Weather Briefing for Wednesday, November 20, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Rain chances continue into this morning ahead of an approaching cold front. Light snowfall may develop in the mountains late Thursday and could continue into early Saturday, but travel impacts currently look to be minor. Temperatures will remain below normal Thursday through the weekend, then slowly warm back up early next week.

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DAY SPONSOR

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs in the mid 60s. Temperature falling into the mid 50s in the afternoon. Winds out of the southwest around 5 mph, increasing to northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon.
..TONIGHT...Mostly clear and breezy. Much cooler with lows in the lower 30s. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
..THURSDAY...Sunny. Much cooler with highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
..THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
..FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
..FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

on Thursday night, wind gusts in excess of 45mph are expected at the higher elevations, especially in exposed areas. Isolated power outages will be possible.

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NEWS UPDATES

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SpaceX Fail To Repeat Booster Catch, But Starship Shows New Tricks - IFT6 Post Flight Review | Scott Manley



• FEMA Lays It All Out for Macon County Survivors That May Need to Apply for Disaster Recovery Grants [Macon Media]

• 10th Annual Cowee Christmas [Macon Media]
• Operation Christmas Child Collection Week November 18-25, 2024 [Macon Media]
• EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Governor-elect Josh Stein vows to prioritize WNC recovery efforts [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]
• NC House votes to strip power from incoming Democratic governor, AG as part of Helene aid bill [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Canton honors radio stations for service during Hurricane Helene [Smoky Mountain News]

• Official NC Helene-related death tally rises to 103 after Yancey County fatality [Asheville Citizen Times]

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Published at 5.00am on Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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FEMA Lays It All Out for Macon County Survivors That May Need to Apply for Disaster Recovery Grants

Photo taken by Bobby Coggins on October 25, 2024, during a FEMA survey of the Cullasaja Community.

 

Editor's Note: FEMA is currently operating a Disaster Recovery Center in meeting room A/B in the Macon County Health Department.

FEMA Also Provides Free Legal Assistance for Eligible Applicants – Take a Look:

The agency has also rolled out details supporting Legal Assistance which can play a pivotal role in many contractual situations.
This service is provided for eligible applicants at no cost.

 

Typical services include assistance with:

• Insurance policies and claims.
• Foreclosure and mortgage issues.
• Home repair contracts and contractors.
• Landlord-tenant disputes.
• Document replacement.
• Government benefits information.
• FEMA appeals.
• Fraud.

Here are all of the outlined programs with itemized details supporting various categories disaster survivors should consider assessing if they may have any associated incurred loss.

These are the programs:

Housing Assistance
Rental Assistance  Lodging Expense Reimbursement  Home Repair or Replacement  Accessibility Needs  Privately-owned Roads, Bridges, Docks Temporary Housing   Hazard Mitigation

Other Needs Assistance
Displacement  Childcare  Clean and Sanitize  Funeral  Group Flood Insurance Policy  Medical/Dental  Personal Property  Transportation

 

Listed below are other key FEMA Updates that may also be newsworthy to disaster survivors looking for disaster recovery direction: 

Nov. 18, 2024

Key Messages

• FEMA has approved $241 million to more than 133,000 households and individuals beginning their recovery.
• FEMA has approved more than $251 million in Public Assistance funding in North Carolina to support community recovery.
• FEMA is providing multiple temporary housing options to meet North Carolinians’ individual needs. More than 4,800 households are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels. The first step to receiving housing assistance is applying with FEMA.

FEMA Home Inspections: What to Expect

• Within 10 days of submitting an application, FEMA staff and inspectors may call to discuss your disaster-caused damage and schedule an appointment for an inspection.
• The call to schedule an inspection will probably come from an out-of-state phone number. An inspector will attempt to contact you three times over three different days. If inspectors cannot reach you after three attempts, your case will be closed until you contact FEMA again.
• Within 10 days following an inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter or electronic correspondence explaining FEMA’s decision. Please read your letter carefully. It may have information about next steps you need to take.

Do Not Forget, FEMA is Hiring – Apply Online: 
Come and Join Us as We Continue Working Towards Disaster Recovery Here in Western North Carolina

• FEMA is hiring in Asheville, Durham, Hickory and Raleigh to support community recovery. Applications are being accepted online. To see open positions and apply, visit usajobs.gov, type keywords “FEMA, Local Hire” and enter the location as “North Carolina.” Learn more about the journey of a local hire by watching this video: FEMA Local Hire: Cliffton J

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance

• An opportunity for all media outlets to learn more about this program will be forthcoming in the very near future.
• FEMA offers several types of housing assistance and temporary shelter solutions for eligible households. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is approved for 25 counties as an interim solution to permanent housing needs. Learn more about housing assistance options and eligibility by watching this video: Direct Housing Assistance available in North Carolina for Helene Survivors.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Still Available

§  Through TSA, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees to provide short term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors. What this means is if you or someone you know is unhoused due to Hurricane Helene, please suggest they apply with FEMA.  If you are eligible for TSA, FEMA will notify you using the contact information you provided on your application. 

Online Application is Fastest Way to FEMA Assistance

§  Homeowners and renters affected by a disaster can apply for federal assistance in several ways: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, Via the FEMA App (fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products), Calling 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Appeal a Decision

• If you disagree with your decision letter after reading and following all of the instructions as indicated on the letter, there are other options.
• You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending additional documents, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc., that show you qualify and need more help. Each decision letter from FEMA explains why you are ineligible and the types of documents to help you appeal. For more details, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-appeal-fema-decision-1. 

N.C. Disaster Recovery Centers

• A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a one-stop shop to meet with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and more. No appointment is needed. To find a Disaster Recovery Center nearest you go to: FEMA.gov/drc/
  You can visit any open center, including locations in other states.

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Weather Briefing for Tuesday, November 19, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Warm and dry high pressure will persist into today as it moves east. A cold front will approach from the west today bringing mostly light rain into Wednesday as the front crosses our area. Cold high pressure builds across our region from Thursday into the weekend with light amounts of snow along the Tennessee border Thursday night. Expect a slow warming trend from the weekend into early next week.

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DAY SPONSOR

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Patchy fog. Highs around 60. Winds out of the south around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TUESDAY NIGHT...Showers likely, mainly in the evening. Patchy fog. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..WEDNESDAY...Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. Highs in the lower 60s. Temperature falling into the mid 50s in the afternoon. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent.
..WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Much cooler with lows in the lower 30s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
..THURSDAY...Sunny. Much cooler with highs in the lower 40s.
..THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy and breezy. Lows in the upper 20s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight. Much colder temperatures are on the way starting Wednesday afternoon.

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NEWS UPDATES

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• 10th Annual Cowee Christmas [Macon Media]

• Operation Christmas Child Collection Week November 18-25, 2024 [Macon Media]

• Bomb threat at Southwestern Community College: No threat to public, sheriff's office says [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• NC Supreme Court race still too close to call as vote-counting continues and candidate sues [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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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.



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Published at 5.00am on Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Monday, November 18, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Warm and dry high pressure will persist into Tuesday. A cold front will approach from the west beginning Tuesday, enhancing rainfall chances through mid-week. Colder temperatures will filter into the area from Thursday through next weekend.

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DAY SPONSOR

Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media for today.

They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 or visit YoungTreeService.com for more information.

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. South winds around 5 mph.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Showers, mainly in the evening. Lows in the lower 50s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. Temperature falling into the mid 50s in the afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Much cooler with lows in the lower 30s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

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NEWS UPDATES

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• 10th Annual Cowee Christmas [Macon Media]

• Operation Christmas Child Collection Week November 18-25, 2024 [Macon Media]

• Lawmakers tour storm-ravaged Western North Carolina, pledge support [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Nov. 14 [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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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.



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Published at 5.00am on Monday, November 18, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Sunday, November 17, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Warm and dry high pressure persist through Tuesday. A cold front approaches from the west beginning Tuesday, enhancing rainfall chances and crosses the area by mid-week. Colder temperatures work into the area through next weekend.

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DAY SPONSOR

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest in the afternoon.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Showers likely. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 70 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

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NEWS UPDATES

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• 10th Annual Cowee Christmas [Macon Media]

• Operation Christmas Child Collection Week November 18-25, 2024 [Macon Media]

• Disaster Recovery Center offers one-stop resource hub for Helene recovery [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• CNN wants federal court to take up Robinson defamation case [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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Support Macon Media

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.



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Published at 5.00am on Sunday, November 17, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Saturday, November 16, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Warm and dry high pressure will persist through Tuesday. A cold front will approach from the west beginning Tuesday, enhancing rainfall chances. It won`t cross the area fully until Wednesday night or Thursday, after which much colder temperatures will work into the area through next weekend.

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DAY SPONSOR 

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph. 

.TONIGHT...Clear in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the lower 40s. Light and variable winds. .SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Light and variable winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon. 

.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph. 

.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest in the afternoon. 

.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

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NEWS UPDATES

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• Operation Christmas Child Collection Week November 18-25, 2024 [Macon Media]

• Friday Football Frenzy: Round 1 playoffs, Nov. 15 [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• Balance of power in NC legislature, Supreme Court on the line as counties finish counting votes [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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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.



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Published at 5.00am on Saturday, November 16, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Operation Christmas Child Collection Week November 18-25, 2024

Starting Monday, Nov. 18th, hundreds of local Operation Christmas Child volunteers will transform empty shoeboxes—filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—into gifts of hope. 

Families, churches, and other groups in Macon County can drop-off their shoebox gifts at 2 locations: Holly Springs Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Highlands.  National Collection Week, runs from Nov. 18-25.  

For more information and a list of other area drop-off locations and times in your area, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. 

Learn other ways you can help at Samaritans Purse [LINK]

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Weather Briefing for Friday, November 15, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Dry weather and a warming trend are expected Friday through Tuesday. Rain may return to the area for Wednesday and Thursday with mild temperatures Wednesday and near normal temperatures Thursday.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

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DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Office Supply. Visit their store at 161 Highlands Road in Franklin or check out their website.

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Patchy dense fog early. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Light and variable winds.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

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NEWS UPDATES

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FEMA gives $216 million to storm victims, many still struggling | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• Cooper calls for more Helene aid as NC lawmakers prepare to return to Raleigh [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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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.



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Published at 5.00am on Friday, November 15, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Thursday, November 14, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Clouds and precipitation will make for a very damp and chilly day. Dry weather and a warming trend are expected Friday through Monday. Rain may return to the area Tuesday or Wednesday but temperatures will remain mild at that time.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

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DAY SPONSOR

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Rain. Patchy fog. Highs in the lower 50s. Winds out of the southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the morning decreasing and shifting to come out of the southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph in the morning, becoming light and variable.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Clear in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Lows around 40.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER
Showers and isolated rumbles of thunder will be possible today. Brief periods of moderate to heavy rainfall will also be possible, ending around noon.

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NEWS UPDATES

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• Franklin Town Council Declines to Purchase Carolina Drive Property Previously Intended for new ABC Store Location [Macon Media]

• Homeowners in flood risk zones with 50% home value damage must raise homes per regulations [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• NC Treasurer Dale Folwell reacts to governor's race, future of NC Treasury [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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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.



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Published at 5.10am on Thursday, November 14, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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10th Annual Cowee Christmas

PRESS RELEASE (11-13-2024)

COWEE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HERITAGE

On December 7, 2024, the 10th Annual Cowee Christmas will be held at Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center at 51 Cowee School Drive. Beginning at 10 a.m.and running until 3 p.m., families and shoppers will be able to enjoy activities and vendors inside the school.

This annual event began as free holiday crafts for children and was held at the Rec Park over twenty years ago. It moved to the Cooperative Extension and then to the Rickman Store. It quickly outgrew the space at the store and was moved to Cowee School according to Claire Suminski who has been the driving force behind the event. The school gave a lot of space in the auditorium for children’s crafts and then room throughout the school to add local craftsmen. “We are grateful to Winding Stair Farm and Kelly Penland with Bald Head Realty for their sponsorship of this event. It is a great time for families and friends to enjoy the festivities of the season all under one roof,” commented Suminski.

“There is an army of volunteers who make Cowee Christmas possible and successful”, said Laura Brooks, executive director of the school. “We have our regular volunteers who help throughout the year and then Job Corps and special Cowee Christmas volunteers who love participating in the fun.”

The children’s activities include evergreen swag making, cookie decorating, face painting and other holiday related fun. There will be a visit from Santa Claus at 11:00 He will be escorted by the Cowee Volunteer Fire Department and the Dance Arts Co-Op “elves” will be on hand to liven up the spirits of everyone involved.

This year 39 local vendors will be on site. There will be a broad range of items for sale including wood crafts, pottery, jewelry, crochet, homemade breads, miniature houses and Appalachian art. Many have participated in the past years and there will be some new faces this year. Laura Craig with Shade Tree Farms has been a vendor for over five years. “I keep coming back because I love the welcoming atmosphere and that is is family oriented,” said Craig.

The school has five full time resident artists and their studios will be open as well. This includes Alarka Expeditions, Carol Conti Studio, Carolina Artsworks, Cowee Textiles, and the Cowee Pottery School. The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will be displaying over 20 locally made quilts in the main hallway. The guild will also be selling different fabric arts.

Another fun tradition is the Balsam Bee going on its seventh year. Upon entering the school, you are greeted by the aroma of Frasier Fir swags and these pillows filled with ground and sifted needles from balsam trees. A hand drawn design by local artist Dennis Deitz is on the pillow.

This year's pillow design will feature an owl and is sponsored by Smoky Sew Company. To honor the heritage of our community, Nancy Pheasant, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, will be on hand for storytelling. Her stories are entertaining and include life lessons through her wonderful way with words. Children and adults will be captivated by the retelling of ancient stories.

Also throughout the day local musicians will perform on the stage in the auditorium and then will move around in the school. “We are so excited to have Wyatt Duvall, Lady and the Tramps, The White Sisters and Richard Tichich and Ann Lauder providing entertainment for our shoppers,” commented Suminski.

Shopping and crafts can work up an appetite and Chef Donnie Bishop will be back with his hot soup lunch. The ”Frasier Fir Cafe’” will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Three soups will be served including a vegan vegetable option. Cost of the lunch will be $10 per person. Brooks suggests following Cowee School on Facebook and Instagram to get more information on the vendors and the event schedule. “We don’t want anyone missing Santa Claus!” The Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center is a non-profit organization. The center is open for ongoing classes with the resident artists, concerts, speaker series and other events. Cowee Christmas is the largest event for the school. It is located at 51 Cowee School Drive right off the Bryson City Road.

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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.



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Published at 1.51pm on Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Franklin Town Council Declines to Purchase Carolina Drive Property Previously Intended for new ABC Store Location

Following a closed meeting, the Franklin Town Council decided by a vote of 5-1-1 to reject the acquisition of the property (seen above) to serve as the new site for the ABC Store, which is now situated on Highlands Road in Macon Plaza. Salain was unable to cast a ballot because she was present electronically, and Culpepper voted against the proposal.

In order to boost the town's revenue from the ABC Store, town council members have expressed at previous meetings—including one with the ABC Board—that they would like to move the store from the shopping center to a less costly location or one that is owned by the town. 

MEDIA ROLL CALL 
(News outlets that sent reporters to cover the meeting are listed here in order to promote transparency and accountability in reporting)

Macon Media - (Bobby)
The Franklin Press - (Mia)

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Published at 12.17pm on Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Wednesday, November 13, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure is expected to remain in place today with cooler temperatures, a little below normal. Clouds and precipitation arriving early tomorrow morning will make for a very damp and chilly Thursday. Dry weather and a warming trend are expected Friday through Monday.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

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DAY SPONSOR

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of rain in the evening, then rain after midnight. Lows around 40. Winds out of the southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.THURSDAY...Patchy fog in the morning. Rain. Highs around 50. Winds out of the southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mphin the morning increasing to come out of the south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph after midnight.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.
Showers and isolated rumbles of thunder will be possible Wednesday night into Thursday. Brief periods of moderate to heavy rainfall will also be possible.

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NEWS UPDATES

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• North Carolina Helene aid is up to $877 million: Here is where the money is going [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• NC gamblers bet more than $600 million on sports in October. Will state change the way winnings are taxed?
State Rep. Erin Pare, a Republican from Holly Springs, plans to introduce legislation that would allow gamblers to deduct their losses from their tax liability. [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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Published at 5.00am on Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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