NC DPI Awards $62 Million Grant for Construction of a New Franklin High School

The Macon County Board of Education and the Macon County Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting today with members of the NC DPI (Department of Public Instruction) for the purpose of a grant award ceremony. The NC DPI awarded $62 million for the construction of a new high school in Franklin. The total cost is not yet set in stone, but could be about $120 million more or less, depending on what is included in the final plan.

NC Senator Kevin Corbin was present, as was NC Representative Kal Gillespie. Also in the room were Jack Horton and Pat Taylor, the Mayors of Franklin and Highlands, respectively.

“We know the impact a school facility has on students’ ability to learn. Many schools that were built decades ago lack the safety infrastructure, code compliance, programmatic requirements, and other modern features that are needed for education today. This is the case with the existing Franklin High School. I’m proud to award a Needs-Based Grant to Macon County Schools for the design and construction of a new Franklin High School and Bartram Academy. This new comprehensive high school campus will create a state-of-the-art educational facility to serve the students of Macon County for generations to come.” --State Superintendent Catherine Truitt

Video of Full Meeting

Media Outlet Roll Call (to promote transparency as some news outlets get their news from these videos and report on the proceedings without giving credit to their source)

Macon Media (Bobby)
WLOS-TV (Rex and cameraman)
The Franklin Press (Thomas)
Macon Sense (Dan)

Photos

Publlished at 2.00pm on Tuesday, January 23, 2023
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Education January 2024 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting at Iotla Valley Elementary School on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 6pm..

Webcast of Meeting

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 MEETING AGENDA
 Iotla Valley Elementary School
 January 22, 2024
 6:00 p.m.


 Call to Order – Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Welcome – Board Chair- Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Moment of Silence – Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Pledge of Allegiance- Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Approval of Minutes
  • Regular Scheduled Meeting- December 11, 2023
  • Special Called Meeting- December 21, 2023
 Adoption of Agenda


 I. Spotlight on People and Programs
  • Recognitions
   o Iotla Valley Elementary Teacher of the Year
   o Iotla Valley Elementary Support Person of the Year
   o Franklin High School Band Recognition-Carnegie Hall
   o Macon County Sheriff’s Office
   o Macon County Schools

  • Presentations
   o Iotla Valley Elementary Student Lighthouse Team
   o Big Brothers/Big Sisters- Danielle Hernandez


 II. Public Comment


 III. Informational Items
   o Overnight/Out-of-District Trip Requests
   o Fundraising Requests


 IV. Policy
  • E-Sports Update.....................Colleen Strickland
  • 2000 Series Policies for First Reading.............John Henning
   2400 - Board Policies
   2410 - Policy Development
   2420 - Adoption of Policies (Repeal)
   2430 - Dissemination and Preservation of Policies
   2440 - Policy Review and Evaluation (Repeal)
   2450 - Suspension of Board Policies (Repeal)
   2500 - Hearings Before the Board
   2600 - Consultants to the Board
  • Naloxone Policy for First Reading...............John Henning
    5120/6126/7268 – Emergency Use of Naloxone
  • Fundraising Policy for Second Reading.............John Henning
   8600 – Fundraising by Affiliated Organizations and Students

 V. Curriculum and Instruction
  • 2024-2025 Macon County Schools Calendar..............Tim Burrell

 VI. Building and Grounds
  • Nantahala Wastewater Updates.................Todd Gibbs
  • Macon Middle School Track Updates.............Todd Gibbs
  • East Franklin Gymnasium Update.................Todd Gibbs
  • Highlands Biological Foundation Bus Use Request.........Todd Gibbs

 VII. Business and Finance
  • FHS Fund Redistribution.....................Angie Cook
  • 2023-2024 Budget Resolution..................Angie Cook
  • Audit Contract for FY 2024....................Angie Cook
  • Change in Mileage Rate.....................Angie Cook
  • Bus Driver Pay.........................Angie Cook
  • 2024 Budget Work Session...................Angie Cook

 VIII. Board of Education Information
  • 2024 Board of Education Meeting Schedule............Jim Breedlove
  • Liaison Report.......................Jim Breedlove
  • 2024 Board Retreat.....................Jim Breedlove

 IX. Superintendent Information
  • Coming Events.......................Mr. Josh Lynch

 X. Closed Session
  • 143-318.11(a)(1) To prevent the disclosure of privileged or confidential personnel
   information pursuant to G.S. 115C-319 -321 and student matters pursuant to G.S. 115C-402 and 20 USC 1232g (FERPA) as well as 143-318.11.(a)(3)
   To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged
   Return to Open Session

 XI. Personnel Report

 XII. Adjournment

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Published at 12:00pm on Saturday, January 20, 2023
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Education December 2023 Meeting at Franklin High School

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 6pm in the cafeteria/media center on the campus of Franklin High School. Macon Media will attempt to stream the meeting on YouTube. A link or video player will be added to this article once the stream starts.

Webcast (Live at 6pm)

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DAY SPONSOR
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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 for more information.

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Macon County Board of Education
PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
Franklin High School
December 11, 2023
6:00 p.m.

Call to Order – Board Secretary- Superintendent Mr. Josh Lynch
Election of Board Chair
Election of Board Vice-Chair
Welcome – Board Chair
Moment of Silence – Board Chair
Pledge of Allegiance- Board Chair
Approval of Minutes
• Regular Scheduled Meeting- November 27, 2023
Adoption of Agenda


I. Spotlight on People and Programs
• Recognitions
o Franklin High School Teacher of the Year
o Franklin High School Support Person of the Year
• Presentations
o Franklin High School Student Leadership

II. Public Comment

III. Informational Items
(this section contains information on school trips and fundraisers and has been redacted by Macon Media)

IV. Policy
• School Nutrition Procurement Plan..............David Lightner
• WestEd MOU......................Mickey Noe
• Policies for Second Reading................John Henning, Jr.
o 8600- Fundraising by Outside Organizations
o 2120 – Code of Ethics for School Board Members
o 2121 – Board Member Conflict of Interest
o 2123 – Board Member Opportunities for Development
o 2125/7315 – Confidential Information
o 2127 – Board Member Technology Use
o 2130 – Board Member Compensation and Expenses
o 2210 – Duties of Officers
o 2302 – Remote Participation in Board Meetings
o 2310 – Public Participation at Board Meetings
• Board Policy 6120-Student Health Services ...........John Henning, Jr.

V. Curriculum and Instruction
• FHS Virtual Day-February 27, 2024-ACT Testing.......Mickey Noe

VI. Building and Grounds
• Nantahala Wastewater Updates.................Todd Gibbs
• Macon Middle School Track Updates.............Todd Gibbs
• East Franklin Gymnasium Update.................Todd Gibbs

VII. Business and Finance
• Supplemental Funding.....................Angie Cook

VIII. Board of Education Information
• NCDPI- LETRS Professional Development..........Mr. Josh Lynch
• Liaison Report.........................Board Chair
• Resolution Regarding Partisan Board of Education Elections......Board Chair
• 2024 Board Retreat......................Board Chair

IX. Superintendent Information
• Coming Events.......................Mr. Josh Lynch

X. Closed Session
• 143-318.11(a)(1) To prevent the disclosure of privileged or confidential personnel information pursuant to G.S. 115C-319 -321 and student matters pursuant to G.S. 115C-402 and 20 USC 1232g (FERPA) as well as 143-318.11.(a)(3) To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney- client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged

Return to Open Session

XI. Personnel Report

XII. Adjournment

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Published at 11:00am on Monday, December 11, 2023
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Nantahala Community Club Hosts Candidate Forum

The Nantahala Community Club hosted a forum for candidates running for office in the Nantahala Public Library. Macon Media was the only news outlet present. The video of the forum has been divided into two parts. Part One for the introduction of the candidates and Part Two for the forum itself.

DAY SPONSOR

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The participants were:

NC Senate 50th District

incumbent Kevin Corbin
challenger Karen McCracken

Macon County Commissioner District I

challenger John Shearl
challenger Jerry Moore

Macon County Commissioner District II

incumbent Ronnie Beale
incumbent Gary Shield
challenger Danny Antoine

Macon County Board of Education District 02

challenger Stephanie Lassiter

Macon County Board of Education District 04

incumbent Carol Arnold
challenger Diedre Breeden

Part One: Introductions



Part Two: Forum

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Published at 3:50am on Thursday, August 18, 2022
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Education January 2022 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 6pm. The live webcast has been embedded below and will be replaced with a recored version later this week.

DAY SPONSOR

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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 http://youngtreeservice.com/ for more information.

Webcast



Roll Call
This is a record of which media outlets and elected critters not serving on the board are present at the meeting.

Macon Media (1)
The Franklin Press (1)
Macon COunty News and Shopping Guide (1)

Published at 5:30pm on Monday, January 24, 2022
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Education March 2021 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education met at 6pm on Monday, March 22nd, 2021 for their regular meeting for March 2021. Macon Media was not at the meeting, but the school webcast the video and it has been embedded below.

The board decided to move to Plan A at Mountain View Intermediate, Macon Middle School, and Franklin High School beginning Monday, April 5th. Mountain View Intermediate School, Macon Middle School, and Union Academy will continue to require that each Friday be a virtual day. Cartoogechaye Elementary, East Franklin Elementary, Iotla Valley Elementary, South Macon Elementary, Nantahala School, and Highlands School will not alter their current schedule of operations.



Roll Call
(media outlets with representatives physically at the meeting)

The Franklin Press (Jake)

Resources
[Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit PDF]

PRESS RELEASE

MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS

On March 11, 2021, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 220 into law. Senate Bill 220 requires Local Boards of education to provide in-person learning for grade K-5 in Plan A, and for grades 6-12 in either Plan B or Plan A, while meeting all health and safety requirements in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit (K-12). While the Macon County School system is currently meeting the requirements that are outlined in Senate Bill 220, our school system may now choose to allow all of our students to return to school. Our schools are still required to offer families the option of attending school virtually.

On a motion made by Tommy Cabe and seconded by Carol Arnold, the Macon County Board of Education approved by a 5-0 vote to have Mountain View Intermediate, Macon Middle School, and Franklin High School begin operating under Plan A when students return from spring break on Monday, April 5, 2021. By waiting until April 5, families and teachers will be given adequate time to prepare for the schedule change. More importantly, all staff having chosen to be vaccinated will have been provided the 2 weeks required to develop immunity to COVID-19.

Mountain View Intermediate School, Macon Middle School, and Union Academy will continue to require that each Friday be a virtual day in order to adequately interact with their virtual students. Franklin High School and Macon Early College will operate under Plan A 5 days per week. Cartoogechaye Elementary, East Franklin Elementary, Iotla Valley Elementary, South Macon Elementary, Nantahala School and Highlands School will not alter their current schedule of operations.

It is important to note that Senate Bill 220 requires that schools continue to adhere to the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit (K-12). While more of our students are allowed back on our campuses face coverings remain a mandate in North Carolina schools.

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Published at 1:30am on Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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Macon County Board of Education February 2021 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 6pm. Macon Media cannot be there, but the school system is streaming the meeting live and a video player has been embedded below for your convenience, along with a copy of the public agenda of items to be discussed at the meeting.

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.

Live Video




Macon County Board of Education
MEETING AGENDA
Macon County Schools Administrative Offices
Monday, February 22, 2021
6:00 p.m.

Call to Order – Board Chairman Jim Breedlove

Welcome – Board Chairman Jim Breedlove

Moment of Silence – Board Vice-Chair Tommy Cabe

Pledge of Allegiance –Board Vice-Chair Tommy Cabe

Approval of Minutes
• Regular Scheduled Meeting- January 25, 2021
• Special Called Meeting- February 4, 2021

Adoption of Agenda

I. Spotlight on People and Programs
• Recognitions
- None at this writing

• Presentations
- STEM Updates- Jennifer Love

II. Public Comment

III. Informational Items
• Overnight/Out-of-District Trip Requests
- None at this writing

• Fundraising Requests
- Franklin High School
-JV and Varsity Baseball
- Macon Middle School
-Baseball
- South Macon Elementary School
-STEM-E Club

IV. Policy
• 2021-2022 South Macon Elementary Student Handbook...................Allison Guynn

V. Curriculum and Instruction

• 2021-2022 School Calendar..................................................Tim Burrell

VI. Building and Grounds

• Public Hearing and Consideration of Resolution Conveying Macon Middle School
Property to Macon County................................................John Henning, Jr.

VII. Business and Finance

• Fund Redistributions............................................................Angie Cook
- East Franklin Elementary School

• Budget Amendments.............................................................Angie Cook
- State
- Current Expense
- Federal

•IRS Travel Rate...................................................................Angie Cook
• Audit Contract-FY ending 2021..................................................Angie Cook
VIII. Board of Education Information
• 2021 Board Retreat- Thursday, April 22, 2021...........................Dr. Chris Baldwin
• COVID-19 Updates..........................................................Dr. Chris Baldwin

IX. Superintendent Information
• Coming Events........................................................Dr. Chris Baldwin

X. Closed Session
• 143-318.11(a)(1) To prevent the disclosure of privileged or confidential personnel information pursuant to G.S. 115C-319 -321 and student matters pursuant to G.S. 115C-402 and 20 USC 1232g (FERPA).

•Return to Open Session

XI. Personnel Report

XII. Adjournment

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.



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Published at 5:05pm on Monday, February 22, 2021

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January 2021 Macon County Board of Education Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education meeting for January 2021 starts tonight at 6pm. Since I (Bobby) have the sniffles, I'm not going to be able to make it to the meeting. Since the School Board is streaming the meeting, a player has been embedded below so you can watch it either live or at your convenience.



Additional information will be posted tomorrow after the infodump.

--------------- COVID-19 Update



COVID-19 in the Schools



At last night's school board meeting, Superintendent Dr Baldwin informed board members that 158 students and 22 staff were out of school due to either being tested positive for COVID-19, or having to be isolated due to possible exposure. Earlier in the day, the school system released information regarding newly positive cases at area schools.

NEW POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES

Mountain View Intermediate School-3
Franklin High School-1
Cartoogechaye Elementary School-1
East Franklin Elementary School-1

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.


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.



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Published at 5:31pm on Monday, January 25, 2021

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Special Called Meeting of the Macon County Board of Education for Tuesday, August 11, 2020

The Macon County Board of Education met last night in a Special called Meeting in order to finalize decisions about the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. A video of the entire meeting has been embedded below and copies of the public agenda and agenda packet will be added below once they are provided by the Board of Education. They did not mail out copies in advance of the meeting. Please note Macon Media was not able to record this meeting and the video was provided by the school board, so the audio quality is not that good.

The school unanimously voted to have one day a week in-person instruction for students at Franklin High School, with the other four days being for remote learning. Freshmen (9thh grade) would meet on Mondays, Sophomores (10th grade) on Tuesday, Juniors (11th grade) on Wednesdays, and Seniors (12th grade) on Thursdays. Additional in-person instruction would be available on Fridays for those who needed it. Otherwise, Fridays will be a remote learning day for all students. Additional information is provided below from the school board.

Franklin High School Update:

The Macon County Board of Education has approved for Franklin High School in-person instruction to occur one day a week rather than two days per week as originally planned. Freshman students will attend on Mondays, Sophomore students on Tuesdays, Junior students on Wednesdays and Senior students on Thursdays. Fridays will remain a remote learning day for all students, however, Fridays may also be utilized for individual or small group settings by appointment with their specific teacher. All social distancing guidelines will remain in effect at all times.

This decision was not an easy decision for Franklin High School or the Macon County School Board, however, student and faculty safety will remain a top priority. This decision will be re-evaluated by the Board of Education after three weeks. The Macon County Board of Education feels as if the three week time frame will give Franklin High School the ability to consider all factors in hopes to move to two days per week instruction.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we move forward to begin school year 2020-2021.

Video


MCS August 11th, 2020 Board Meeting Live Stream from Macon County Schools on Vimeo.
Public Agenda

(will be added once provided by the Board of Education)


Agenda Packet

(will be added once provided by the Board of Education)



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.


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Published at 3:25am on Wednesday, August 12, 2020

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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

Budget Amendments #279-282 ... by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

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

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Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, February 1, 2019

**9:35am** Aerial Photo



Macon Media commissioned Karcher Aerial Imaging to take a photo of the location from the air to give the public a better idea of the extent of the fire.

**4:00am** Commercial Fire at Franklin Ford.

Several area fire departments are on the scene of a large commercial fire at Franklin Ford. Live coverage is taking place on our Facebook Page. It has been embedded below. 

Facebook [LINK]
Google Plus [LINK]



Macon County Board of Education January 2019 Meeting



Here is the video of this month's regular meeting of the school board. A more complete article will be posted later.

Outlook

The arctic airmass that has given us the coldest weather of the season will warm today through the weekend as the high-pressure center moves off the Atlantic coast. Moist flow also begins to increase by Sunday while temperatures continue to rise to above normal levels into early next week.


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



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your with your next project.

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Weather Hazards

There are no weather hazards anticipated for today or tonight. We will be getting an early teaser for spring by the middle of next week, so get out and enjoy the break from winter weather while you can.

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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 a high near 50. Calm winds.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around freezing. Calm winds.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Calm winds.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Calm winds.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high in the upper 50s.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

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OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near the lower 50s. Calm winds.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Calm winds.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near the upper 50s. Light and variable winds.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around the mid-to-upper 30s. Calm winds.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near the upper 50s.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

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HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around freezing. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph shifting to come out of the southwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low near the mid-to-upper 30s. Winds out of the southwest 3 to 5 mph.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

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NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Partly sunny, with a high near the mid-to-upper 40s. Calm winds rising to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around freezing. Calm winds.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Light winds out of the west.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low in the mid-to-upper 30s. Light winds out of the south.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

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Macon County Almanac for February 1, 2019

Highest Temperature 75°F in Franklin in 1975
Lowest Temperature -5°F in Highlands in 1900
Greatest Rainfall 4.50 inches in Highlands in 1915
Greatest Snowfall 8.3 inches in Nantahala in 1934

Weather Extremes for Macon County for February
Data available from 1873 to 2018

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-28-1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on 02-13-1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-13-1966
Greatest Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on 02-14-1912

Space Weather

This is a new segment that Macon Media will be testing for possible inclusion as an every day or weekly addition to the Daily Weather Briefing.



This is a video from Tamitha Skov, who does weekly space weather videos. She also has a patreon. [LINK]

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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.

Patreon Subscriber History May 2014 to Present



Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 3:20 am on February 1, 2019

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Macon County Schools Update

The new school year is drawing close, so here are several updates regarding the new school year and meetings of the Macon County Coard of Education in one spot.

Schedule released for Open House/Orientation for local schools. [LINK]


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Board of Education Special Called Meeting 

The Macon County Board of Education will hold a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, August 9, 2018 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Macon County Schools Administrative Offices.

The purpose of this meeting is to review, discuss & approve any additional personnel for the 2018-2019 school year and enter into executive session pursuant to:

143.318.11.(a)(6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee;

Other business as needed may also be conducted.

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August 2018 Board of Education Meeting

The next Regular Scheduled Meeting of the Macon County Board of Education will be held on Monday, August 20, 2018, at 6:00 pm in the Board Room of the Macon County Schools Administrative Offices.


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Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.


Published at 2:00 am on July 25, 2018

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Meeting Video Macon County Board of Education Work Session/Special Called Meeting

On Tuesday, the Macon County Board of Education held a Special Called Meeting to discuss the budget and other matters. A video of the meeting and a copy of the public agenda is posted below. Supporting documents have not been made available to media outlets as of Thursday afternoon, and will be included in the shorter video segments that will be posted over the next several days.


Meeting Video



Roll Call
(media outlets with representatives present for the meeting. Elected critters from other boards are also included)

Macon Media
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
The Franklin Press
Gary Shields (Macon County Commissioner)


Meeting Agenda


Macon County Board of Education
1202 Old Murphy Road
Franklin, NC 28734
AGENDA
Call to Order
Welcome

I. 2018-2019 Budget Discussion

II. Principal Security Requests

III. Other Business as Needed

IV. Emergency Operations Plan

V. Closed Session

143-318.11.(a)(8) To formulate plans by a local board of education relating to emergency response incidents of school violence.

143-318.11.(a)(6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee;

VI. Return to Open Session

VII. Adjournment



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.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

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

Author: Bobby Coggins
Videographer: Bobby Coggins
Published at 2:30 pm on April 12, 2018

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Macon County Commissioners June 8, 2017 Budget Work Session

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting this afternoon for a continued session that will focus mainly on the budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2017, and runs through June 30, 2018. The Macon County Board of Education will also be meeting concurrent with this board and will be having a closed session after the conclusion of the Commissioners meeting. Live Video of the commissioners meeting will be available.

Macon Media will be testing using Youtube Live to webcast the meeting. The player is below, and if all works out, the video will be live at 4:58 pm.

**5:00 pm** something has gone wrong with my connection between the camera and my streaming device. I apologise for the technical issue. --Bobby.

MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters/photographers present)

Macon Media
The Franklin Press
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
(other than the ones serving on this board)

Sheriff Robbie Holland

Mayor Bob Scott (Franklin Town Council)
Billy Mashburn (Franklin Town Council)
Patti Abel (Franklin Town Council)

Board of Education Chairman Jim Breedlove
Fred Goldsmith (Board of Education)
Stephanie McCall (Board of Education)






MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CONTINUED SESSION
THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017 – 5 P.M.
AGENDA
1. Reconvene and welcome – Chairman Tate
2. Budget discussion regarding Macon County Schools
3. Budget requests from volunteer fire departments
4. Additional budget discussion/review
5. Reappointment of Tax Administrator Richard Lightner
6. Budget Amendments #211-213
7. NC Weatherization Assistance Program Amendment 1
8. Other business as needed
9. Adjourn


Notice: Special Called Meeting of the Macon County Board of Education




CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. 

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

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


Published at 4:30 am on June 8, 2017





Be kind to one another.

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Macon County Board of Education May 2017 Regular Meeting Updated with Video of Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting tonight at Nantahala School. A copy of the Mini Agenda that is shared with the news media has been embedded here for public information and to promote transparency. If a good enough internet connection can be established, a live video player will be posted. If that is not possible, a recorded version of the meeting will be published in the article in the next day or so.


6:06 pm A live blog is being posted below the Mini Agenda in reverse chronological order.





MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters/photographers present)

Macon Media
The Franklin Press 
WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM
The Macon County News and Shopping Guide

ELECTED OFFICIALS
(other than those serving on the board)

Gary Shields (County Commissioner and one of two liaisons to the board)

May 2017 School Board Mini Agenda by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

LIVE BLOG

3:03 am The video has been added.

7.42 pm They've changed the June meeting to the 27th of June. Tuesday at 6 pm.

7.40 pm They're wrapping the meeting up and will be adjourning in a few minutes. Shutting down. I will try to have a video online in the next couple of days.

7.21 pm They're on Section IX, Business and Finance. Angie Cook is presenting this information and budget amendments. 

7.10 pm They're discussing Building and Grounds, Section VIII of the agenda.
they've allowed Highlands Recreation to use school buses and for the Chamber of Chamber to use buses for the Fourth of July and a BBQ Festival. Tim Burrell is providing an update on the SIPS Phone Systems.

6:52 pm They're now on Section VII - Curriculum and Instruction.

6.47 pm They're now discussing policy. (These items are in section VI of the agenda above.

6.46 pm The board has approved the personnel report 5-0.

6.45 pm The bioard has approved the fihing tournament 5-0.

6.42 pm Nantahala School is requesting to do a Fishing Tournament.

6.41 pm The board is reviewing overnight and out of district trip requests from the various schools. The items are approved by a unanimous vote.

6.39 pm The board has come back into open session.

6:36 pm They're coming back into the room.

6:08 pm The Board has gone into a closed session.

The reporters for The Franklin Press, Macon County News and Shopping Guide and WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM arrive.
6.07 pm The Support Person of the Year for Nantahala is Kim Bateman, Guidance Counselor.

The Teacher of the Year is Diane Raxter, 2nd and 3rd grade teacher.

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

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


Published at 1:01 Pm on May 23, 2017

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