Weather Briefing for Friday, January 16, 2026

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• ...Outdoor Burning Unsafe/Wintry Mix Overnight...

• [Public Safety Notifications]

• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]

 
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

Sunny and a little warmer today, with increased winds, and a slight chance of mixed wintry precipitation overnight. Another cold snap is expected in the middle of next week.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

Macon Media Weather is being sponsored by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook.

It is time for new leadership in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. I have the education and experience to successfully lead and represent the Office into the future. I will listen and respond to concerns of every citizen. I will ensure the employees have equal opportunities for promotion and transfer. Please trust me with your vote. If you have any questions, you can contact me at 828-371-4475, Facebook: Bob Cook for Sheriff. Early voting begins February 12, 2026, and the primary is March 3, 2026.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook Sheriff.

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DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Bourbon & Bacon. (Formerly Franklin Office Supply)
Visit their store at 161 Highlands Road in Franklin or check out their website at bourbonandbaconfs.com

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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. Not as cool with highs in the lower 40s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon.

..TONIGHT....Partly cloudy with a chance of freezing rain in the evening, then mostly cloudy with snow showers, freezing rain, sleet likely with a chance of rain showers after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Snow and sleet accumulation up to 1 inch. Ice accumulation around a trace. Not as cool with lows in the upper 20s. South winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.

..SATURDAY....Partly sunny with a chance of rain showers in the morning, then sunny in the afternoon. Highs around 40. West winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

..SATURDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Cold with lows around 19. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

..SUNDAY....Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Highs around 30. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning.

..SUNDAY NIGHT....Clear, cold with lows around 20.

..MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

..MONDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Cold with lows around 10 above. Wind chill values as low as zero.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Low humidity and increased wind will make outdoor burning today an unwise decision. Please put it off until after we get a soaking rain.

A quick moving system this weekend is expected to bring another chance for snow and a brief wintry mix to the mountains and SC foothills. Snow accumulations of a trace in the valleys and 3-4 inches at elevations above 3500 feet are possible. Use caution while driving as roadways could become slick.

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

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State and Local News

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Macon Sheriff Forum (January 2026) | Macon Media



• Angel Medical Center CEO Column for January 2026 [Macon Media]

• Macon County Board of Commissioners - January 2026 Regular Meeting [Macon Media]

• Gov. Stein to discuss rural health improvements at virtual town hall [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• Does one of NC's US Senate candidates really live in Florida? Officials probing to find out [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Jackson library’s future tied to courthouse access, advocate warns [Smoky Mountain News]

• NC auditor presents lawmakers with options for cutting vacant state jobs [Raleigh News and Observer]

• (video) Weaverville town manager addresses Thermo Fisher closure by end of 2026 [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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Other News

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• And That’s the Way It Is [Columbia Journalism Review]

• Greenland's prime minister says "we choose Denmark" over the U.S. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/greenland-prime-minister-denmark-us-meeting/]

• Hegseth Announces Grok Access to Classified Pentagon Networks [Newsweek]

• US posts record $145 billion December deficit as outlays outpace receipts [Reuters]

• Trump keeps bringing up the Insurrection Act. What is it? [Reuters]

• Germany joins European partners with troop deployment to Greenland [Reuters]
FAA warns airlines about space debris risk | NBC News



Machado Presents Peace Prize to Trump & US-Taiwan Tariff Deal | Daybreak Europe 1/16/2026 | Bloomberg Television



PBS News Hour full episode, Jan. 15, 2026



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Jan. 15, 2026 | ABC News



Increased security presence in Iran: government blackout still in place across the country | Al Jazeera Untangles | Al Jazeera



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 15, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Troops and vessels from European NATO allies arrive in Greenland [BBC News]

• China’s $1.2 Trillion Windfall Quietly Seeps Into Global Markets [Yahoo News]

• Japan’s Mitsubishi to acquire shale gas assets in U.S. for $7.5 billion [CNBC]

• TWiP 272: Don’t look and you won’t find [Microbe TV]

• AI Tool Reportedly Sent ICE Recruits Into the Field Without Proper Training [Gizmodo]

• SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts return to Earth after 1st-ever medical evacuation of ISS [Space.com]

The Level1 Links With Friends Show January 16 2026: RibbitCop



Asteroid Mining May Not Be Possible According to a New Study | Scott Manley


Bitcoin: Dubious Speculation | Ben Cowen

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Support Macon Media


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Published at 6.00am on Friday, January 16, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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School Superintendent and Sheriff Release Statements Regarding the January 16th Incident at MVI School

Photo Credit: Taken by Bobby Coggins at MVI on March 31, 2023. All Rights Reserved.


PRESS RELEASE (01-17-2024)

MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS 

**note** Macon County Schools sent these to Macon Media.

January 17, 2024

MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Yesterday afternoon, in a matter of moments, faculty and staff throughout the district secured their classrooms and provided comfort and security to their students while law enforcement mobilized swiftly to secure the campus of MVI. Additional information was received, which resulted in a rapid response of securing the campus of MMS. The events that unfolded could have been a community's greatest nightmare. There is no doubt that students and staff throughout the district will be processing the incidents in the days ahead. Additional mental health support will be provided as needed throughout the district.

I am thankful for the safety and well-being of our school community and for the role that each one of our faculty and staff had in ensuring the protection of our students. I am grateful and proud of the brave men and women in our local law enforcement agencies that answered the call of duty to serve and protect our students, faculty, and staff without hesitation. Josh Lynch

Superintendent of Schools

MACON COUNTY- NC SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Good Morning,

I would like to address the incident that occurred at Mountain View Intermediate yesterday so it is clear and there are no questions. Please be advised that there is some information that I cannot give to the general public at this time, to not compromise the integrity of an ongoing investigation.

In an event like the one that occurred yesterday, our #1 concern is the safety and well-being of the students, teachers, and staff. Multiple responding officers had their own children in the locked classrooms, so we fully empathize with the fear and panic parents felt yesterday. It is at this time that I can offer more information now that we have collected more evidence and are aware of additional facts from yesterday’s incident at MVI.

I want to be clear that there was no hostage situation, no chases through the playground, no gunshots, and no taser deployments. I have seen these accusations posted online and they are false.

The truth is that students probably did hear yelling. Those were our officers communicating in the hallways, and communicating to one another as we cleared classrooms one by one. Students also most likely heard door handles jiggling, as we were opening each door to check the safety of each respective classroom. As we checked each classroom, we announced ourselves as the Sheriff’s Office. This is standard procedure for how a school is secured during a possible active shooter threat. We wanted to ensure that everyone was accounted for and that EVERY child was safe, and we did.

Your child also saw law enforcement officers in SWAT type gear carrying weapons. At the time we entered the building, law enforcement was unclear if there was an active shooter in the building at that time. Unfortunately, guns are a necessity in that moment in order to ensure we were able to protect ourselves and those in the building against a possible threat.

The investigation continues, however, we have discovered that there were 911 calls made from inside Mountain View Intermediate; one of which posed an immediate threat to those inside the school building. There could be several individuals involved with this incident and they will be charged accordingly.

Your local law enforcement agencies take any type of threat against our schools very seriously. Please speak with your children at home about the seriousness of this type of situation. I would like to commend the deputies of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office for a job well done. The citizens and our schools are lucky to have such caring and committed individuals looking after them. I would also like to thank all emergency personnel that responded, lending a hand wherever they were needed.

And last but not least, a job well done by MVI’s teachers, staff, and students. Thank you for remaining calm in a high stress situation and for trusting us with your safety and the safety of the students you love so dearly. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks 

Read More

Candlelight Vigil Held for Victims Killed By Law Enforcement

This past Friday night, there was a candlelight vigil held at Speaker's Corner near the east entrance to the Macon County Courthouse. The vigil was for black people who have been killed by police and to promote peace and harmony. The event was mostly a silent one, with only a few motorists stopping to yell at the gathering. A crowd of counter-protesters gathered in and near Rankin Square and at the Gazebo Square at the corner of Iotla Street and Main Street. 

The media outlets observed to be present were Macon Media, The Franklin Press, and BPR (Blue Ridge Public Radio).

There was no violence at this event.


A couple of videos taken at the event are posted below, including a photo slideshow.

The Candlelight Vigil



The vigil was mostly a silent one. About an hour of silence has been cut from the above video.

The Offering



A woman participant on the vigil lit some candles and took them to the officers who were providing security for the event. None accepted the offering. This was filmed in 4K.

Photos



These photos are representative of the event. Some of them have been edited to bring out features.

See photos on Flickr [LINK]




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Published at 4:00pm on Monday, August 17, 2020

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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

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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.


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

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Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, May 24, 2020

OUTLOOK

A warm and humid ridge of high pressure will continue to build over the region today, with another round of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms expected. A weak back door cold front will arrive tonight and set up a moist wedge-like pattern through at least midweek. Unsettled weather will continue through the end of the week, as another cold front approaches from the northwest.

Local News Brief

Macon County Deputy and Wife Die in Automobile Accident in Georgia

The Sheriff announced on Facebook that Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, were killed in an accident in Mountain City, Georgia Saturday afternoon. [LINK]

Two people were killed and three were injured in an accident involving five vehicles on Saturday, according to Georgia State Patrol. The accident occurred near the intersection of Highway 441 and Old Highway 441 in Clayton. [WEB]  [FB]

More COVID-19 Cases Reported in Macon County Friday and Saturday

Saturday Afternoon Press Release

Macon County Public Health has identified three additional positive cases of COVID-19. All three are unrelated to the positive essential workers at an area business reported on Friday. One of the three individuals is under the age of 18. [LINK]

Friday Afternoon Press Release 

Walmart Employee Reportedly Contracts COVID-19, Store Won’t Comment But Health Department Will Test Workers [LINK]


General Forecast Through Tuesday Night



Today

Partly sunny. Areas of fog this morning. A chance of showers and thunderstorms this morning, then showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon. Visibility one-quarter mile or less at times this morning. Highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph in the morning, then shifting to come out of the southwest around 5 mph this afternoon. Chance of rain 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows ranging from the lower 60s to the lower 50s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Memorial Day

Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the 70s to the lower 80s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows ranging from the lower 60s to the mid-50s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Highs ranging from the mid-60s to the lower 70s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows in the 50s.


Hazards

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will develop across the region today, first forming along the mountain ridges from early to middle afternoon, then migrating east over the foothills and Piedmont through the late afternoon and evening hours. These thunderstorms will all produce cloud to ground lightning, very heavy downpours, and briefly gusty winds. A few of the storms may become severe, with damaging wind gusts above 60 mph the primary threat. Any locations repeatedly affected by the slowly moving storms could experience localized flooding as well. The coverage of the showers and thunderstorms will slowly diminish overnight.


---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)



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



End Daily Weather Segment

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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 21,618 people in North Carolina are infected, 728 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 22,725 confirmed cases from 329,582 targeted tests, and 589 hospitalized and 737 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 22,864 people infected and 778 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

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

Video From Medical Professionals

Dr John Campbell: May 23rd Global Update


Roger Seheult, MD: Coronavirus Pandemic Update 74: Vitamin D & COVID 19; Academic Censorship








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 5:00am on Sunday, May 24, 2020

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Macon County Sheriff Investigating Violations Involving Short-Term Rentals During Pandemic Restrictions

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
General Court of Justice
Forty-Third Prosecutorial District

PRESS RELEASE
ASHLEY HORNSBY WELCH
DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
April 6, 2020



Sheriff Robert Holland has directed his officers to investigate allegations of possible violations involving short-term rentals. Commissioners forbid most short-term rentals or leases to counter the spread of coronavirus, beginning March 27. Owners cannot allow visitors for less than 28 days, or for more than 28 days if the rentals are not occupied on a consistent basis. “We can’t allow people to refuse to protect their neighbors,” Holland said Monday.

There are exceptions to the local law.

Rental owners are allowed to provide shelter for medical personnel, emergency workers, construction workers and more. Go to maconcountync.org and click on “Macon County supplemental proclamation of State of Emergency” for a complete list.

As of Monday, Macon County had one case of confirmed COVID-19 involving a full-time resident and two confirmed cases involving nonresidents. There has been one coronavirus-connected death.
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said her office intends to vigorously prosecute anyone charged with violating short-term rental restrictions.

The penalty is a class-two misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of up to 60 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

“Local leaders are trying to provide protections for the good of all residents during this national, regional and community crisis,” Welch said Monday. “The unlawful and selfish actions of just a few could have enormous negative health consequences for many.”

Call Macon County Sheriff’s Office at 349-2104 to report possible short-term visitation violations.
Additionally, visitors to Macon County are requested to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. They are encouraged to read the “State of Emergency” orders, also at www. maconnc.org, for recommendations connected with the coronavirus threat.


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.


Published at 4:50pm on Monday, April 6, 2020

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Rally in Support of Scott Knibbs May 8, 2018

A Rally for Scott Knibbs was held at Speaker's Corner beside the Macon County Courthouse at noon today. Mark Melrose, the attorney for the Knibbs family, addressed a crowd of family, friends, and supporters of the Knibbs family. He spoke of concerns in the handling of the of the incident by Deputy Momphard and Sheriff Robert Holland and repeated a request he made earlier to the District Attorney for her, due to her close relationship with the Sheriff, to recuse herself from this case. A number of friends and Scott's father also spoke, reminding those gathered of Scott's character and contributions to his family, the community, and his church. During the rally, a couple of long sustained horn blasts were heard by people attempting to disrupt the rally and one woman yelled from her car at the crowd, “ya’ll need to just go home.”

A video of the entire rally is posted below in order that a complete and accurate record of the event is relayed to the public.




Here are some photos that were taken at the rally this afternoon:
[click on any of them to enlarge]






Media outlets represented at the rally include WLOS-TV (reporter and camera operator), Fox Carolina (reporter and camera operator), Macon Media (reporter), Macon County News and Shopping Guide (photographer) and The Franklin Press (reporter).

DAY SPONSOR

John Shearl for County Commissioner is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today.

My name is John Shearl, and I am a candidate for Macon County Commissioner District 1. I stand for strong fiscal management, transparent government,
and most importantly, private property rights without government intrusion.

Learn more at https://JohnShearl.com



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



Published at 3:15 pm on May 8, 2018

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County Reaches Settlement with Former Deputy

The Macon County Commissioners reached an agreement (vote 4-1) with former deputy Craig Stahl on a Fair Labor Standards Act and North Carolina Wage and Hour Act claim against Macon County and the Macon County Sheriff. The agreement reached is to pay Stahl $41,962.68 in wages, out of which Stahl is expected to pay his share of taxes and attorney fees. the net payout for the county is $50,733.00 because they will pay their share of taxes, retirement, 401K, etc. 

A full video of the segment is posted below.







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. 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



Posted at 3:50 am on March 13, 2018

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Recognitions of Valor Presented at County Commissioner Meeting

Pictured (L-R) Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland, School Bus Driver Alice Bradley,  Deputy Audrey B. Parrish, Deputy Anthony Hopkins, Deputy Blake Buchanan,  Sgt Mike Langley, Corporal Jonathan Phillips and  Deputy Director of the NC Center for Safer Schools Mike Anderson
Last night, at the October 13th meeting of the Macon County Commissioners, Alice Bradley and several members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office were recognized for their actions in the predawn hours of June 4, 2015 outside South Macon Elementary School. [South Macon Press Conference] First, the Macon County Commissioners recognized them, then Mike Anderson, the Deputy Director of the NC Center for Safer Schools, recognized them on behalf of Pat McCrory, the Governor of North Carolina, and Frank Perry, the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety. Sgt Mike Langley also presented Alice Bradley with a black baseball bat with the appreciation of the Macon County Sheriff's Office.

A video of these events is embedded below.

Additional Coverage of this story from other media outlets: (others added as they go to press)

WLOS-TV  (Oct 14, 2015)

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