Franklin Town Council Proclaims April 9th as Local News Day

Summary

At the Town Council meeting in Franklin, North Carolina, Mayor Stacy J. Guffey proclaimed April 9, 2026, as Local News Day in the town. 

The mayor emphasized the critical role of local news for transparency, public participation, and especially during emergencies (citing the importance of local radio during Hurricane Helene). He highlighted that local journalism is essential for a healthy democracy, civic engagement, and providing reliable information to the community in both normal times and crises. After reading the formal proclamation, the mayor invited representatives from local news outlets to come forward and accept the proclamation. Five individuals came up:

Mia Overton, editor of The Franklin Press
Lilly Knoepp, senior Western North Carolina reporter for NC Local
Bobby Coggins, representing Macon Media
Morgan Stewart, representing Macon Sense
Dan Finnerty, representing Macon Sense

Local News Day in Franklin, NC



Mayor Stacy J. Guffey

"I can't think of anything more important than what we do on this town council, than public participation and people in the public having an idea of what we, what we do as a town council, transparency, and in government.

And for that reason, I'm proud to proclaim April 9, 2026, as local news day.

I think we found out how important local news is back during Helene when there were times that was the only, the only word you could get was over good old fashioned radio signal.

And in fact, I know there's been some discussion since then about revamping some of the local services during emergency times.

So during an emergency or non-emergency, local news is critical to advancing the public good.

So I'm going to read this proclamation and then have anyone who is here with a local news source to come up front to accept the proclamation.

Proclaimation

Whereas Americans overwhelmingly say local news and information is the most important and most trusted source of news.

Whereas local journalism is a foundational element of a functioning and healthy democracy.

Whereas local journalism equips communities for civic engagement and action.

Whereas communities across the state are joining together to recognize and celebrate the importance of local news on April 9th.

Whereas the town of Franklin and surrounding community rely on trusted local news for reliable vetted information both in daily living and in moments of crisis.

Whereas the town of Franklin is home to several news outlets who continually share information with the public freely and with transparency.

Whereas the town of Franklin recognizes the critical importance of local news in many forms.

Now therefore, I, Stacy J. Guffey, Mayor of the town of Franklin, on behalf of the town council of the town of Franklin, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2026 as Local News Day in Franklin, North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents and visitors adopted this 6th day of April 2026.

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Published at 2.15pm on Wednesday, April 08, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Van Repair Fundraiser

Some of you may have noticed I (Bobby) have not been covering local government meetings in the past few months.

My van has been broken down for the last few months and I have started a GoFundMe in order to get my van back on the road. Any amount would be appreciated. Funds will go to get the van repaired and to pay for the purchase of the van.

If you don't mind, could you also share the GoFundMe to get it in front of as many eyeballs as possible?

Thank You,
Bobby Coggins
Wednesday, June 14, 2023



Donate

And, for a more permanent type of support, you can pledge a monthly amount to support my efforts on Patreon or PayPal as induicated below.

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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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Franklin Town Council Regular Meeting for February 2019

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting tonight at 6 pm in the lower level of the town hall at 95 East Main Street. A copy of the public agenda and the agenda packet have been posted below for your convenience. A gavel-to-gavel video will be added to this article sometime Tuesday afternoon. Patreon supporters will have access to the video early Tuesday morning at Patreon. [LINK]

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.


GAVEL-TO-GAVEL VIDEO


Media Roll Call
(media outlets that have representatives present at the meeting)

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


Town of Franklin Council Meeting
Agenda
February 4, 2019 | 6:00 p.m.


1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Approval of the January 7, 2019 Town Council Minutes
4. Adoption of the February 4, 2019 Town Council Agenda
5. Public Hearing 6:05 p.m. for Tasting Room
6. Public Session

7. New Business
A.) Board Action on Tasting Room - Town Council
B.) Proclamation for Hunger Awareness - First United Methodist Church Youth Group
C.) Proclamation for Rotary International - Mayor Bob Scott
D.) Budget Amendments - Finance Officer Kyra Doster
E.) Tax Refunds - Town Manager Summer Woodard
F.) Set Public Hearing for Multi-Tenant Sign Ordinance - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
G.) Forward Unified Development Ordinance Amendment Regarding Construction of Driveways to the Town Planning Board - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser will present this item.
H.) Street Closing Request for 2019 - Town Manager Summer Woodard
I.) Set Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Town of Franklin Budget Schedule - Town Manager Summer Woodard
J.) Discussion on Chapter 75 Parking Schedules - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
K.) Update on Greenway Connection Project - Town Manager Summer Woodard
L.) Re-Appointment of Janet Greene to the Town Planning Board - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
M.) Re-Appointment of Denton Higdon to the Town Planning Board - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
N.) Re-Appointment of Susie Ledford to the Town Planning Board - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
O.) Franklin Fire Department Grant for Volunteer Fire Assistance Program - Fire Chief Matt Breedlove and Town Manager Summer Woodard
P.) Amendment to the Town of Franklin Personnel Policy Regarding General Leave and Holiday Pay - Human Resource Director Travis Tallent
Q.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Employee Evaluation Policy - Town Manager Summer Woodard and Human Resource Director Travis Tallent
R.) Discussion on Town Liaisons - Council Member David Culpepper
S.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Consent Agenda - Town Manager Summer Woodard
8. Adjourn

Agenda Packet

FTC 20190204 Agenda Packet by on Scribd

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Published at 12:56 am on February 4, 2019

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January 2019 Meeting of the Macon County Planning Board

Meeting Summary
Macon County Planning Board
Regular January 2019 Meeting

The Macon County Planning Board met last night in the Environmental Resource Center. The main order of business was the election of officers. Joe Deal and Aaron Garrett were re-elected as chairman and vice-chairman, respectively. The board also chose to keep meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 5 pm in the Environmental Resource Center on Lakeside Drive.

There was no other business to conduct and no new task had been assigned to them by the county commissioners, so the board adjourned a little over eight minutes after it had been called to order.

The next meeting of the board will be a 5 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2019, in the Environmental Resource Center located on Lakeside Drive.




MEDIA ROLLCALL
(media outlets with representatives present)

The Franklin Press
Macon Media (present after an absence of about a year)

There were no members of the public or elected critters present at this meeting.


CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


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Patreon Subscriber History May 2014 to Present

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Published at 1:11 am on January 18, 2019

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Meeting Excerpt: Franklin Town Council Blue Zone Presentation by Sallie Taylor

Sallie Taylor presented information about the Blue Zones Project to the Franklin Town Council at their regular meeting for January 2019. The above video is the entire presentation and exchange with the board. The goal of the presentation was to get the members of the Franklin Town Council to attend a presentation currently scheduled for the end of June.

Presentation on Blue Zones by Sallie Taylor
Recorded by Macon Media on Jan 7, 2019
Runtime: 25 minutes 19 seconds

The Franklin Town Council held their regular meeting for the month of January 2019 on January 7th in the town hall. This is an excerpt from that meeting, featuring a presentation on Blue Zones by Sallie Taylor.

Here is the text, translated by Optical Character Recognition software that converted the scanned image provided in the meeting agenda into a searchable document.

THE BLUE ZONES®

Blue Zones® are places where people live measurably longer, happier lives with lower rates of chronic diseases and a higher quality of life. Scientists found five Blue Zones in different parts of the world, and Dan Buettner documented these findings in his New York Times best-selling book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest. Physically, socially, and emotionally these people are living their lives longer and better.

This research, coupled with an eight-year worldwide longevity study, has been used to develop tools and programs that help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives by optimizing their surroundings to best replicate the nine principles the Power 9® observed in the original Blue Zones areas. This public-private collaboration around a common approach makes the Blue Zones Project® initiative unique. Blue Zones Project deploys a unifying campaign that drives permanent changes by engaging the business community (employers, grocery stores, restaurants), government entities, non-profits, schools, the faith-based community, the media, and individual citizens.

The Blue Zones Project approach to improved well-being is to enhance the environment within critical sectors of the community by implementing evidence-based best practices. Coupled with an extensive community engagement and marketing program and active support from civic and faith-based leaders, Blue Zones Project drives heightened awareness, support, tools, and programs for individuals and community organizations to improve well-being.

To date, forty-two communities in nine states (including Ft. Worth, Texas, and Naples. Florida) have undertaken this process with varying time frames for implementation. The longest-tenured community is in its seventh year of involvement in the Project and implementation of the model. Blue Zones Project is a long-term initiative designed to drive value over a 3-7 year period, depending on the size of the community.

TIE BLUE ZONES PROJECT DIFFERENCE

Blue Zones Project takes a unique, systematic approach to improving well-being focusing on our "life radius." By optimizing the settings where we routinely spend our time, we make healthy choices easier and naturally adopt healthier behaviors together as a community.

PEOPLE

We engage people to optimize their homes and social environments with the Personal Pledge; provide opportunities to discover their purpose; facilitate volunteer experiences to connect with community, and offer programs that deliver support through healthy social networks.

PLACES

We orchestrate a critical mass of worksites, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and faith-based organizations across the community to optimize environments toward healthy living. By working together to make permanent or semi-permanent changes, healthy choices become the easy choices to make in all the places people live, work, learn, and play.

POLICY

We work with city leaders to suggest evidence-based best practices to impact food policy, tobacco policy, and the built environment. By improving community infrastructure and public policies, we maximize residents' abilities to move naturally, connect socially, access healthy food, and improve quality of life.

A PARTNERSHIP THAT PAYS OFF

1. Measurably increase well-being as quantified by Gallup: The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index® is the gold standard of population health. This project aims to measure and statistically improve well-being, annually reporting that well-being to stakeholders and media.

2. Lower healthcare costs: Blue Zones Project measurably lowers smoking rates and average BMI, while increasing physical activity and healthy eating, which results in lower healthcare and claims costs. 

3. Improve productivity: People with higher well-being cost less and perform better. Blue Zones Project works with employers, organizations, and worksites to make tangible and measurable changes to their environment, thus supporting and improving well-being.

4. Position your company as an innovator and leader in preventive health: Blue Zones Project has a strong reputation for generating local and national press for marshaling innovation, creating healthier environments, and attracting visitors and businesses to communities.

5. Attract grants: Blue Zones Project work meets criteria for dozens of national, state, and local grants. Our demonstration communities have been extremely successful in attracting grants for healthier schools, built environments, food policy, active living, and other community development opportunities.

6. Improve the living environment for the long run: With a focus on sustainable environmental and social change, our programs draw from more than two hundred evidence-based interventions designed to break down silos, maximize collective impact, and yield benefits long after our tenure in the community.

7. Boost economic vitality: Blue Zones Project has been shown to attract new businesses to the area, increase the tax base, drive economic development, increase property values, generate new housing starts, and attract grants, gifts, and funding.

THE POWER 9®: Nine healthy lifestyle habits shared by people who've lived the longest

1. Move naturally

The world's longest-lived people don't pump iron, run marathons or join gyms. Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it. They grow gardens and don't have mechanical conveniences for house and yard work.

2. Purpose

The Okinawans call it "Ikigai" and the Nicoyans call it "plan de vida;" for both it translates to "why I wake up in the morning." Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy.

3. Down Shift

Even people in the Blue Zones experience stress. Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. What the world's longest-lived people have that we don't are routines to shed that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap and Sardinians do happy hour.

4. 80% Rule

"Ham hachi bu" the Okinawan, 2500-year old Confucian mantra said before meals reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it. People in the Blue Zones eat their smallest meal in the late afternoon or early evening and then they don't eat any more the rest of the day.

5. Plant Slant

Beans, including Cava, black, soy and lentils, are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Meat mostly pork is eaten on average only five times per month. Serving sizes are 3-4 oz., about the size of deck or cards.

6. Wine @ 5

People in all Blue Zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly. Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is to drink 1.2 glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food. And no, you can't save up all weekend and have 14 drinks on Saturday.

7. Belong

All but five of the 263 centenarians we interviewed belonged to some faith-based community. Denomination doesn't seem to matter. Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.

8. Loved Ones First

Successful centenarians in the Blue Zones put their families first. This means keeping aging parents and grandparents nearby or in the home (It lowers disease and mortality rates of children in the home too.). They commit to a life partner (which can add up to 3 years of life expectancy) and invest in their children with time and love (They'll be more likely to care for you when the time comes).

9. Right Tribe

The world's longest-lived people chose—or were born into—social circles that supported healthy behaviors, Okinawans created "moais"—groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors.

INITIAL EFFORTS

Initial efforts are underway to measure community interest in pursuing the Blue Zones initiative as set out by their comprehensive development plan. Phase I in this initiative is a Community Leadership Presentation for which key stakeholders and community leaders are being identified and contacted within Highlands, Cashiers, Sylva and Franklin. The purpose of the presentation is to educate, inform and inspire these stakeholders with Blue Zones Project (BZP) research and value, gauge leadership commitment and support to pursue BZP in the community. This presentation has been funded by a private individual. If community leaders are in mutual agreement, then Phase 2, the Community Development Process, would start



Meeting coverage Ends

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Additional Information about Blue Zones

Below is a video from TED-Ed of Dan Buettner [Wikipedia] giving a presentation in 2013 about his Blue Zones [Wikipedia]. [Blue Zone Website]

Video TED-Ed "How to live to be 100+ featuring Dan Buettner

Description: To find the path to long life and health, Dan Buettner and team study the world's "Blue Zones," communities whose elders live with vim and vigor to record-setting age. In his talk, he shares the 9 common diet and lifestyle habits that keep them spry past age 100. (Filmed at TEDxTC.)

Talk by Dan Buettner.




Below is a recent video from the Blue Zones Project highlighting Fort Worth Texas.

Video Blue Zones Project - Fort Worth
Published on Dec 3, 2018

Fort Worth, Texas, is now a certified BLUE ZONES Community®, the biggest in the country. But the bigger news is we’re also BETTER. Since 2014, Fort Worth has undergone a neighborhood by neighborhood transformation, improving well-being through permanent changes to our built environment, policy, and social networks. More than 400 organizations and 88,000 people joined the movement to make it happen.



Below is a video from The Aspen Institute

Video Blue Zones: Secrets of a Long Life
Published by The Aspen Institute on Mar 1, 2016

Presented by the Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series. Featuring Tony Buettner, national spokesperson and senior vice president of business development at Blue Zones, an organization that puts the learnings of the world's longest-lived people to work in cities and communities across the country. As the lead on all Blue Zones Community projects, Tony helps build partnerships between state agencies, community leaders, and employers to bring health and longevity initiatives to each community’s citizens.


And one more presentation by Dan Buettner at another location in 2016

Video Dan Buettner: Blue Zones: The Secrets of a Long Life
Published by St. Luke's Wood River Foundation on Aug 6, 2015


What People are Saying or Reporting About the Blue Zones

Slide Share "Secrets from the Blue Zones" [LINK]

Macleans "How ‘blue zones’ offer secrets for long lives and shorter ones, too" [LINK]

Mission.org on Medium "What’s the Truth About the Blue Zones?" [LINK]

Post and Courier "An expensive wellness project is moving forward in Charleston. But cost and funding are a secret." [LINK]

Scientific American "Blue Zones: What the Longest-Lived People Eat (Hint: It’s Not Steak Dinners)" [LINK]

News-Press "Blue Zones' Buettner explores longevity" [LINK]

STATIN NATION "Did Dan Buettner make a Mistake with his Blue Zones?" [LINK]

The New American "U.S. Communities Targeted for "Blue Zone" Social Engineering" [LINK]

New York Times "My Dinner With Longevity Expert Dan Beuttner (No Kale Required)" [LINK]

The Guardian "Ethical questions raised in search for Sardinian centenarians' secrets" [LINK]

Food Science Institute "What is the Blue Zones Project?" [LINK]

The Atlantic "The Next Gluten: Plant proteins called lectins are an emerging source of confusion and fear" [LINK] 

NPR "Can 'Blue Zones' Help Turn Back the Biological Clock?" [LINK]



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.

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 12:01 am on January 9, 2019

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Live Blog of Weather Event on December 28, 2018

This is a copy of information shared during the flooding event of December 28, 2018.




OPEN THREAD
FLOODING EVENT
7:45 am on Friday, 12-28-2018

This is an open thread for members of the community to receive and share information in one spot about hazardous conditions in the community.

Feel free to ask questions and answer questions if you know the answer. If you take photos or video during this event, please do so in a safe manner. Feel free to post those here as well.

For those with scanners, you can hear the Macon County Fire Departments on 453.350 Mhz (Dispatch), 453.025 Mhz (called TAC) and the Sheriff Office on 453.3125 Mhz.

The NC Highway Patrol can be heard online at oadcastify.com/listen/feed/28692/web NCSHP Cars that are in Jackson County are typically run under the callsign G-630 thru G-636

Listening to public safety traffic can give you an idea of what locations to avoid if you must get out and about today.

Please drive safe, turn on your headlights so other motorists can see you and don't follow other motorists so close you can't react if they start hydroplaning or get in an accident.

Please be safe, be kind, and help each other out if someone asks for information that you know.

Thanks to Old Castle, our sponsor, without whom this coverage would not be possible.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.

**********************************
LIVE BLOG will be posted in reverse chronological order below this point.
**********************************

**2:38pm** Command has requested an update on the arrival of NCDOT Crew with sand for the road. They're about to remove the second vehicle from the roadway.

**1:47pm** WLOS has posted about the accident at https://wlos.com/news/local/crews-on-scene-of-a-fatal-collision-in-macon-county



**1:38pm** The trooper has requested two wreckers respond to this accident on Sanderstown Road.

**1:30pm**

Flood Warning
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1245 PM EST FRI DEC 28 2018

NCC113-290545-
/O.EXT.KGSP.FA.W.0073.000000T0000Z-181229T0545Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Macon NC-
1245 PM EST FRI DEC 28 2018

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended the

* Flood Warning for...
Macon County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1245 AM EST Saturday.

* At 1239 PM EST, automated gages indicated the Little Tennessee River continuing to rise at Otto and Franklin, nearing flood stage. Though the heaviest rain has ended, with soils having become saturated across the Little Tennessee watershed, excessive runoff will continue. Thus, the river and its smaller tributaries including Cartoogechaye Creek will continue to rise. Flooding eventually is expected to develop.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Franklin, Highlands, Nantahala Lake, Ellijay, Burningtown, Kyle, Otto, Rainbow Springs, Wayah Bald and Cowee.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to cross water-covered roadways, bridges, or low-level crossings. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away your vehicle. It is not worth the risk. Please TURN AROUND, DON`T DROWN.
**1:04pm** Map added to aid motorists in avoiding the traffic congestion. Please find an alternate way to your destination.

**12:34pm** This is a very serious accident. The road is blocked and will be closed for some time. Detour around this location. The Sheriff Office will be blocking the road.

**12:31pm** Macon County EMS and Franklin Fire Department are responding to a two car accident with injury near Sanderstown Road near Thompson Road. One car may be about to catch on fire.


**11:08am** NC-106 (Dillard Rd.), Both Directions
Near SR-1620 (Turtle Pond Rd)
Road Closed with Detour due to flooding.


**10:55am* Otto Firefighters have successfully removed two residents from a home on KT or KD Lane. All firefighters are out of the water.

**10:20am** The heavier rains will be clearing out in the next hour or two. Rivers will still rise for a few hours after that, so please continue to exercise cation on the roadways and monitor waterways near your homes.


**9:28am** Burningtown Firefighters report Needmore Road has flooded.

**9:07am** Here is a look at the water gauge at Riverside Road as of 9:07am



**9:05am** Otto Firefighters have been dispatched to prepare for evacuations. Keep them and those they'll be evacuating in your thoughts and prayers.

**8:57am** The Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland has issued a Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion concerning the potential for havy rain over our region today. Map and text follows:

Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion 1075
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
854 AM EST Fri Dec 28 2018

Areas affected...Northern GA...Western NC...Southwest VA...Eastern KY

Concerning...Heavy rainfall...Flash flooding possible

Valid 281354Z - 281854Z

Summary...Widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall over saturated soils could lead to flooding across the area through this afternoon, especially over sensitive locations in low lying areas.

Discussion...Broad southwest flow aloft has continued to surge a plume of highly anomalous moisture into the southern and central Appalachians, evident by the blended GPS product showing PWATs 1.2-1.3" as far north as southwest VA. This should continue to advect northward into the afternoon hours. A mesoanalysis showed MUCAPE of 500 J/kg extending as far north toward the NC/VA border. 850 mb flow remains strong (40-50 kts) with some upslope component that should favor rainfall across the terrains areas. With these ingredients in place, widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall is likely to continue into the afternoon.

Soils are extremely saturated given 24-hr rainfall totals as high as 2-4" across portions of the southern/central Appalachians. 14-day departures from normal are running 200-400 percent of normal.

Radar imagery shows pockets of hourly rates exceeding 0.5", which is likely to initiate problems for sensitive and low-lying areas. Hi-res models show the potential for additional amounts of 1-2" with some local amounts as high as 3" possible in some of the favored upslope areas.

As a result, flooding is possible across much of the southern and central Appalachians into the afternoon hours.



**8:33am** From a reader: "please inform followers that the Sylva side of Cowee Mtn. on the curve at the hotel to please be careful! A lot of moving water on the road and is dangerous! Please drive slowly to avoid hydroplaning"


**8:30am** Here is a look at the Cartoiogechaye Creek water gauge at the Belden Circle Bridge behind the Super Ingles.



Latitude 35°09'32", Longitude 83°23'39" NAD83
Macon County, North Carolina, Hydrologic Unit 06010202
Drainage area: 57.1 square miles
Datum of gage: 2,017.18 feet above NGVD29.


**8:24am** Cullasaja Firefighters have blocked off River Road near their fire station due to flooding.

**8:12am** A reader has reported flooding in the fields along the Georgia Road (US-441).



**8:05am** Since I posted the water gauge at Iotla Bridge, the gauge at Riverside Road in Otto has now reached action stage. If you live nearby, you should check to see if your property or home is in danger of flooding. If so, please move to higher ground.



Here are some historic crests at that location:


(1) 12.42 ft on 01/17/2013
(2) 11.78 ft on 03/06/2011
(3) 11.72 ft on 10/15/2014
(4) 11.68 ft on 01/30/2013
(5) 11.18 ft on 12/01/2010
(6) 9.60 ft on 05/05/2013
(7) 7.08 ft on 10/27/2010
(8) 6.14 ft on 09/18/2012









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Published at 3:55 am on December 28, 2018

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Macon County Board of Commissioners November 2018 Meeting

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, November 13, 2018, for their regular monthly meeting. A gavel to gavel video, public agenda, and agenda packet are posted below. The agenda was significantly changed by the county manager and commissioners during the early part of the meeting.


VIDEO



ROLL CALL
(media outlets and elected critters not serving on the board who were present at the meeting)

MEDIA OUTLETS

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

ELECTED CRITTERS

Sheriff Robert Holland


Public Agenda


1, Call to order and welcome by Chairman Tate

2, Announcements

3. Moment of Silence

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Public Hearing(s) — 6:00 p.m. Continuation of hearing from October 9, 2018 to consider a request to change the name of Paul Walden Road to Bear Cub Trail

6. Public Comment Period

7. Additions to agenda

8. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9. Reports / Presentations

10.01d Business
A, Update on space needs analysis — County Manager

11. New Business
A. Memorandum of Understanding for Macon Soil and Water Conservation District — District Director Mike Breedlove
B. Resolution and lease agreement with TECO SSL, Inc. Economic Development Director Tommy Jenkins/County Attorney
C. Macon County Transit — Director Kim Angel
(1) Updated System Safety Plan
(2) Proposed advertising on vehicles
D. Tax refund request by Edward Hasler — Tax Administrator Richard Lightner
E- Release of land disturbing surety bond for Indigo Homestead apartment complex— Planning, Permitting and Development Director Jack Morgan
F. NCACC 2019 Legislative Goals Conference voting delegate designation
G. Discussion regarding floor at Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center — Commissioners Shields and Gillespie

12.Consent Agenda — Attachment # 12
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No
separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of
Commissioners.
A. Minutes of the September 1 1, 2018 regular meeting, the September 25, 2018 continued session and the October 9, 2018 regular meeting
B. Budget Amendments #74-83
C. Tax Releases for October in the amount of $2,086.12
D. 2019 County Holiday Schedule
E. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report

13. Appointments
A, Highlands Tourism Developrnent Commission (l seat)

14.Closed session (if necessary)

15, Recess until Monday, December 3, 2018 at 6 p.m. in the commission boardroom on the third floor of the Macon County Courthouse, 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC. The purposes of the meeting will be to administer the oaths of office to the re-elected commissioners, for the board to elect a chairman and vice-chairman, to examine the official bonds of public officials, to consider its 2019 meeting schedule, and for any other business that may come before the board.

NOTE: Service awards will be presented to county employees prior to the board's regular meeting on Tuesday, December 1 1, 2018. The presentation of the awards will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a brief reception, with the meeting to begin at its regular time of 6 p.m.


Agenda Packet

November 2018 County Commissioners Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

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.


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 1:46 am on November 14, 2018

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Agenda Packet for the November 5, 2018 Meeting of the Franklin Town Council

**UPDATE** 2:06 am on November 6, 2018. Here is the gavel to gavel video of the meeting.







The Franklin Town Council will be having their regular monthly meeting Monday, November 5, 2018, in the lower level of the town hall at 6 pm. The public agenda and agenda packet are posted below in order to promote transparency in local government.


DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by the Giles for Sheriff Campaign.

A Chili & Soup Dinner with Eric Giles will be taking place at the Nantahala Community Center on Thursday, November 1, 2018, at 5 PM – 7 PM. [LINK]

For more information on the campaign, please visit the following:

Facebook: [LINK]

Website: [LINK]



Public Agenda


Franklin Town Council
Agenda
November 5, 2018
6:00 pm

I. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott

2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Barbara McRae

3. Approval of the October 1, 2018 Town Council Minutes

4. Adoption of the November 5, 2018 Town Council Agenda

5. Public Hearing 6:05 p.m. for the Proposed Economic Development Agreement for Project Wayah

6. Public Session

7. New Business
A.) Board Action on Proposed Economic Development Agreement for Project Wayah- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Street Closing Request for Franklin Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade- Linda Harbuck
C.) Street Closing Request for Ruby Drop- Tim Crabtree
D.) Set Public Hearing for Re-Zoning Petition for Hendon Properties- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
E.) Re-Appointment of Andrew Raby to the Town Planning Board- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
F.) Re-Appointment of Tom Harris to the Town Planning Board- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
G.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Travel Policy- Town Manager Summer Woodard and Human Resource Director Travis Tallent
H.) Discussion on Letter of Support for the Town of Highlands US 64 Truck Route Restrictions- Mayor Bob Scott
I.) Discussion on Blue Zones Project- Mayor Bob Scott
J.) Discussion on Alcohol Beverage Control Board- Council Member David Culpepper

8. Legal
A.) Discussion on Lazy Hiker Lease Agreement- Town Attorney John Henning Jr. and Town Manager Summer Woodard
B.) Closed Session for Discussion on Economic Development Incentives, N.C.G.S. 143-318 (a) (4)

9. Announcements
A.) Veterans Day and Ceremony will be Monday November 12, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
B.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Monday November 12, 2018 in observance of Veterans Day
C.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Thursday November 22, 2018 and Friday November 23, 2018 for Thanksgiving
D.) Winter Wonderland will be Saturday November 24th and Saturday December 1st, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

10. Adjournment


Agenda Packet

FTC Agenda Packet 11-05-2018 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

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.



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 3:00 pm on November 1, 2018

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Early Voting Numbers for October 17, 2018

Early voting (also called One-Stop) for the 2018 General Election started yesterday in North Carolina. To learn more about where and how to vote early, click here.


Here are some local numbers that have been released by the State Board of Elections Office.

Macon County

820 Total One-Stop for the Day

By Location

732 Franklin
088 Highlands

On the first day of early voting in 2014 (the last mid-term election), 705 voters cast a ballot, 633 of them in Franklin and 72 in Highlands.

By Method

820 One-Stop
116 Mail-In (not included in the One-Stop Numbers)

By Party

427 Republican
267 Unaffiliated
241 Democrat
003 Libertarian

By Sex

458 Female
451 Male
002 Undesignated

By Age Group





By Precinct

Precinct	Early Voters
East Franklin	115
Highlands	99
Union	95
North Franklin	89
Smithbridge	84
Cowee	80
Ellijay	77
Cartoogechaye	71
Millshoal	66
Iotla	57
South Franklin	56
Burningtown	21
Flats	14
Sugarfork	13
Nantahala	1

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by the Giles for Sheriff Campaign.

This is Eric Giles, Macon County Candidate for Sheriff, and I encourage you to get out and vote during this election cycle. It's time to hit the drugs and crime in Macon County with fresh ideas. We need to better educate our youth and rehabilitate those struggling with addiction to tackle this epidemic. If you vote Giles, I will work hard by partnering with other agencies to achieve this.

For more information online, please visit the following:

Facebook: [LINK]

Website: [LINK]


Paid for by the committee to Elect Eric Giles, Sheriff.

Giles for Sheriff Meet and Greets

October 19th Carson Community Center 5 pm-7pm.
October 27th Old Cowee School 3 pm- Hot Dog Cookout



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.



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 11:15 am on October 18, 2018

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Early Voting Begins Today

Early Voting Begins Today

Early Voting for the General Election begins today, Wednesday, October 17th. The hours will be Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00pm and on Saturdays (Oct 20th, 27th, and Nov 3rd) from 8:00am to1:00pm. 

Access to the Macon County Courthouse when it is closed will be by the back door of the building, where curbside voting will also be available. If no one is at the back door, please call (828) 349-2034 and someone will be out to assist you in voting from the curb.

SAMPLE BALLOT

Sample Ballot 2018 General Election in Macon County by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Macon County has two One-Stop locations. They are, as follows:

1. The Board of Elections Office Macon County Courthouse, first floor, Room 127B. The street address is 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734

2. The Highlands Civic Center located at 600 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741

Early Voting will also be available on the last Saturday, November 3rd, from  8:00am-1:00pm.

The Voter registration deadline for voting on November 6th (election day) was Friday, October 12th. However, you can still register and vote on the same day during early voting.

The last day to request an Absentee ballot by mail October 30th, 2018

Same-Day Registration in North Carolina

You can register to vote and cast a ballot at an early voting site in your county using same-day registration.

With same-day registration, you can fill out a voter registration form, show an identifying document and vote at an early voting site when it is open (not on Election Day).

The identifying document must be one of these:

• a NC driver’s license
• photo ID from a government agency
• student photo ID with a school document showing the student’s address
• or a utility bill, bank statement, payroll stub, or document from any government agency with your name and current address.

Requirements to register to vote in North Carolina

You can register to vote if:

•you are a U.S. citizen
•you have resided at your address for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election
•you are at least 18 years old or will be at the time of the next general election, or you are at least 16 years old and understand that you must be at least 18 years old on Election Day of the general election in order to vote
•you are not serving a sentence for a felony conviction (including probation or on parole). If previously convicted of a felony, citizenship and voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of the sentence. No special document is needed.
•Upon registering, you must rescind any previous registration in another county or state.

Learn more about registering to vote in North Carolina [LINK]



NOTICE TO VOTERS WITH NO ACCEPTABLE ID UNDER THE HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT (HAVA)

Requirements for Certain First-time Voters

Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), individuals who have registered to vote and have not previously voted in an election and have not provided verifiable ID, must show one of the following types of ID to an election official the first time they present to vote. (NCGS § 163-166.12)

As a first-time voter, if you cannot show one of the forms of acceptable ID, then you may still vote by casting a provisional ballot. You will then need to send or bring one of the forms of ID noted above to your county board of elections no later than the close of business of the ninth day after election day in order for your ballot to count.

What is a Current Document?

To be current, the document must be the most recent version or at least dated within three (3) months of the date it is presented to an election official. Copies of acceptable documents are permissible. The original is not required. It is also permissible for a voter to present an electronic or online version of a document, as long as the document is obtained from the original source (e.g., e-Bills from utility companies, electronic bank statements, electronic earnings statement from employer, etc.) and shows his or her current name and address.


Current Photo Identification

•NC driver license or NC identification card
•U.S. Military ID
•U.S. Passport
•Other government-issued photo ID
•Student photo ID
•Certified Naturalization Document


Current Name & Address Document

•Utility bill: telephone; mobile phone; electric or gas; cable television; water or sewage
•Bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement
•Government paycheck, invoice, letter, or any other document from a local, state, or U.S. government agency
•Property tax bill
•License to hunt, fish, own a gun, etc.
•Automotive registration
•Public housing or Social Service Agency document
•Paycheck or paycheck stub from an employer or a W-2 statement
•Birth certificate


Published at 6:00 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2018

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Fraternal Order of Police Host 2018 Candidate Forum

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #81 hosted a foum in the big courtroom in the Macon County Courthouse for candidates running for District Judge and for Macon County Sheriff.

Candidates seeking election as District Court Judge were Judge Kristina Earwood (incumbent) and Leo Phillips. Candidates seeking election as Sheriff were Sheriff Robert Holland (incumbent), Eric Giles and Bryan Carpenter.

The forum lasted just under two hours. A video of the forum has been posted below. Additional articles will be posted over the next several days featuring each question that was asked of the candidates.







-30-

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.



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 5:25 am on October 03, 2018

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Franklin Town Council Meeting for October 1, 2018

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting tonight at 6 pm in the lower level of town hall at 6 pm. The public agenda and agenda packet is posted in this article. A video, summary, and media roll call will be added after the meeting.


VIDEO



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with employees present at the meeting)

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

MEETING SUMMARY

to be completed after the meeting


PUBLIC AGENDA

Town of Franklin Council Continuation Meeting
Agenda
October 01, 2018 | 6:00 p.m.


1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Approval of the September 4, September 24 and September 25, 2018 Town Council Minutes
4. Adoption of the October 1, 2018 Town Board Agenda
5. Public Hearing 6:05 p.m. for the Proposed Economic Development Agreement for Project Wayah
6. Public Session

7. New Business
A.) Board Action on Proposed Economic Development Agreement for Project Wayah - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Presentation from Toccoa Natural Gas - Rance Fleming
C.) Presentation on Women’s History Trail Art Program - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
D.) Permission to Advertise Vacancy on Franklin Alcohol Beverage Control Board - Town Manager Summer Woodard
E.) Tax Releases - Town Manager Summer Woodard
F.) Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Mayor Bob Scott
G.) Resolution for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Mayor Bob Scott

8. Legal
A.) Delegation of Authority Regarding Town Polices- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Discussion on Lazy Hiker Lease Agreement- Town Attorney John Henning Jr. and Town Manager Summer Woodard

9. Announcements
A.) Family Movie Night Friday October 5, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. - "Hocus Pocus"
B.) Pumpkin Fest Saturday October 20, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

10. Adjournment


AGENDA PACKET

FTC 2018 1001 Agenda Packet by on Scribd

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.



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 5:00 pm on October 01, 2018

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