Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, March 7, 2020

Outlook

Cool high pressure will build over the region today and tonight but will move off the Carolina coast by late Sunday and Monday. A cold front will approach Monday night and will stall across the region for the better part of next week. Several weak low-pressure centers moving along this boundary will keep next week unsettled.

Local Congressman Named President's Chief of Staff

Mark Meadows has been named to become President Trump's fourth Chief of Staff in 38 months. There has been no announcement who, if anyone, will serve out the remainder of his term. The US Constitution calls for a special election, but due to the short time period between now and the end of Mark's term, the seat may remain empty until January 2021. [LINK]

“When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.”
— U.S. Constitution, Article I, section 2, clause 4

Mission Hospital Begins Visitor restrictions Due to Corona Virus

Mission Health sent a press release regarding restrictions on entering Mission Hospital due to concerns about the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19). Although it was not mentioned in the press release, Macon Media expects similar measures will (if not already) be implemented at other Mission Health Facilities, including Angel Medical Center and Highlands-Cashiers Hospitals [LINK]

NC-28 Closed Due to Landslide

A slide has closed NC-28 in Swain County near Lower Sawmill Road. Motorists wishing to head South towards Franklin must follow NC-28 North and take a left to access US-74 West. Motorists will follow US-74 West for 3 miles to Needmore Road and take another left. Motorists will follow Needmoor Road for 10.3 miles to reaccess NC-28 in either direction. Reverse the detour for motorists wishing to head north into Swain County.

A copy of the press release with more details is on the website. [LINK]



Recent Meeting Videos Delayed

The video editing computer is down again, so videos of past meetings will take longer to process. I apologize fo the delay.


Public Safety Log
(this section is temporarily deprecated until I get caught up with videos from past meetings.



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.



The next one shows the forecast for rain in 24hour totals over the next few days.



And this one shows the forecast for 24-hour snowfall totals over the same time period.

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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 next project.

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Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

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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.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

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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

Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. WInds out of the north 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows around 30. Calm winds.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs near 60. Calm winds increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around freezing. Light and variable winds.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with highs near 60. Calm winds increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph by midmorning.

Monday Night

Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with lows in the upper 40s. The chance of precipitation is 70%.

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OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning decreasing and shifting to come out of the north in the afternoon.

Tonight

Clear, with lows around 30. Calm winds.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs in the upper 50s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the south around 5 mph becoming calm before evening.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with highs near 60. Calm winds increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph by midmorning.

Monday Night

Showers, mainly after 1am. Lows in the upper 40s. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

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HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST


Today

Sunny, with highs in the upper 40s. Winds out of the north 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the upper 20s. Calm winds.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 50s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night

Showers, mainly after 1am. Lows in the low-to-mid 40s. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

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NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs near 50. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows around 30. Calm winds.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the south 3 to 5 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 50s. Calm winds increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph by midmorning.

Monday Night

Showers, mainly after 1am. Lows in the mid-to-upper 40s. The chance of precipitation is 80%.



Published at 5:40am on Saturday, March 07, 2020

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Election 2018: Candidates for Congress

These videos were part of a forum that was held Wednesday, April 25th at the Macon County Public Library for candidates seeking votes from Macon County voters. The event was organized by the Smoky Mountain News and the Macon County News and Shopping Guide.

Congress, All Candidates



Steve Woodsmall, challenger



Phillip Price, challenger


Scott Donaldson, challenger


Clifton Ingram, challenger




Video of the event was recorded by Macon Media and has been cut into smaller segments for those lacking the intestinal fortitude sit through the entire forum.

Links to the Full Forum [LINK]


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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.

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 on April 30, 2018

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Congressman Mark Meadows and Tom Hill Debate at WCU

Western Carolina University’s Public Policy Institute and Department of Political Science and Public Affairs sponsored a debate on the WCU campus between Congressman Mark Meadows and challenger Tom Hill last night and Macon Media was there to record it.

I've posted the full video and then broken it up into bite-sized portions and have posted them below so those of you who were unable to attend or watch online can see first hand what happened and make your own judgement about the proceedings.

I would like to acknowledge the public service of Western Carolina University, the Public Policy Institute and the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs, in particular Dr Chris Cooper and Dr Todd Collins for thier work in putting the debate together and Frank Fraboni of WLOS-TV for moderating the debate.

This one of three in a series of debates to be held on the WCU Campus this election season. Find out more about the series on the WCU website.

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Question #1

If elected, what will be the first piece of legislation you will introduce and how will it affect the citizens of the 11th district?

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Question #2

Is income inequality a problem, and what role, if any, should the US Congress play in alleviating the problem?

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Question #3

Would you vote to raise the debt ceiling? Why or why not?

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Question #4

How will you balance the claim of being fiscally responsible with bringing federal dollars to the district?

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Question #5

Directed at Congressman Mark Meadows:

What was your role in the government shutdown?
If you had it to do all over again, is there anything you would change about that action?

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Question #6

Directed at Tom Hill:

Why should the voters elect someone with your lack of experience in elected office and your relatively advanced age?

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Question #7

What role, if any, should the US Congress have in stopping internetional terrorist organizations, such as ISIS?

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Question #8

Is the Ukrainian situation a threat to the USA, if so, how should we respond?

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Question #9

What should the role, if anything, of the US Congress in preventing tragedies and ensuing riots in situations like what recently happened in Ferguson, Missouri?

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Question #10


Please clarify your position on the Affordable Care Act.

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Question #11

What is your stance on fracking and what should the role of the US Congress be in the debate over fracking?

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Question #12

Closing statements by the candidates

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Macon County Republicans Hold 2014 Convention

On Saturday, the Macon County Republican Party held it's annual convention (video excerpts are posted below) at the Community Facilities Building on the Georgia Road. Some 160 people attended the event, socializing and meeting with candidates for various local and state offices. The musical group Blue Ridge performed a couple of songs in tribute of America and Congressman Mark Meadows and the Seniro Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court spoke to the standing room only crowd. The party recognized Richard and Kate Robb for their contributions of a life of service to the country and to the party.

During the precinct meetings, a record 68 people signed up to become delegates to the district and state conventions (there are only 40 allotted slots).

Party Chairman Carla Miller reminded everyone of the candidate forum that will be held in the community facilities building on Saturday, March 29th at 2pm and the grand opening of the new Republican party headquarters at 555 Depot Street at noon on April 1st.

Other events on the calendar are:

GEM Country Republican Women's Club Luncheon
Tuesday, March 18th at 11:15AM
Speaker: NC Court of Appeals Judge Donna Stroud

District 11 GOP Convention
Saturday, April 26th
Lunch: 11:00AM
Convention: 1:00PM
Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC

North Carolina State GOP Convention
June 6th and 7th
Harrah's Casino, Cherokee, NC

Here are video excerpts of the convention:

I Introduction, Invocation and Musical Tribute to America



II Recognition of Richard and Kate Robb



III Remarks by Congressman Mark Meadows




MEDIA ROLL CALL

Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press (a reporter AND a photographer)

The other media outlets were absent from this event.

The Macon County Democratic Party will be holding their annual convention on Saturday, April 5th at 11am in the Macon County Courthouse. Macon Media plans on being their to cover this event also.

I have decided to start selling DVDs of events again in an effort to raise funds so I can replace aging and borrowed equipment that I use to record and process videos of the various meetings and events.

DVDs of this event are available. 

Please send a check or money order for $10 to:

Robert Coggins, Jr
39 Phillips Street, Suite #2
Franklin, NC 28734

Please indicate "Macon GOP 2014" in the memo section of the check or money order and I will send you a DVD in the mail.

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Congressman Mark Meadows holds Town Hall in Macon County

Congressman Mark Meadows held a town hall style meeting last night on the campus of Franklin High School. He was introduced by Sheriff Robbie Holland. The Congressman spoke for a few minutes, then took questions that had been submitted in writing by people when they arrived. One of the questions he answered had been posed by Corey Duvall, the chairman of the Macon County Democratic Party (Duvall had already left the town hall when Meadows answered the question). He also took a few questions asked in person by audience members. The entire event is in the video below.

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Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #81 Remembers Fallen North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers in Franklin

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #81 of Macon and Jackson Countuies held a Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor the police officers in North Carolina who died in the performance of their duties in 2012.

I have a video (above) of the event, as well as a photo essay (below) of the memorial service:

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Mark Meadows and Hayden Rogers Debate at WCU

Last night, I covered the NC11 debate at Western Carolina University that took place between Mark Meadows and Hayden Rogers, both vying for the seat of the retiring Congressman Heath Shuler.

Russ Bowen, of WLOS-TV, moderated the debate that was sponsored by the Political Science and Public Affairs Department and the Public Policy Institute at Western Carolina University.

In case you were unable to attend or watch the debate online at WLOS, here is my recording of it that I  took:


It was a spirited debate and I think it contrasted the two candidates for congress very well. In two weeks, one of these men will be the Congressman-elect for our district.

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Candidate Issues Forum Tonight in Jackson County

There will be a candidate forum in Sylva that will be hosted by three progressive groups and a progressive newspaper tonight. I plan on being there to record this event and would appreciate it if we had some Republicans attend this event so the Republican candidates won't be completely outnumbered.

Per the Community Calendar on Smoky Mountain News:

Candidate Issues Forum, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15, Community Room, Jackson County Library, Sylva. Participating will be WNC candidates Mark Meadows, Hayden Rogers, Mike Clampitt, Joe Sam Queen, Marty Jones and Mark Jones. 

Moderator and a panel member from League of Women Voters-Macon County, The Canary Coalition, Occupy/WNC, and Smoky Mountain News.

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Mitt Romney Rally in Asheville

Last Thursday, the Mitt Romney Campaign visited what I call the heart of darkness...the progressive stronghold of Asheville, NC...and managed to attracts thousands of people. The following video was filmed and produced by Fremont Brown III. So, if you were unable to attend, or were unwilling to visit Asheville (as I was), here is the rally:

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Macon County League of Women Voters Congressional Forum Video

Panorama of Forum, click image for larger version
The Macon County League of Women Voters hosted a forum for congressional candidates Mark Meadows and Hayden Rogers yesterday in Franklin, NC and the video of the event is below.



After the event, I asked Hayden Rogers to give a short campaign pitch on video and he declined, referring me to his media relations person. She said that he did not have time and had to be somewhere else soon. I note that he spoke with other people who were at the event for fifteen minutes before he left.

I asked Mark Meadows if he would give a short campaign pitch and update me on his campaign on video and he agreed. The video of that is below.

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Macon County League of Women Voters to host forum for Congressional Candidates Today at Noon

**update** Video of this forum is available by clicking here.

If you're in the Franklin area this Thursday, stop by the Tartan Hall on Church Street to show your support for Mark Meadows as he and Hayden Rogers will be appearing at a forum hosted by the League of Women at noon. The link below is to a Google Map showing the location of Tartan Hall. (The parking lot is behind the church and the driveway is between the Church and the Masonic Lodge.

From the Community Calendar of the Macon County News:

Hayden Rogers and Mark Meadows, candidates for U.S. House of Representatives for North Carolina’s District 11, will participate in a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Macon County on Thursday, Sept. 13, at Tartan Hall in Franklin at noon. Candidates will be asked to discuss significant issues, positions, and plans including education, health care, and the economy. The public is invited to attend and to bring bag lunches and drinks.

Map and Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/obBER

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RNC Convention Schedule for 08-28-2012 Updated with Live Stream

**2:00pm** Watch the RNC Convention via the live player below:



Here is the schedule for the RNC Convention for today. You may watch gavel-to-gavel coverage on C-SPAN on your TV or online at C-SPAN Live.

Mark Meadows is scheduled to speak between 2:30 and 3:00 pm today.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

2:00 p.m.

Chairman of the RNC Reince Priebus

Color Guard Knights of Columbus

Pledge of Allegiance by Former Governor Tim Babcock (MT)/ Tom Hogan (FL)

National Anthem sung by Philip Alongi

Invocation by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik

Opening procedural steps, appointment of convention committees

Welcoming remarks, and House and Senate candidates and RNC auxiliaries

RNC Chairman Priebus

RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn

Convention Chief Executive Officer William Harris

Chairman of Tampa Bay Host Committee Al Austin

Republican Congressional Candidates

State Delegate Barbara Comstock (VA)

Representative Tim Griffin (AR)

Republican Senate Candidates

Republican National Committee auxiliaries

Consideration of convention committee reports

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus

Committee on Credentials Chairman Mike Duncan

Committee on Permanent Organization Chairwoman Zoraida Fonalledas

Convention Permanent Chairman Speaker John Boehner, Presiding

Official Convention Photograph

Committee on Rules Chairman John Sununu

Committee on Resolutions Chairman Governor Bob McDonnell

Committee on Resolutions Co-Chairman U.S. Senator John Hoeven

Committee on Resolutions Co-Chairman U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn

Roll Call for Nomination of President of the United States

Roll Call for Nomination of Vice President of the United States

6:40 p.m.

Recess

7:00 p.m.

Reconvene

Remarks by Speaker John Boehner

Remarks by RNC Chairman Reince Priebus

Video and remarks by Mayor Mia Love (Saratoga Springs, UT), U.S. congressional candidate

Remarks by Janine Turner

Remarks by former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum

Remarks by Host, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers

8:00 p.m.

Remarks by U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (NH), accompanied by Jack Gilchrist

Remarks by Governor John Kasich (OH)

Remarks by Governor Mary Fallin (OK)

Remarks by Governor Bob McDonnell (VA), accompanied by Bev Gray

Remarks by Governor Scott Walker (WI)

9:00 p.m.

Remarks by Governor Brian Sandoval (NV)

Remarks by Sher Valenzuela (small business owner, candidate for DE Lt. Governor)

Remarks by Senate Republican Candidate Ted Cruz (TX)

Remarks by Artur Davis

Remarks by Governor Nikki Haley (SC)

10:00 p.m.

Remarks by Mrs. Luce’ Vela Fortuño

Remarks by Mrs. Ann Romney

Remarks by Governor Chris Christie (NJ)

Benediction by Sammy Rodriguez

Adjournment

xxx

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Mark Meadows Speaks Tomorrow at RNC Convention Updated with Video of Speech

**4:09pm** Here is video of Mark speaking at the RNC Convention:




Watch the coverage of the RNC Convention on C-SPAN.

Update on the appearance of Mark Meadows at the RNC Convention:

***Change in day*****

Dear Friends,


HENDERSONVILLE, NC - 11th District GOP Congressional nominee Mark Meadows has been invited to address the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa on Tuesday, August 28th between 2:30pm and 3:00pm EST. Meadows is one of more than a dozen candidates running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives who has been invited to speak during the convention.

"We're extremely pleased that Mark will be able to address the delegates, alternate delegates and other convention guests," said convention Chief Executive Officer William Harris. "The candidates who will be speaking, like the many others running for office across the country, represent the future of our party and a better future for our country," said Harris. "Their participation will help inspire enthusiasm for Republicans up and down the ticket."

Meadows said he is excited about the upcoming convention.

"This is such an honor and I am humbled to be invited to speak," said Meadows. "I want to join with other conservative candidates to support the Romney/Ryan ticket and make sure that the upcoming election brings real change in Washington."

Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the Republican Convention, including delegates, alternate delegates, media and other guests.

Meadows is a fiscal and social conservative who has served on numerous boards including the State Board for Economic Development in Western North Carolina, because of his expertise in business and job creation. He is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, a Christian conservative, and a champion of "Life, Liberty, and Less Government." To find out more, go to www.MeadowsForCongress.com.


Sincerely,


Mark Meadows
Meadows for Congress

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The Summer Meeting of the Macon County Republican Party

The Macon County Republican Party held it's summer meeting last night at the Boiler Room restaurant in Franklin, NC. Please visit their website to find out how you can become involved.

After the meal, Roger West presented Wayne Carringer with a Bataan Survivor Medallion from the Macon County Republican Party. More information on Wayne Carringer's experiences in World War II, including his eyewitness account of the detonation of an atomic bomb over Nagasaki, Japan can be found at this website.

A video of that follows:



Wayne Carringer leads the pledge and is presented with a Bataan Survivor Medallion by Roger West.

Then the party, led by Chairman Chris Murray, took care of business and the various clubs made a series of announcements about upcoming events.



Mark Meadows thanked those gathered for their support during the primary and the runoff. He remarked that 80% of Maconians voted for him in the runoff and he looked forward to the general election.

Please visit his website for more information on his campaign.



Justice Paul Newby dedlivered the keynote address. He is running for re-election to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Please visit his website for more information.

Here are some of the photos that I took at the meeting:


Wayne Carringer leads the pledge of alleigance to the flag.


Macon County Republicans listen to a speaker at the Boiler Room Restaurant.


Mark Meadows thanks Macon County Republicans for their support during the two primaries held this spring.


Roger West poses for a photo. Please visit his website for more information on how you can help him win re-election.


Gary Dills and Jenine Crossman enjoy a conversation.


Mark Meadows and Wayne Carringer.


 Chris Murray and Paul Newby pose for a photo with some of the fabulous ladies of the Gem Country Republican Women's Club. Please visit their website for more information on their activities and for information to join them in their efforts.


A gratuitous photo of the beautiful sunset that was taking place after the meeting was over.


Another gratuitous photo of the beautiful sunset that was taking place after the meeting was over.

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