live stream channel on Youtube that will also be providing live coverage of operations during this mission.


Crew Dragon Schedule Update:

6:45 am – Downlink event w/ Crew Dragon
10:27am – Docking
12:45pm – Hatch Opening
1:15pm - Welcome ceremony
3:15pm - Post-arrival News Conf
* Admin. Jim Bridenstine, NASA
* Mark Geyer, JSC
* Pat Forrester, NASA
End of NASA continuous coverage.

Astronauts were awakened at 4:49am this morning with "Planet Caravan" by Black Sabbath.



County Holds Press Conference on COVID-19 Situation

The Macon County Health Department held a press conference to disseminate information to local and regional news outlets. In attendance were: WLOS-TV (2 people), PLateua Daily News, The Highlander, Macon County News, Blue Ridge Public Radio, WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM, The Franklin Press, and Macon Media.

Here is the full video of the event.


The video and commentary thread on Facebook [LINK]



County Commissioners Hold Budget Work Session

The Macvn County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session Tuesday. Video and supporting documents are on the website. [LINK]



End News Briefing Segment

Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 26,488 people in North Carolina are infected, 859 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 27,673 confirmed cases from 404,157 targeted tests, and 638 hospitalized and 877 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 27,794 people infected and 929 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

COVID-19 Data for Macon County from Coronaction. [LINK] https://coronaction.net

Detected 62
Recovered 14
Deceased 1
Actives 47

Data from Macon County Public Health [LINK]

Detected 70
Recovered 3
Deceased 1
Actives 66







Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

How coronavirus spreads outdoors vs. indoors



Dr John Campbell:

Asymptomatic infection


MedCram - Medical Lectures Explained CLEARLY

Coronavirus Pandemic Update 76: Antibody Testing False Positives in COVID-19


Research
(repeat from yesterday)

Going along with the theme of Dr John Campbell's video, here are some links to several studies, research, and clinical trials that have and are being conducted as part of humanity's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Don't be afraid to try to read some of these papers and be sure to use Google (or your favorite search engine) to help you understand some words and concepts.


ASU develops state’s first saliva-based COVID-19 test [LINK]

Forecasting the Spread of COVID-19 under Different Reopening Strategies [LINK]

Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [LINK]

Visualizing the invisible: The effect of asymptomatic transmission on the outbreak dynamics of COVID-19 [LINK]

Small droplet aerosols in poorly ventilated spaces and SARS-CoV-2 transmission [LINK]

Population-scale testing can suppress the spread of COVID-19 [LINK]

Impact of Superspreaders on dissemination and mitigation of COVID-19 [LINK]

Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of COVID-19 Blood, Lung, and Airway [LINK]

Pulmonary and cardiac pathology in African American patients with COVID-19: an autopsy series from New Orleans [LINK]

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case series [LINK]

The Spectrum of Cardiac Manifestations in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - a Systematic Echocardiographic Study. [LINK]

Two thirds of people contacted through tracing did not fully cooperate, pilot scheme finds [LINK]

Death threats after a trial on chloroquine for COVID-19 [LINK]

Trained Immunity: a Tool for Reducing Susceptibility to and the Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection [LINK]

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Alteration of the Brain in a Patient With COVID-19 and Anosmia [LINK]

Famotidine, Histamine, and the Coronavirus [LINK]

Features of COVID-19 post-infectious cytokine release syndrome in children presenting to the emergency department [LINK]

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 through recombination and strong purifying selection [LINK]

Efficacy and Safety of Ivermectin and Doxycycline in Combination or IVE Alone in Patients With COVID-19 Infection. [LINK]

Introductions and early spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the New York City area [LINK]

Single-dose replicating RNA vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in nonhuman primates [LINK]

Modeling the thermal inactivation of viruses from the Coronaviridae family in suspensions or on surfaces with various relative humidities [LINK]

Treatment of COVID-19 Patients with Convalescent Plasma [LINK]

Reduction of secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in households by face mask use, disinfection and social distancing: a cohort study in Beijing, China [LINK]

Lessons Learned to Date on COVID-19 Hyperinflammatory Syndrome: Considerations for Interventions to Mitigate SARS-CoV-2 Viral Infection and Detrimental Hyperinflammation [LINK]

COVID-19 Testing, Epidemic Features, Hospital Outcomes, and Household Prevalence, New York State—March 2020 [LINK]

Reduced Vitamin K Status as A Potentially Modifiable Prognostic Risk Factor in COVID-19 [LINK]

Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection: prospective cohort study using UK Biobank [LINK]

Report 25 - Response to COVID-19 in South Korea and implications for lifting stringent interventions [LINK]

Two anti-inflammatory drugs found that inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus [LINK]

Development and Utilization of a Rapid and Accurate Epidemic Investigation Support System for COVID-19 [LINK]

Study finds surge in hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine prescriptions during COVID-19 [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. 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 at 6:00am on Sunday, May 31, 2020




Saturday, May 30, 2020

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, May 30, 2020






OUTLOOK

A cold front will move into the forecast area today and track southeast through early Sunday. Dry and cooler air will mix in from the northwest Sunday into Monday, before warm and muggy summer-like weather returns Tuesday and persist through the end of the week. Ick.

GoFundMe Established to Benefit Children of David and Dawn Head

On Saturday, 5/23/2020, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, a Physical Therapist with Highlands/Cashiers Hospital, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They leave behind four children, Jeslyn Head (17), J.D. Head (13), Erin Sanborn (17), and Sidney Sanborn (19). This fund has been set up by the employees of the Macon County Sheriff's Office in an effort to help all 4 children of David and Dawn Head. [LINK]

County Holds Press Conference on COVID-19 Situation

The Macon County Health Department held a press conference to disseminate information to local and regional news outlets. Among those in attendance were: WLOS-TV (2 people), PLateua Daily News, The Highlander, Macon County News, Blue Ridge Public Radio, WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM, The Franklin Press, and Macon Media.

Here is the full video of the press conference.



The video and commentary thread on Facebook [LINK]

WLOS Livestream [LINK]

Macon County News Livestream [LINK]


County Commissioners Hold Budget Work Session

The Macon County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session Tuesday. Video and supporting documents are on the website. [LINK]





General Forecast Through Monday Night



Today

Partly sunny this morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Patchy fog this morning. Highs in the 70s to near 80. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear. Lows in the 50s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear. Lows ranging from around 50 down into the upper 40s. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. Lows in the 50s.


Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today.



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


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.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)



Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sat May 30 2020

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

Special Tropical Weather Outlook issued to discuss the area of low pressure over the central Atlantic.

1. A broad area of low pressure is located over the central Atlantic. The associated shower activity has become better organized during the past several hours, and the wind circulation has become somewhat better defined. Additional development is possible today and tonight, and a subtropical depression could still form while the system moves generally northward. Further development is not expected after that time due to unfavorable environmental conditions. The next Special Tropical Weather Outlook will be issued by 9 AM EDT Saturday, or earlier if necessary.

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



End Daily Weather Segment






Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 25,412 people in North Carolina are infected, 827 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 25,488 confirmed cases from 391,231 targeted tests, and 680 hospitalized and 859 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 26,885 people infected and 919 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

COVID-19 Data for Macon County from Coronaction. [LINK] https://coronaction.net

Detected 47
Recovered 10
Deceased 1
Actives 36





Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

How coronavirus spreads outdoors vs. indoors



Dr John Campbell:

Research difficulties



Research

Going along with the theme of Dr John Campbell's video, here are some links to several studies, research, and clinical trials that have and are being conducted as part of humanity's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Don't be afraid to try to read some of these papers and be sure to use Google (or your favorite search engine) to help you understand some words and concepts.


ASU develops state’s first saliva-based COVID-19 test [LINK]

Forecasting the Spread of COVID-19 under Different Reopening Strategies [LINK]

Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [LINK]

Visualizing the invisible: The effect of asymptomatic transmission on the outbreak dynamics of COVID-19 [LINK]

Small droplet aerosols in poorly ventilated spaces and SARS-CoV-2 transmission [LINK]

Population-scale testing can suppress the spread of COVID-19 [LINK]

Impact of Superspreaders on dissemination and mitigation of COVID-19 [LINK]

Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of COVID-19 Blood, Lung, and Airway [LINK]

Pulmonary and cardiac pathology in African American patients with COVID-19: an autopsy series from New Orleans [LINK]

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case series [LINK]

The Spectrum of Cardiac Manifestations in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - a Systematic Echocardiographic Study. [LINK]

Two thirds of people contacted through tracing did not fully cooperate, pilot scheme finds [LINK]

Death threats after a trial on chloroquine for COVID-19 [LINK]

Trained Immunity: a Tool for Reducing Susceptibility to and the Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection [LINK]

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Alteration of the Brain in a Patient With COVID-19 and Anosmia [LINK]

Famotidine, Histamine, and the Coronavirus [LINK]

Features of COVID-19 post-infectious cytokine release syndrome in children presenting to the emergency department [LINK]

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 through recombination and strong purifying selection [LINK]

Efficacy and Safety of Ivermectin and Doxycycline in Combination or IVE Alone in Patients With COVID-19 Infection. [LINK]

Introductions and early spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the New York City area [LINK]

Single-dose replicating RNA vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in nonhuman primates [LINK]

Modeling the thermal inactivation of viruses from the Coronaviridae family in suspensions or on surfaces with various relative humidities [LINK]

Treatment of COVID-19 Patients with Convalescent Plasma [LINK]

Reduction of secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in households by face mask use, disinfection and social distancing: a cohort study in Beijing, China [LINK]

Lessons Learned to Date on COVID-19 Hyperinflammatory Syndrome: Considerations for Interventions to Mitigate SARS-CoV-2 Viral Infection and Detrimental Hyperinflammation [LINK]

COVID-19 Testing, Epidemic Features, Hospital Outcomes, and Household Prevalence, New York State—March 2020 [LINK]

Reduced Vitamin K Status as A Potentially Modifiable Prognostic Risk Factor in COVID-19 [LINK]

Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection: prospective cohort study using UK Biobank [LINK]

Report 25 - Response to COVID-19 in South Korea and implications for lifting stringent interventions [LINK]

Two anti-inflammatory drugs found that inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus [LINK]

Development and Utilization of a Rapid and Accurate Epidemic Investigation Support System for COVID-19 [LINK]

Study finds surge in hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine prescriptions during COVID-19 [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. 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 at 5:30am on Saturday, May 30, 2020




Friday, May 29, 2020

News and Weather Briefing for Friday, May 29, 2020






OUTLOOK

Warm and moist southerly flow will continue across the region today ahead of a developing cold front. The front will move into the area Saturday and track southeast through early Sunday. Dry and a little cooler air will mix in from the northwest Sunday through the early part of next week.

GoFundMe Established to Benefit Children of David and Dawn Head

On Saturday, 5/23/2020, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, a Physical Therapist with Highlands/Cashiers Hospital, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They leave behind four children, Jeslyn Head (17), J.D. Head (13), Erin Sanborn (17), and Sidney Sanborn (19). This fund has been set up by the employees of the Macon County Sheriff's Office in an effort to help all 4 children of David and Dawn Head. [LINK]

Procession on Main Street



Procession on US-441 South of Franklin



County to Hold Press Conference on COVID-19 Situation

Macon County will hold a press conference at the Robert C Carpenter Community Building at 2pm this afternoon to discuss the COVID-19 situation in Macon County. The meeting is closed to the public and only media outlets are allowed to attend. Macon Media will be there and will stream live video of the press conference on Facebook.


County Commissioners Hold Budget Work Session

The Macon County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session Tuesday. Video and supporting documents are on the website. [LINK]





General Forecast Through Sunday Night



Today

Partly sunny. Patchy dense fog in the morning. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the 50s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Saturday

Partly sunny. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. Lows in the 50s.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. Highs ranging from the mid-60s to the lower 70s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear. Lows around 50.


Hazards

Patchy dense fog this morning and thunderstorms, some strong or severe, this afternoon.

Patchy dense fog, reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less, can be expected across mainly the foothills and mountain valleys of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia this morning. Motorists traveling along I-40 through western North Carolina, I-26 from the Spartanburg area through western North Carolina, I-85 through the Greenville-Spartanburg area, as well as other roads and highways across the region should be prepared roe sudden loss of visibility. Slow down, use low beam headlights, and allow plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles. The fog should burn off by 900 AM in most areas.

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and linger into the evening hours. A few of these storms could become quite strong to severe with the main threats being damaging winds and large hail. Cloud to ground lightning will also be probable.



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


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.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)



Special Tropical Weather Outlook...Corrected
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
810 PM EDT Thu May 28 2020

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

Corrected website for the High Seas Forecast

Special Tropical Weather Outlook issued to discuss the area of low pressure over the central Atlantic.

1. A surface trough and associated upper-level disturbance are producing disorganized shower activity and gusty winds over the central Atlantic Ocean several hundred miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Gradual development of this system is possible, and it could acquire some subtropical characteristics on Friday and Saturday as it moves generally northward. Development is not expected after that time due to unfavorable environmental conditions. For additional information, see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service. The next Special Tropical Weather Outlook on this system will be issued by 9 AM EDT Friday, or earlier if necessary.

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



End Daily Weather Segment





Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from yesterday provided by the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 24,628 people in North Carolina are infected, 794 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 25,412 confirmed cases from 375,192 targeted tests, and 708 hospitalized and 827 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 25,826 people infected and 877 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

COVID-19 Data for Macon County from Coronaction. [LINK]

Detected 19
Recovered 4
Deceased 1
Actives 14




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

How coronavirus spreads outdoors vs. indoors


North Carolina Coronavirus Briefing for May 28th


Dr John Campbell:

The Global Situation for May 28th











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 at 6:30am on Friday, May 29, 2020




Thursday, May 28, 2020

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, May 28, 2020






OUTLOOK

Warming southerly flow will develop across the region today through Friday ahead of the next approaching cold front. The cold front will move into the region from the northwest on Saturday, and settle southeast of the area through Sunday. Drier and cooler air will arrive from the northwest for the early part of next week.

GoFundMe Established to Benefit Children of David and Dawn Head

On Saturday, 5/23/2020, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, a Physical Therapist with Highlands/Cashiers Hospital, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They leave behind four children, Jeslyn Head (17), J.D. Head (13), Erin Sanborn (17), and Sidney Sanborn (19). This fund has been set up by the employees of the Macon County Sheriff's Office in an effort to help all 4 children of David and Dawn Head. [LINK]

County Commissioners Hold Budget Work Session

The Macon County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session Tuesday. Video and supporting documents are on the website. [LINK]



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


DAY SPONSOR

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

During this public health emergency, Franklin Health and Fitness has made the difficult decision to temporarily close due to the continued risk surrounding COVID-19. To see updates related to COVID-19, please click: franklinhealthandfitness.com

There are also On-Demand Fitness Videos located at https://franklinhealthandfitness.com/blog/



---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


General Forecast Through Monday Night



Today

Patchy fog this morning. Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Tonight

Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the 50s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Friday

Partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the 50s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Saturday

Partly sunny. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. Lows in the 50s.


Hazards

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will develop across the region this afternoon and evening. All of the thunderstorms will produce dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and heavy rainfall. Localized flooding could quickly develop in locations experiencing the heaviest downpours. Several of these thunderstorms may become strong, and a few may become severe, with damaging wind gusts being the primary threat.



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


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.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)



Routine issuance of the Tropical Weather Outlook will resume on June 1, 2020.
Until then, Special Tropical Weather Outlooks will be issued as conditions warrant.



End Daily Weather Segment







Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 24,410 people in North Carolina are infected, 766 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 24,620 confirmed cases from 364,156 targeted tests, and 702 hospitalized and 794 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 24,916 people infected and 844 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

COVID-19 Data for Macon County from Coronaction. [LINK] https://coronaction.net

Detected 18
Recovered 4
Deceased 1
Actives 13



Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [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. 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 at 6:20am on Thursday, May 28, 2020




Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, May 27, 2020






OUTLOOK

Moist high pressure will persist over the region today as a low-pressure center with associated tropical moisture moves northward through the central Carolinas. Warming southerly flow will develop Thursday through Friday ahead of the next approaching cold front, but with continued moist conditions over the area. The cold front will move into the region from the northwest on Saturday and settle southeast of the area through Sunday. Drier and cooler air will arrive from the northwest for the early part of next week.

GoFundMe Established to Benefit Children of David and Dawn Head

On Saturday, 5/23/2020, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, a Physical Therapist with Highlands/Cashiers Hospital, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They leave behind four children, Jeslyn Head (17), J.D. Head (13), Erin Sanborn (17), and Sidney Sanborn (19). This fund has been set up by the employees of the Macon County Sheriff's Office in an effort to help all 4 children of David and Dawn Head. [LINK]

County Commissioners Hold Budget Work Session

The Macon County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session last night. Video and supporting documents are on the website. [LINK]

SpaceX to Launch Astronauts to Space Station

SpaceX Ready to Make History Launching Humans Into Space



The first manned mission to launch from American soil since the last space shuttle flight in July 2011 is scheduled to take place this afternoon. While you can watch the launch from any network, Macon Media would like to suggest Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut as a place to watch online. Tim is a citizen journalist who is passionate about covering space launches and rockets. He has a handy guide on his website to help you understand what is happening today. [LINK]

He has a vantage point about three miles from the launch site and will be streaming live all day, starting at 6am. The launch itself is scheduled for 4:30pm.



Alternate Link to Live Stream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn3Kax3mExc



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


DAY SPONSOR

The Sand Bar & Grille in Hiawassee is sponsoring Macon Media today and would like everyone to know that Whiskey, Stills, and Mash will be playing live this Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM. An event page has been established on Facebook. [LINK]


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


General Forecast Through Monday Night



Today

Cloudy. Patchy fog this morning. A slight chance of showers this morning, then a chance of showers this afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows ranging from near 60 down into the 50s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows ranging from around 60 down into the mid-to-upper 50s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Friday

Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then showers with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the 50s. Chance of rain 70 percent.


Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

The bit of tropical moisture that was forecast to impact our region is taking a more easterly path through the central region of North Carolina, so excessive rainfall is not expected in Macon County today.



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


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.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)



Special Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
1250 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

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

Special Tropical Weather Outlook issued to discuss the area of low pressure near the southeast U.S. coast.

An elongated area of low pressure located just offshore of the northeast Florida and Georgia coasts and an associated upper-level disturbance are producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Although the disturbance has changed little in organization during the past several hours, some development is possible before it moves inland over the southeast U.S. by Wednesday afternoon. After the system is inland, tropical cyclone formation is not expected.

Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding over portions of the Carolinas on Wednesday. Gusty winds could also produce rough marine conditions and life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas through Wednesday.

1. For additional information, see products from your local National Weather Service office. The next Special Tropical Weather Outlook on this system will be issued by 9 AM EDT Wednesday, or earlier if necessary.

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



End Daily Weather Segment





Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 23,964 people in North Carolina are infected, 764 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 24,140 confirmed cases from 352,331 targeted tests, and 621 hospitalized and 766 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 24,455 people infected and 801 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

COVID-19 Data for Macon County from Coronaction. [LINK] https://coronaction.net

Detected 18
Recovered 4
Deceased 1
Actives 13


Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]


Dr John Campbell:

Hydroxychloroquine Studies









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 at 5:50am on Wednesday, May 27, 2020




Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Tin Lizzies on Main Street
Updated After Interview with Driver







A group of Tin Lizzies, aka Model Ts, were parked on Main Street this afternoon as the occupants took a break from their excursion. At least one of the vehicles had an upgrade that included a GPS Reciever. Photos of the automobiles are posted below without further comment. Click on any image to embiggen it to a larger size.


How the Tin Lizzie got its nickname. [LINK]

Update

One of the drivers (of the red car) said they were out for an excursion that started in Rockwood, TN. They spent the night last night at Tapoco Lodge in Graham County and have spent the afternoon in Franklin and are planning to go from here to Highlands, then Dalton, GA, and eventually back to Rockwood to end the tour.


This car is from Chatanooga, TN


This car is from Knoxville, TN



This car is from Rockwood, TN


This car is from Ocala, FL.







Published at 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 26, 2020


Macon County Board of Commissioners Conitnued Meeting for May 26, 2020


This photo was taken on the evening of Sunday, May 25, 2020, by Bobby Coggins

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be holding a continued meeting at 6pm tonight (May 26, 2020). The purpose of the meeting will be focused on discussing items related to the 2020-2021 budget. Macon Media will stream the meeting live on Facebook. A player will be embedded here so you can watch it here also. Copies of the public agenda and the budget amendments are posted below. If any additional documentation is used during the meeting, Macon Media will try to obtain a copy of them and share them here in the interest of promoting transparency in both the local government and local media outlets.


LIVE VIDEO





PUBLIC AGENDA

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CONTINUED SESSION
MAY 26, 2020 – 6 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA

1. Reconvene and welcome by Chairman Tate

2. Update on tax software contract – Tax Administrator Abby Braswell

3. Update on Macon Middle School project – school liaison committee members

4. Discussion regarding recommended Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget

A. Otto Volunteer Fire Department
B. Macon County Schools, Dr. Chris Baldwin, Superintendent
C. Macon County Solid Waste, Chris Stahl, Director

5. Consideration of budget amendments #279-282 – Finance Director Lori Carpenter

6. Closed session

7. Recess or adjourn

BUDGET AMENDMENTS






Published at 1:00pm on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, May 26, 2020






OUTLOOK

A wedge of cooler high pressure will persist over the region today and linger through Wednesday. Abundant moisture will return to the area from the south through the middle of the week. Warming southerly flow will develop Thursday through Friday ahead of the next approaching cold front, but with continued moist conditions over the area. The cold front will move into the region from the northwest on Saturday, and settle southeast of the area through Sunday. Much drier and cooler air will arrive from the northwest for the early part of next week.

Memorial Day

Since restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic prevented the usual large gathering to mark Memorial Day this year, here is a video of the 2020 Memorial Day Observance that took place yesterday in Franklin. A proper post with a photo album will be published later today. This early look at the video of the event is for those of you who read the daily weather briefing.



May we never forget those who gave their lives in service to the United States of America.

---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718.

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


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


General Forecast Through Thursday Night



Today

Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 11am. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs from the upper 60s to the mid--70s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the 50s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-60s to the lower 70s. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. Showers likely, mainly in the evening. Lows around 60. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the south winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday Night

Showers likely. Thunderstorms likely, mainly in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.


Hazards

Scattered to numerous showers will develop across the region today, with the greatest coverage along and near the eastern escarpment of the mountains. These showers will produce locally very heavy rainfall, and isolated flooding could develop quickly in areas affected by multiple showers given the saturated soil conditions and elevated stream levels. In addition, a few embedded thunderstorms are possible, with isolated cloud to ground lightning strikes also posing a hazard.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Wet weather will continue throughout the week. Tropical moisture could arrive from the south on Wednesday, leading to additional heavy to excessive rainfall. With many streams and creeks running near bankfull, flooding could develop very quickly from any additional heavy rainfall mid to late week. Monitor the forecast closely throughout the week in case any Flash Flood Watches are
needed.



---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


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.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)

IMAGE

The National Hurricane Center is not issuing outlooks at this time. Regular outlooks (unless there is activity) is scheduled to begin June 1st.


Special Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
520 PM EDT Mon May 25 2020

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

Special Tropical Weather Outlook issued to discuss the broad trough of low pressure extending across Florida and the adjacent Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters.

1. Widespread showers and thunderstorms extending across Florida, the Bahamas, and the adjacent Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters are associated with an elongated surface trough interacting with an upper-level disturbance. Although a weak surface low could form along the surface trough just off the east coast of Florida and move northward toward Georgia and South Carolina on Tuesday and Wednesday, the low is not expected to become a tropical cyclone due to strong upper-level winds.

Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding over portions of southern and central Florida tonight, spreading northward to coastal sections of northeastern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Gusty winds could also produce rough marine conditions and life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coasts of eastern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas through Wednesday. For additional information, see products from your local National Weather Service office. The next Special Tropical Weather Outlook on this system will be issued by 9 AM EDT Tuesday, or earlier if necessary.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...20 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.


End Daily Weather Segment







Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 23,222 people in North Carolina are infected, 744 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK
reports 23,964 confirmed cases from 344,690 targeted tests, and 627 hospitalized and 754 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 24,057 people infected and 790 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

COVID-19 Data for Macon County from Coronaction. [LINK]

Detected 18
Recovered 4
Deceased 1
Actives 13


Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

Video From Medical Professionals

Dr John Campbell:

Therapeutics and a human experience


Vaccine Development Update



Coronavirus Pandemic Update 75: COVID-19 Lung Autopsies - New Data




Curated News Stories

Humans 'not meant to be alone': Many Americans haven't seen or touched another person in 3 months because of COVID-19 [LINK]

Spike in coronavirus cases in Oregon traced to gatherings [LINK]

A Bolivian Orchestra Has been Stuck in ‘Haunted’ German Castle Surrounded by Wolves for 73 Days due to the Pandemic [LINK]

1 in 5 people tested in New York City had antibodies for the coronavirus [LINK]

States face criticism for COVID-19 data cover-ups [LINK]

New York shoppers hound customer out of grocery store for not wearing mask in viral video [LINK]

Coronavirus spread would dramatically drop if 80% of a population wore masks, AI researcher says [LINK]

Florida landlords lining up to evict hundreds of tenants once moratorium expires [LINK]

Sweden will not reach herd immunity in May only at 7% now with one of the highest death rates [LINK]

Three people charged in killing of Family Dollar security guard over mask policy [L
INK

New York Governor Cuomo says state will pay benefits to families of essential workers who died during pandemic [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. 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 at 6:30am on Tuesday, May 26, 2020