Rainfall Totals in Macon County and WNC for Nov 18th and19th

RAIN EVENT OF NOV 18-19 IN MACON COUNTY

A line of rain passed through Macon County yesterday evening between 6 pm and 7 pm, with periods of rain before and after. Some locations saw a half an inch in an hour, others saw over an inch and a half in that time period. Here is a snapshot of the amount of rain that fell in some areas of Macon County last night via several remote weather stations that report weather data online:

3.15 inches near Rainbow Springs
1.83 inches near Otto
2.41 inches near Scaly Mountain
4.87 inches near Scaly Mountain
3.91 inches Highlands
2.54 inches Cullasaja
1.76 inches Franklin
2.24 inches Burningtown
0.52 inches Iotla

Here are the top five rain events for Macon County for Nov 19th (1872-2014)

2.54 inches in Nantahala in 1962
2.50 inches at Coweeta Exp Stn in 2009
2.12 inches at Coweeta Exp Stn in 1957
1.89 inches in Highlands in 1957
1.82 inches at Coweeta Exp Stn in 1968


RAIN EVENT IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA


The National Weather Service has issued a Public Information Statement that lists official totals from the recent rainfall event on November 18th and 19th and the full list has been posted below for your convenience.

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT 
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC 
121 PM EST THU NOV 19 2015

...36 HOUR RAINFALL ENDING 7 AM... 

LOCATION          COUNTY/STATE      OBSERVATION TYPE    INCHES

LAKE TOXAWAY 2    TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       7.28
LAKE TOXAWAY 3    TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       5.83
DILLARD 4 NE      RABUN/GA          COCORAHS            5.76
LAKET2            TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       5.23
FOSCOE 1 WSW      WATAUGA/NC        COCORAHS            4.76
HIAWA12           TOWNS/GA          SUPPLEMENTARY       4.50
LAUREL PARK 1.5   HENDERSON/NC      COCORAHS            4.45
BREVARD COOP      TRANSYLVANIA/NC   DCP/NWS COOP        4.45
BREVARD 6.5 S     TRANSYLVANIA/NC   COCORAHS            4.43
BRASSTOWN RAWS    TOWNS/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        4.39
LINVILLE 2 ENE    AVERY/NC          COCORAHS            4.36
BALSAM GROVE      TRANSYLVANIA/NC   DCP/NWS COOP        4.34
FRANKLIN 7.5 SW   MACON/NC          COCORAHS            4.25
PISGAH FOREST 2   TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       4.14
BUSICK RAWS       YANCEY/NC         DCP/NWS COOP        4.10
HIGHLANDS COOP    MACON/NC          DCP/NWS COOP        4.08
OTTO 4.5 E        MACON/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       4.07
MT MITCHELL DCP   YANCEY/NC         DCP/NWS COOP        4.03
BLOWING ROCK 2    WATAUGA/NC        COCORAHS            4.01
DAVIDSON RIVER    TRANSYLVANIA/NC   DCP/NWS COOP        3.99
GERMANY VALLEY    RABUN/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        3.97
PAGELAND 3 SW     CHESTERFIELD/SC   DCP/NWS COOP        3.83
CEDAR MOUNTAIN    TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       3.76
HENDERSONVILLE    HENDERSON/NC      COCORAHS            3.75
SPRUCE PINE 6.6   MITCHELL/NC       COCORAHS            3.72
EAST FLAT ROCK    HENDERSON/NC      COCORAHS            3.66
CANDLER 5 SW      BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            3.65
CLAYTON 0.7 N     RABUN/GA          SUPPLEMENTARY       3.64
ROSMA4            TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       3.59
CULLOWHEE 11.2    JACKSON/NC        COCORAHS            3.58
CHATTAHOOCHEE A   WHITE/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        3.57
CANTON 8 SSE      HAYWOOD/NC        COCORAHS            3.56
RABUN GAP 1 WNW   RABUN/GA          COCORAHS            3.49
SAUTEE 3 W        WHITE/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        3.45
SAUTEE 3.5 SW     WHITE/GA          COCORAHS            3.45
BLOWING ROCK 3    WATAUGA/NC        COCORAHS            3.44
SALEM 3 WNW 3.1   OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            3.44
LANCASTER 0.4 W   LANCASTER/SC      COCORAHS            3.39
BOONE 1 SE COOP   WATAUGA/NC        DCP/NWS COOP        3.38
ROSMA3            TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       3.36
LAKE TOXAWAY 3.   TRANSYLVANIA/NC   COCORAHS            3.35
CLEVELAND         WHITE/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        3.28
GILBERT 1.2 SSW   LEXINGTON/SC      COCORAHS            3.28
MOUNT AIRY 1.7    HABERSHAM/GA      SUPPLEMENTARY       3.25
WAXHAW4 ENE 4.1   UNION/NC          COCORAHS            3.23
CHIMNEY ROCK      RUTHERFORD/NC     COCORAHS            3.23
TITUS             TOWNS/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        3.22
TOCCOA            STEPHENS/GA       DCP/NWS COOP        3.21
CANDLER 1.9 NE    BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            3.21
FRANKLIN 10 SW    MACON/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       3.18
CLAYTON 8.5 W     RABUN/GA          COCORAHS            3.18
ENKA              BUNCOMBE/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        3.16
#1 RAWS 4 NE      RABUN/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        3.16
CANDLER 1 W       BUNCOMBE/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        3.16
MONROE 8 SSW      UNION/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       3.14
DEMOREST 6 WNW    HABERSHAM/GA      COCORAHS            3.12
CLAYTON 2 ESE     RABUN/GA          SUPPLEMENTARY       3.12
KEOWEE KEY 1.4    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            3.09
WINNSBORO COOP    FAIRFIELD/SC      DCP/NWS COOP        3.08
JOCASSEE DAM      PICKENS/SC        DCP/NWS COOP        3.08
FLAT ROCK 4 NE    HENDERSON/NC      COCORAHS            3.07
CANDLER 1.8 NNE   BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            3.01
WALLACE GAP       MACON/NC          DCP/NWS COOP        3.01
CLARKESVILLE 6    HABERSHAM/GA      COCORAHS            2.98
INMAN 2.4 SSE     SPARTANBURG/SC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.98
LANCASTER RAIN    LANCASTER/SC      DCP/NWS COOP        2.97
POWDERSVILLE 2.   ANDERSON/SC       SUPPLEMENTARY       2.96
KEOWEE KEY 1.5    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.96
ANDER4            ANDERSON/SC       SUPPLEMENTARY       2.95
HENDERSONVILLE    HENDERSON/NC      DCP/NWS COOP        2.94
CORNELIA          HABERSHAM/GA      DCP/NWS COOP        2.93
CLEVELAND 3.9 W   WHITE/GA          COCORAHS            2.93
TALLULAH RVR 10   RABUN/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        2.91
FISHING CREEK D   CHESTER/SC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.91
MARION 3.7 W      MCDOWELL/NC       COCORAHS            2.90
OLD FORT AG 3 W   MCDOWELL/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.90
HELEN 10 ENE      HABERSHAM/GA      COCORAHS            2.89
GRANDFATHER MTN   AVERY/NC          DCP/NWS COOP        2.87
HELEN 3.7 ENE     WHITE/GA          COCORAHS            2.87
OLD FORT 0.2 W    MCDOWELL/NC       COCORAHS            2.87
WALHALLA 2 NW 1   OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.87
MOUNT LECONTE     SEVIER/TN         DCP/NWS COOP        2.86
HIAWASSEE AT RI   TOWNS/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        2.85
ROSMA2            TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       2.85
TUCKASEGEE 4.2    JACKSON/NC        COCORAHS            2.84
SENECA 5 N 4.9    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.84
LANCASTER 11 EN   LANCASTER/SC      COCORAHS            2.84
PISGAH FOREST 3   TRANSYLVANIA/NC   DCP/NWS COOP        2.83
SPRUCE PINE 3.7   MITCHELL/NC       COCORAHS            2.82
INMAN 3 N 2.6 N   SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.81
BALDWIN 1 ESE     BANKS/GA          COCORAHS            2.81
SIMPS17           GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.80
FLAT ROCK 1.6 S   HENDERSON/NC      COCORAHS            2.79
CLARKESVILLE      HABERSHAM/GA      DCP/NWS COOP        2.79
JACOB FK AT RAM   BURKE/NC          DCP/NWS COOP        2.78
LYMAN 4 WNW 4.1   SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.78
WALHALLA          OCONEE/SC         SUPPLEMENTARY       2.77
TABLE ROCK STAT   PICKENS/SC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.76
MULBERRY          CALDWELL/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.74
FRANKLIN 4 ESE    MACON/NC          COCORAHS            2.73
LEICESTER 2 SE    BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            2.73
DILLARD 1 NNW     RABUN/GA          COCORAHS            2.73
WEST UNION 1.9    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.73
CHESNEE 4.5 WNW   SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.72
GRANDFATHER RAW   MCDOWELL/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.72
HIGHLANDS DCP     MACON/NC          DCP/NWS COOP        2.71
DUNCAN BRIDGE 6   HABERSHAM/GA      DCP/NWS COOP        2.71
RIDGECREST  1 E   BUNCOMBE/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.71
CAMDEN 2.7 NNW    KERSHAW/SC        COCORAHS            2.70
SALUDA 1 N 0.5    POLK/NC           COCORAHS            2.70
TRAVELERS REST    GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.70
ASHEVILLE 3 NNW   BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            2.68
TAYLORS 6.1 NNW   GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.65
RHODHISS DAM      CALDWELL/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.65
JEFFERSON 2 E C   ASHE/NC           DCP/NWS COOP        2.65
HICKORY 5 SW      CATAWBA/NC        COCORAHS            2.64
GREER18           SPARTANBURG/SC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.64
LONG CREEK 2 SW   OCONEE/SC         SUPPLEMENTARY       2.64
CORNELIA          HABERSHAM/GA      SUPPLEMENTARY       2.63
NORTH HICKORY 1   CATAWBA/NC        COCORAHS            2.63
MONROE 7.2 SW     UNION/NC          COCORAHS            2.62
CLAYT2            RABUN/GA          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.61
HOMER 5.1 NE      BANKS/GA          COCORAHS            2.61
TOCCOA 4 WSW      STEPHENS/GA       SUPPLEMENTARY       2.60
SKYLAND 5 W CRN   BUNCOMBE/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.60
TRAVE10           GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.59
WALHALLA COOP 1   OCONEE/SC         DCP/NWS COOP        2.59
TRYON4            POLK/NC           SUPPLEMENTARY       2.59
CHESNEE 7 WSW     SPARTANBURG/SC    DCP/NWS COOP        2.59
TAYLORS 3 W       GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.57
CEDAR CREEK DAM   CHESTER/SC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.57
CEDAR CREEK       RICHLAND/SC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.57
SENECA 2.3 NNW    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.57
HICKORY 2 NW      CATAWBA/NC        COCORAHS            2.57
CHATTAHOOCHEE N   HABERSHAM/GA      DCP/NWS COOP        2.56
SANS SOUCI 3.8    GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.56
GREEN9            GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.56
RICHB2            CHESTER/SC        SUPPLEMENTARY       2.55
RUTHERFORDTON 1   POLK/NC           COCORAHS            2.55
CANTON 3.6 ENE    HAYWOOD/NC        COCORAHS            2.55
HOLLINGSWORTH     BANKS/GA          DCP/NWS COOP        2.54
TAYLORS 3 NNW     GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.54
INMAN 6.5 ENE     SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.54
FRANK21           MACON/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.53
WEST UNION 2 ES   OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.53
SANS SOUCI 3 EN   GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.53
LYMAN 2 NNW       SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.52
CAESARS HEAD      GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.52
OTTO5             MACON/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.52
MILLS5            POLK/NC           SUPPLEMENTARY       2.52
TAYLORS 5 N       GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.52
NEWFOUND GAP      SEVIER/TN         DCP/NWS COOP        2.51
LEICESTER 0.9 S   BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            2.50
MONROE REG AP     UNION/NC          ASOS/AWOS           2.50
WAXHAW 2.6 NNW    UNION/NC          COCORAHS            2.50
NORTHWEST MS      GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.50
MARIE1            GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.49
ROSMAN DCP/COOP   TRANSYLVANIA/NC   DCP/NWS COOP        2.48
VALDESE 0.8 SW    BURKE/NC          COCORAHS            2.48
BRYSO4            SWAIN/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.48
ROSMA5            TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       2.47
BREVARD 0.6 SSE   TRANSYLVANIA/NC   COCORAHS            2.46
GREER 3 NNE       SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.46
TAYLO19           GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.46
STRATTON MEADOW   GRAHAM/NC         DCP/NWS COOP        2.46
DUE WEST 2 S      ABBEVILLE/SC      COCORAHS            2.45
GREENVILLE 5 WN   GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.45
VALE AG 2 SW      LINCOLN/NC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.45
GREEN30           GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.43
BLACK MOUNTAIN    BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            2.42
GREENVILLE 4 NE   GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.42
BEAVERDAM CK AB   ELBERT/GA         DCP/NWS COOP        2.41
TRYON WATER TRE   POLK/NC           DCP/NWS COOP        2.41
PARIS MOUNTAIN    GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.41
EASLEY 1.3 S      PICKENS/SC        COCORAHS            2.41
GREER 8 SSE 7.7   SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.41
HICKORY REG AP    BURKE/NC          ASOS/AWOS           2.41
KEOWEE KEY 0.3    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.41
FRANK20           MACON/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.40
GREER 1.5 SSE     SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.40
SENECA 2.2 NNE    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.39
BERRYS POND       SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.39
SPART9            SPARTANBURG/SC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.39
WESTMINSTER 6 S   OCONEE/SC         SUPPLEMENTARY       2.39
LINVILLE FALLS    AVERY/NC          COCORAHS            2.38
HARTSVILLE 2W     DARLINGTON/SC     COCORAHS            2.38
PISGAH FOREST 2   TRANSYLVANIA/NC   COCORAHS            2.37
BREVA12           TRANSYLVANIA/NC   SUPPLEMENTARY       2.36
LANDR3            GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.35
ASHEVILLE 5.4 N   BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            2.35
CLIFF1            RUTHERFORD/NC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.35
SOUTHCHASE - FT   GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.35
BREVARD 1 SE      TRANSYLVANIA/NC   COCORAHS            2.34
COLUMBUS 1.7 SS   POLK/NC           COCORAHS            2.34
TRAVELERS REST    GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.34
TRAVE4            GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.34
PLUMTREE 0.5 W    AVERY/NC          COCORAHS            2.33
WESTU2            OCONEE/SC         SUPPLEMENTARY       2.33
LAKE HICKORY/OX   CATAWBA/NC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.32
SIX MILE 3.4 WN   PICKENS/SC        COCORAHS            2.32
EASLEY 2.8 SE     PICKENS/SC        SUPPLEMENTARY       2.32
TAYLORS PUMP ST   GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.32
CHESNEE 3.9 SW    SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.31
HARTWELL          HART/GA           DCP/NWS COOP        2.30
LYMAN1            SPARTANBURG/SC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.30
HONEA PATH 4 SS   ABBEVILLE/SC      SUPPLEMENTARY       2.29
ANDERSON 1 SW     ANDERSON/SC       SUPPLEMENTARY       2.29
SPARTANBURG 5 W   SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.29
LAURENS 1 SSW     LAURENS/SC        COCORAHS            2.29
ANDREW PICKENS    OCONEE/SC         DCP/NWS COOP        2.29
SENECA 1 E        OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.29
LINCOLNTON 4 WS   LINCOLN/NC        COCORAHS            2.28
ALTO 3 WNW        HABERSHAM/GA      SUPPLEMENTARY       2.28
FOUNTAIN INN 5.   GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.27
TRAVE2            GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.27
COLUMBUS 7 ESE    POLK/NC           COCORAHS            2.26
FOUNTAIN INN 2    GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.26
LINCOLNTON 2 NW   LINCOLN/NC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.26
GSP AIRPORT       SPARTANBURG/SC    ASOS/AWOS           2.26
POWDERSVILLE 2    ANDERSON/SC       COCORAHS            2.25
MOORE 5 NW 4.9    SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.25
SPART10           SPARTANBURG/SC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.25
GREENVILLE 1.2    GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.25
ELLENDALE 3 NE    ALEXANDER/NC      DCP/NWS COOP        2.24
SIMPS9            GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.24
IVA 5 SSW         ANDERSON/SC       COCORAHS            2.24
FRANK11           MACON/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.24
FOUNTAIN INN RE   GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.24
PICKENS 2 WSW     PICKENS/SC        COCORAHS            2.24
SIMPS15           GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.23
MARVI2            UNION/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.23
2ND BROAD RVR N   RUTHERFORD/NC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.22
PRINCETON 4.5 N   GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.22
COMER 4 NNE       MADISON/GA        COCORAHS            2.22
EASLEY 1.3 ESE    PICKENS/SC        COCORAHS            2.22
LIBERTY 3 NNE     PICKENS/SC        SUPPLEMENTARY       2.21
HARTWELL DAM      HART/GA           DCP/NWS COOP        2.21
HAYESVILLE 5.2    CLAY/NC           COCORAHS            2.21
GREENVILLE DNTO   GREENVILLE/SC     ASOS/AWOS           2.20
RICHARD B RUSSE   ABBEVILLE/SC      DCP/NWS COOP        2.20
EASLEY 1.4 ESE    PICKENS/SC        SUPPLEMENTARY       2.19
BREVARD 1 NNW 1   TRANSYLVANIA/NC   COCORAHS            2.19
LENOIR COOP       CALDWELL/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.18
CENTRAL 5.3 NW    PICKENS/SC        COCORAHS            2.17
RUTHERFORDTON 2   RUTHERFORD/NC     COCORAHS            2.16
BAKERSVILLE 3 S   MITCHELL/NC       COCORAHS            2.15
SIMPSONVILLE 5    GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.15
TAYLO12           GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.15
HODGES 6.5 ENE    GREENWOOD/SC      COCORAHS            2.14
BREVARD 4 S       TRANSYLVANIA/NC   COCORAHS            2.13
SIMPS5            GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.13
SHELB11           CLEVELAND/NC      SUPPLEMENTARY       2.13
SPARTANBURG 3 E   SPARTANBURG/SC    COCORAHS            2.13
SALEM7            OCONEE/SC         SUPPLEMENTARY       2.13
SPART12           SPARTANBURG/SC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.13
SALUDA RVR AT H   GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.12
REEDY FK & W GE   GREENVILLE/SC     SUPPLEMENTARY       2.11
FOUNTAIN INN D    LAURENS/SC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.11
ASHEVILE 2.9 N    BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            2.11
PATTERSON         CALDWELL/NC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.11
CENTRAL 3 NNW     PICKENS/SC        COCORAHS            2.10
ROCK HILL 4 WNW   YORK/SC           COCORAHS            2.10
BATESVILLE RD A   GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.10
SHELB12           CLEVELAND/NC      SUPPLEMENTARY       2.09
FOREST CITY 8 W   RUTHERFORD/NC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.09
MARSHALL 4.8 SW   MADISON/NC        COCORAHS            2.09
FIVE FORKS 1 W    GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.09
NORTH COVE PINN   BURKE/NC          DCP/NWS COOP        2.08
SIMPSONVILLE 1    GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.08
ANDERSON 8 SE     ANDERSON/SC       COCORAHS            2.08
MINT HILL 3.2 E   UNION/NC          SUPPLEMENTARY       2.08
GAFFNEY 3.3 NNW   CHEROKEE/SC       COCORAHS            2.07
WILLIAMSTON 5 W   ANDERSON/SC       COCORAHS            2.07
ANDERSON          ANDERSON/SC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.07
UNION MILLS 2.6   RUTHERFORD/NC     COCORAHS            2.07
ROCK HILL 3.1 N   YORK/SC           COCORAHS            2.06
TEGA CAY 2 ESE    YORK/SC           COCORAHS            2.06
MINT HILL 3.1 N   MECKLENBURG/NC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.05
MAULDIN 1 SW      GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.05
FIVE FORKS 2.5    GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.05
OTTO 1.1 NW       MACON/NC          COCORAHS            2.05
HICKORY TAVERN    LAURENS/SC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.04
PIEDMONT 1.4 NN   GREENVILLE/SC     COCORAHS            2.04
WALNUT 3 N        MADISON/NC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.03
ANDERSON 4.8 N    ANDERSON/SC       COCORAHS            2.03
CROMPTON ST       MECKLENBURG/NC    DCP/NWS COOP        2.03
FIVE FORKS 1 N    GREENVILLE/SC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.03
WCU WATER PLANT   JACKSON/NC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.01
MINT HILL 2 NNW   MECKLENBURG/NC    SUPPLEMENTARY       2.01
SENECA 5.7 ENE    OCONEE/SC         COCORAHS            2.00
RUTHERFORD CNTY   RUTHERFORD/NC     DCP/NWS COOP        2.00
CHEOAH RAWS 1 N   GRAHAM/NC         DCP/NWS COOP        2.00
CHESTER 1 SE      CHESTER/SC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.00
OXFORD RESEARCH   CATAWBA/NC        DCP/NWS COOP        2.00
NEWBERRY COOP 1   NEWBERRY/SC       DCP/NWS COOP        2.00
ANDERSON 11.4 W   ANDERSON/SC       COCORAHS            2.00
ASHEVILLE 6 NNW   BUNCOMBE/NC       COCORAHS            2.00

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Franklin Driver License Office Closing for Equipment Installation November 18 Office is scheduled to re-open November 19

PRESS RELEASE
NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Raleigh – The Franklin Driver License Office, located at 16 Patton Ave., will be temporarily closed for equipment installation on Wednesday, Nov. 18. It is scheduled to re-open on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8 a.m.

Other offices located in the region will provide service during the closure:

Andrews – 1440 Main St., (828) 321-1442

Bryson City – 2650 Governor’s Island Road, (828) 488-3684

Clyde – 290 Lee Road, (828) 627-6969

Brevard – 50 Commerce St., Unit 4, (828) 883-2070

Sylva– 876 Skyland Dr., Suite 2, (828) 586-5413

Equipment installations are being phased in at driver license offices around the state. NCDMV is putting in new cameras, printers, flatbed scanners and customer-facing monitors at each driver license examiner’s desk to support new programming for Next Generation driver license and ID card applications. The new equipment also includes the installation of credit and debit card machines at each desk.

Customers are reminded to call the office at (828) 524-3592 to confirm appointments and operating hours

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2015 Veterans Day Ceremony in Franklin, NC

The Town of Franklin hosted at the 2015 Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Veterans Day. What follows is video and photographic record of the event.






WLOS-TV was also there and posted a two minute report.


Here some photos from the Ceremonies portion of the event. If you missed coverage of the parade, click here to see it.



If the slide show does not work, then you can see it at Flickr.


CROWD FUNDING


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 advertising opportunities, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com to apply. Serious inquiries only.


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 my crowd funding page.

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2015 Veterans Day Parade in Franklin, NC

The Town of Franklin hosted the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony in downtown Franklin. Video and photos from the parade are posted below and the ceremonies will be posted later this evening.

Determination. Perseverance. The Greatest Generation.Ruby McCall, a Navy Volunteer, walked the whole parade route on...
Posted by Macon Media on Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Video of the parade:




Here is a slide show of 105 photos taken before and during the parade:




If the player won't work on your browser, try checking them out on Flicker.

Jackson County also held a Veterans Day Parade this year. 
Click here to see it.


CROWD FUNDING


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 advertising opportunities, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com to apply. Serious inquiries only.


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 my crowd funding page.

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Canvass Day for 2015 Municipal Elections

Board of Elections Secretary Sara Waldoop (L) and board member Gary Dills (R) verify provisional ballots
Today, at 11:00 am, the Macon county Board of Elections Director, Debbie George, met with the Macon County Board of Elections members to determine the eligibility of provisional ballots cast in the 2015 Municipal Elections in Franklin and Highlands. There were four provisional ballots cast in the Franklin election and three of them were determined to be eligible to vote and one was determined to be an ineligible ballot due to the person still being a registered voter in another county. They also verified a hand count of the ballots in the Highlands election as it was randomly chosen by the state board of elections. The number of ballots cast matched the number counted.

Board of Elections Chairman Luke Bateman signs a document attesting to the security of the voting machine seal used for counting the Provisional Ballots
Two votes were cast for Bob Scott in the Mayor's race and one each was cast for Joe Collins, Verlin Curtis and Joyce Handley. Three were votes were cast for Brandon McMahan. No provisional ballots were cast in Highlands.

Board of Elections Director Debbie George updates the state website with the eligible provisional ballot totals

The new totals in the 2015 Municipal elections are below. Not enough votes were cast for any one candidate to make a difference in the outcome reported last Tuesday. The new vote totals are posted below:

Final results for the 2015 Municipal elections in Macon County

The webpage for the results can be accessed by clicking here.





MEDIA ROLL CALL (media organizations physically present)
Macon Media (me)

No other media organization had reporters present to monitor the election canvass.


CROWD FUNDING


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 advertising opportunities, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com to apply. Serious inquiries only.


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 my crowd funding page.

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2015 Veterans Day Parade in Sylva, NC

On Sunday, November 8th, a Veterans Day Parade was held in Sylva, NC. The event was hosted by the Jackson County Veterans Office. Andy Shaw Ford loaned several vehicles to transport veterans on the parade route, which ran from Mark Watson park, down Main Street, then back to Mark Watson Park via Mill Street. Video and photos are below.







If the slideshow does not work, check it out on Flickr.

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Structure Fire on Mack Branch Road November 7, 2015

Franklin Fire department was called to a fully involved structure fire at 8:54 pm on Saturday, November 7, 2015. The fire chief reported the residence was on the ground when the first apparatus arrived on scene.

Mountain Valley and Cullasaja Fire Departments provided mutual aid assistance on the call and Macon County EMS stood by in case here were injuries. The Macon County Sheriff Office provided traffic direction.

This is a preliminary report, firefighters are still on the scene. The video and photo were taken from the neighboring NP&L Loop shortly after the first fire apparatus arrived at the fire.

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Franklin Wins Contest in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Voted Top Town in the Small Town Category

Franklin has won a contest in the small town category run by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. The contest consisted of people rallying others via social media to vote in the contest. People were allowed multiple votes from multiple machines in a day. The contest webpage. 

Winners by category:

Small Town: Franklin, NC

Medium town: Roanoke, VA

Large town: Knoxville, TN

The article featuring Franklin can be seen on Blue Ridge Outdoors.

The Mayor and several local politicians have gathered at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin to celebrate the official announcement. The exclusive full video of the event announcement is embedded below.




Background 

A representative of the magazine visited the Franklin TDA September 2015 meeting to share details of the contest along with several business owners and a reporter who had widely shared the contest on social media. The representative sought $2,000 from the tourism authority to subsidize advertising by Franklin businesses in the article that would accompany the announcement of the winners in the small, medium and large town categories. The board decided to authorize subsidizing the advertisements up to $3,000. 

Due to a quorum not being present when the board voted to approve the funds a re-vote took place in the October meeting, when, in order to achieve a quorum in that meeting, board member Connie Gruberman participated in the meeting via telephone while she was out of town. I was unable to attend the October meeting because I was recording the candidate forum at The Lazy Hiker that evening.

Video of the September meeting is embedded below.







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

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


PHOTO SLIDESHOW





See photos on Flickr.


CROWD FUNDING


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 advertising opportunities, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com to apply. Serious inquiries only.


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 my crowd funding page.

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59 People Cast ballots on First 4 Days of Early Voting 55 in Franklin and 4 in Highlands

Only 59 voters have cast ballots in Franklin and Highlands on the first four days of early voting in the 20156 Municipal Election, 55 in Franklin and 4 in Highlands. Early voting began on Thursday, October 22nd.

Here are the stats:


FRANKLIN 

By party registration: 27 Democrats, 14 Republicans, 14 Unaffiliated and 0 Libertarians

By sex: 28 Females and 27 Males



HIGHLANDS

By party registration: 1 Democrat and 3 Republicans.

By sex: 2 Females and 2 Males.



If you are eligible to vote and wish to be an informed voter, you can check out video of the two voter forums held in Franklin (I was not notified of any forums in the Highlands contests).

League of Women Voters October 9th Forum

Lazy Hiker October 12th Forum


And here is a voting calendar and locations to let you know where and when you, if you are eligible to vote in these elections, can cast a ballot:


One Stop early voting locations and hours for 2015 Municipal Election:

Macon County Courthouse
5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC
Room 127, Board of Elections Office
Thursday, October 22nd , Friday, October 23rd and Monday, October 26th - October 30th 
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 31st from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Highlands Civic Center
600 N 4th Street
Highlands, NC
Meeting Room 1
Thursday, October 22nd , Friday October 23rd and Monday, October 26th - October 30th 
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday, October 31st from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Absentee by Mail ends October 27, 2015

One Stop Voting will end October 31, 2015 at 1:00 pm

Municipal Election Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Seats open for the Town of Franklin 
Mayor: Bob Scott
Alderman: Verlin L. Curtis
Alderman: Joyce Handley
Alderman: Farrell Jamison

Seats open for the Town of Highlands
Town Commissioner: John (Buz) Dotson
Town Commissioner: Eric Pierson
Town Commissioner: Brian J. Stiehler


If you live in the Towns of Franklin or Highlands and are eligible to vote, but don't...and you aren't happy with the results, then you have no one to blame but yourself.

CROWD FUNDING



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 advertising opportunities, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com to apply. Serious inquiries only.


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 my crowd funding page.

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Entrepreneur Networking Night VI and Release Party for CEC Promotional Video

The Macon County EDC [website] and the Macon County CEC Leadership Team hosted the Entrepreneur Night VI and Release Party for a promotional video designed to entice entrepreneurs to relocate their businesses to Macon County. This event was held at The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company in the former Franklin Town Hall. A video of the launch party and the promotional video are embedded in this article.

The vieo was funded by a public-private partnership using tax dollars and private money.

Macon County NC EDC/CEC Promotional Video
Macon County EDC and Certified Entrepreneurial Community present the official release of the Macon County CEC promotional video produced by Joel Collins of 99 Hills Creative Media.
Posted by Macon County Economic Development Commission on Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The event was attended by nearly two dozen members of the EDC Board, the CEC [Certified Economic Community] Leadership Team and members of other tourism related boards and business owners.

MEDIA ROLL CALL 
(a list of the local media organizations with staff covering the event)
Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press (an editor and a reporter)


CROWD FUNDING

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.

Macon Media is currently the work of one person and I hope, with your help, to be able to expand to cover more events and report local news in ways that the local papers and radio station cannot.

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 my crowd funding page.

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Regular October 2015 Meeting Macon County Commissioners

The Macon County Commissioners met for their regular October 2015 meeting, and it was a marathon session. The meeting started at 6:00 pm and ended shortly before 11:00 pm.

The video of the meeting has been divided into three parts and various supporting documents are posted below. There will also be other videos released and posted in separate articles, each with supporting documents embedded that relate to that segment of the meeting.



Part 1


Part 2

Part 3

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 13, 2015
AGENDA

• Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin
• Announcements
• Moment of Silence
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Public Hearing(s) - 6:05 p.m. Section 5311 (Community Transportation Program Application) and Section 5310 (Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Program Application) - Kim Angel, Macon County Transit Director
  
  NOTE: Following the close of the public hearing, the board will consider approval of the applications.
• Public Comment Period
  
  NOTE: Following public comment, the board will go into closed session for the purpose of preserving the attorney/client privilege - NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3)
• Adjustments to and approval of the agenda
• Reports/Presentations
  • Recognition of employees involved in June 4, 2015 incident at South Macon Elementary School
  • Presentation of appreciation to Jeannie Beets Garrett
  • Presentation of County Government Partnership Award from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
  • Presentation regarding robotics program for middle school students - Stan McCormick with Must-Innov8.inc.
• Old Business
  • Presentation of Building Inspections and Environmental Health Department fee analysis - County Manager
  • Change orders for Union Academy and Highlands School renovation projects - Terry Bell with Macon County Schools
• New Business
  • Consideration of franchise and haul agreements with J&B Disposal - County Attorney
  • Recommendations from the Community Funding Pool Task Force - Karen Wallace
  • Resolution and lease agreement with Vitrum -- La Collezione, LLC - Economic Development Director Tommy Jenkins
  • Update on E-waste recycling - Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl
  • Change Order Number One for Cullasaja Park - Doug Johnson with Macon County Soil and Water Conservation
  • Resolutions and leases for community care clinics in Franklin and Highlands - County Attorney
  • Agreement for recreational opportunities with the Scaly Mountain Historical Society, Inc. - County Attorney
  • Ratification of e-mail polls:
    • September 11, 2015 e-mail regarding NCDOT priorities
    • September 18, 2015 e-mail regarding revised concession stand contract
• Consent Agenda - Attachment #11
  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.
  • Minutes of the September 8, 2015 regular meeting
  • Budget Amendments #43 - #49
  • Tax Releases
  • Tax Refund
  • Monthly ad valorem tax collection report
• Appointments:
  • Town of Franklin Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Board (one seat)
• Closed session (if necessary)
• Adjourn/Recess

Here is the full agenda packet that is shared with members of the local media. Currently, Macon Media is the only media outlet to share these public documents with the public.

Press Packet for OCtober 2015 Commissioner Meeting by Thunder Pig

MEDIA ROLL CALL (a record of which media outlets were present for the meeting)

Macon Media (me)
WLOS-TV (a reporter and a cameraman. Both left after the Recognitions of Valor were handed out) LINK TO COVERAGE
Macon County News and Shopping Guide (one reporter)
WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM (one reporter)
The Franklin Press (one reporter)

CROWD FUNDING

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.

In September 2015, 13 people pledged $75.00 and 9 followed through with $55.00. If you have pledged to support Macon Media and have updated your bank card, you need to update your info on Patreon in order for your pledge to be accepted by Patreon and then transferred to Macon Media.

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 my crowd funding page.

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National Forests in North Carolina: Hunting is permitted on all National Forests in North Carolina

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801

Be Aware - Hunting is permitted on all National Forests in North Carolina 

Outside of developed recreation areas, hunting is permitted throughout the National Forests in North Carolina. Hunters must have the proper licenses, or permits needed to hunt. Hunting is a seasonal activity and state regulations for seasons, dates and licensing apply on national forest land. For information about specific dates and times, please visit: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting.aspx, or call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 919-707-0010.

Safety Tips for Non-hunters visiting the National Forests

• Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. Orange vests and hats are advisable.
• Don't forget to protect your pet. Get an orange vest for your pet or bright colored scarf/bandana.
• Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.
• Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don't make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid confrontations.
• If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
• Know when hunting seasons are. Continue to hike, but learn about where and when hunting is taking place.
• Know your own comfort level. If hunting makes you uneasy, choose a hike in a location where hunting is not allowed, such as a national park or a state park, or schedule your outings for Sundays.

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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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Local Candidate Forum Held at Lazy Hiker Brewing

Last night, at The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company, six candidates participated in a forum where the questions were solicited via Social Media by David Linn. Linn organized the event to appeal to younger voters in Franklin and arranged for The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company to host the forum on their property.

About 30 or so people attended the forum and these people mingled with the candidates before and after the event.

A video of the entire forum has been posted below so those of you who could not attend to be able to see and hear for yourselves first hand, without being filtered through a reporter or editor. A couple of photos are below the video.

-note- There were segments of the video during which noise from a landscaping crew at the Wells Fargo Bank using weed eaters and leaf blowers overwhelmed the forum. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Civic-minded Citizens Watch Forum



The source of all the noise during the forum
MEDIA ROLL CALL 

(a list of the local media organizations represented at the event)

Macon Media (me)
Macon County news and Shopping Guide (one reporter)
The Franklin Press (one reporter, one editor and one photographer)

CROWD FUNDING

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.

In September 2015, 13 people pledged $75.00 and 9 followed through with $55.00. If you have pledged to support Macon Media and have updated your bank card, you need to update your info on Patreon in order for your pledge to be accepted by Patreon and then transferred to Macon Media.

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 my crowd funding page.

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League of Women Voters Host Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters hosted a forum for candidates in the 2015 Municipal elections in Franklin, NC. Five of the six Alderman candidates showed up. Susan Irvin read a statement from Joe Collins, who had a previous engagement and could not attend the forum. Mayor Bob Scott, who is running unopposed, also made a brief statement.

The full forum has been embedded below so you can see and hear what the candidates said without filtering through a reporter or editor.





The Candidates for Alderman (as pictured in the photo from left to right)

Verlin Curtis, incumbent. No campaign website or Facebook page. Contact at vcurtis@franklinnc.com
Joyce Handley, incumbent. No campaign website or Facebook page. Contact at jhandley@franklinnc.com
Brandon McMahan, challenger. Facebook Page
Adam Kimsey, challenger, Facebook Page
Angela Moore, challenger. Facebook Page
Joe Collins, challenger (absent).

If I have left out a webpage oR Facebook page, please do not hesitate to contact me at editor@maconmedia.com and I will edit this post to include the data.


MEDIA ROLL CALL (media organizations with reporters present)

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

CROWD FUNDING

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, or, if you own a business or are running for office, please consider a sponsorship.

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

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Franklin TDA September 2015 Meeting Lacked a quorum for vote to subsidize ads in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Press Packet for September 2015 Franklin TDA by Thunder Pig

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority convened a meeting on Monday, September 14, 2015 without a quorum present. A quorum is defined as five members in their Rules of Procedures. The board has eight seats, two of which are vacant. Chairman Candy Pressley was absent and member Josh Drake did not arrive until just after the 35 minute mark in the video. Before his arrival, the board amended their agenda to add a representative from Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine for a presentation. The board voted 4-0 to spend up to $3,000 to subsidize ads for local businesses in the November 2015 issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. Since a quorum was not present for this vote, the vote was not valid and will have to be re-voted on at another meeting that has a quorum present.

The board heard a proposal from Rob Gasparo for the Franklin TDA to sudsidize the Macon county Transit to run a shuttle service for hikers to use to come into Franklin. He said it would cost $6,750 to run the shuttle twice a day from February to May. The county commissioners voted earlier this year to not fund a shuttle, citing they would prefer not to interfere with local businesses and individuals who already transport hikers to and from the trail. Gasparo said that regardless of whether or not they found funding from the TDA or TDC, he would seek frunding from private sources to pay Macon County Transit to run a service. He will be presenting the proposal to the Macon County TDA today (Sept 17th) at the noon meeting. Macon Media will be covering that meeting.

The board declined (5-0) to subsidize a coupon book for Major Display to be handed out to visiting ball teams at Parker Meadows promoting local businesses.

The board voted 5-0 to fund the Naturalist event being organbized by Outdoor 76.

The board also discussed a vacation guide, but I missed the disposition of that because I was researching the quorum question, and upon review of the video, the board members were speaking so low I still could not understand what they wee saying to one another. I apologize for that.

After the meeting had been adjourned, members of the board and representatives of press (Macon Media and The Franklin Press) discussed whether or not the board had a quorum present for the meeting. Town manager Summer Woodard reported a conversation she had with the board attorney, John Henning, Jr, who was of the opinion that four did constitute a quorum. I disagreed and referred to the Rules of Procedure for the board, which defines a quorum as five. I have embedded a copy of the section of the Rules of Procedure that define a quorum for your convenience. [FULL COPY]

The day after the meeting, the Town manager sent out a notice that a quorum is indeed five members and the vote that the board took will be ratified at the October meeting. I have included a copy of that as well.

From: John Henning [mailto:john@csedlaw.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 3:26 PM
To: Summer Woodard
Subject: Tourism Development Authority

Dear TDA Board Members,

I understand that at the beginning of your meeting yesterday, four of you were present. A majority of the members currently appointed to the TDA were present (four (4) out of the current membership of six (6)). Approximately 30 minutes after the meeting started, a fifth member joined the meeting. Since Section 5.5 of the TDA bylaws currently sets a quorum at five members, the TDA will need to take action to ratify any votes that were taken before five members were present. This bylaw appears to anticipate always having all nine (9) memberships filled, and unfortunately, the TDA Board only consists of six (6) members at this time.

At your October 12, 2015 board meeting, and assuming five members are present, the Board will need to reconsider the item(s) that were voted on while only four members were present. My understanding is that there was only one such item, to participate in publishing Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine, which will be recognizing the Town in an upcoming issue. Since that expenditure will come due sometime after November, the Board can ratify that vote and there will be no other problem with making that approved expenditure.

By and large, this is a problem caused by the language setting the quorum at five members, which seems to be based on the assumption that all nine members will be appointed at any given time. Despite the Town’s best efforts – including web and print advertising – to find persons willing to serve on the TDA Board, your current membership totals six. That makes this an appropriate time to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you for your willingness to serve on the TDA Board. Your time is very much appreciated. And if any of you knows anyone who might also be willing to serve, please ask them to get in touch with Candy Arvey or Summer Woodard about joining the Board.

Finally, and keeping in mind that the Town greatly appreciates your time and willingness to serve, please make every effort to attend the October board meeting.

In the near future, we will also look at amending the quorum bylaw, to avoid this difficulty in the future.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,
John


John F. Henning, Jr.
Attorney

Even though my research is not needed, I am posting it anyway for future reference.

Here is an excerpt from an article on the UNC School of Governemnt website:

"...the first step in identifying the quorum for a committee or appointed board will usually be to find out whether the governing board has adopted a rule imposing a method of quorum calculation."

and

"Simply saying that a quorum is a majority of a body’s members or membership doesn’t explain how vacancies should be treated in a quorum calculation. For city and county governing boards, this issue is addressed by statute. Pursuant to G.S. 160A-74, vacant seats aren’t counted in quorum determinations for city councils. The opposite is true for boards of county commissioners: G.S. 153A-43 provides that the number of commissioners required for a quorum “is not affected by vacancies.” The blog post by Frayda Bluestein linked to above explains in detail how these rules work.

Local governing boards generally have the power to decide whether vacancies must be included in quorum calculations for their committees and appointed boards. (Sometimes those bodies are permitted to adopt their own procedural rules. In those situations, the committee or board itself may specify whether a quorum is a majority of total seats or of current members.) It often happens, though, that local rules don’t address the effect of vacancies on the quorum for committees or appointed boards."

Source >> "Quorum Calculations: The Impact of Vacancies and Members Who Don’t Vote" by Trey Allen, UNC School of Government

Supporting Documents

Franklin TDA Rules of Procedure

NC General Assembly law that created the Franklin TDA

Franklin Town board of Aldermen Occupancy Tax Resolution



ROLL CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

BOARD MEMBERS

Summer Woodard
Vickie Springer
Connie Gruberman
Cheryl Pullium
Josh Drake (arrived after 6 pm)

LOCAL PRESS

Macon Media (me)
The franklin Press
Macon County News and Shopping Guide

The TDA Board will meet again in the lower level of town hall on Monday, October 12th at 5:30 pm.

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