2016 Primary Elections Results for Macon County Live Coverage

**update** 11:12 pm on March 15, 2016 

Readers have reported several errors in the results, most often the error is a simple transposing of numbers in some races, and before the Board of Elections consented to handing out paper copies, I made other errors in transcribing from paper to computer in my haste. I apologize for any errors and will try to fix them as soon as I can. --Bobby

Macon Media will be attempting the first ever live video coverage of the election results, paying close attention to the races involving local candidates. The races that will be highlighted are the Republican primaries that include the race for the 120th NC House District seat that Kevin Corbin (Macon County) and Elliott Southworth (Cherokee County) are seeking. The other two races are the race for the District II County Commissioner that pits Karl Gillespie against Ron Haven and the District III County Commissioner race that is a three-way contest between incumbent Paul Higdon and challengers Greg Boyer and Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion. All the local Democratic races feature candidates that are running unopposed, so those races will not be covered. Since this is a one man show, the local Presidential results will not be posted unless the precincts are slow in coming in, and I do not expect any time to breathe during the live coverage.

Macon Media will attempt to stream live video from the bowels of the county courthouse. Internet access is notoriously sketchy down there, so don't be too disappointed if the video is not working.

Live text results will be posted here in reverse chronological order so the most recent results will always be displayed just below the video player. The results will also be mirrored on Facebook on the Macon Media New Weather and Information page and on the Macon Media twitter account under the hashtag #2016Macon [Example of search String]





Live streaming video by Ustream


**7:51 pm**  The video feed went down because the internet speed downstairs got bogged down an is too slow.

I apologize for the problems and will not be attempting to relaunch.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE RESULTS BY PRECINCT

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Numbers for Precinct : Unofficial Total


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	2424	43.48%
Karl Gillespie	3151	56.52%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	2618	45.63%
Greg Boyer	1400	24.40%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	1719	29.96%

NC-120 (DISTRICT WIDE  subtotal)

Elliott J. Southworth	9136	26.18%
Kevin Corbin	3240	73.82%

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Numbers for Precinct : Total as of 9:30 pm
(I am having trouble keeping up, so I will just do totals for now)

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	2186	43.96%
Karl Gillespie	2787	56.04%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	2333	45.42%
Greg Boyer	1247	24.28%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	1556	30.30%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	3088	25.85%
Kevin Corbin	8860	74.15%

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Numbers for Precinct : Total as of 9:24 pm


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	1775	56.94%
Karl Gillespie	2347	43.06%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	1968	46.52%
Greg Boyer	976	23.07%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	1286	30.40%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	2926	26.52%
Kevin Corbin	8108	73.48%

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Numbers for Precinct : Nantahala


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	58	54.72%
Karl Gillespie	48	45.28%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	69	65.09%
Greg Boyer	27	25.47%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	10	9.43%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	30	25.86%
Kevin Corbin	86	74.14%

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Numbers for Precinct : Burningtown


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	91	57.96%
Karl Gillespie	66	42.04%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	100	62.11%
Greg Boyer	31	19.25%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	30	18.63%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	44	27.67%
Kevin Corbin	115	72.33%

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Numbers for Precinct : South Franklin


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	59	52.21%
Karl Gillespie	54	47.79%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	58	49.57%
Greg Boyer	22	18.80%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	37	31.62%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	23	17.97%
Kevin Corbin	105	82.03%

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Numbers for Precinct : Iotla


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	80	39.60%
Karl Gillespie	122	60.40%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	109	54.23%
Greg Boyer	32	15.92%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	60	29.85%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	35	17.50%
Kevin Corbin	165	82.50%

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Numbers for Precinct : Sugarfork


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	48	53.93%
Karl Gillespie	41	46.07%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	59	61.46%
Greg Boyer	14	14.58%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	23	23.96%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	12	12.63%
Kevin Corbin	83	87.37%

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Numbers for Precinct : Total as of 8:46 pm


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	1390	41.15%
Karl Gillespie	1988	58.85%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	1518	43.73%
Greg Boyer	833	24.00%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	1120	32.27%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	2426	26.77%
Kevin Corbin	6638	73.23%

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Numbers for Precinct : Smithbridge


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	157	43.13%
Karl Gillespie	207	56.87%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	160	41.99%
Greg Boyer	97	25.46%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	124	32.55%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	75	19.18%
Kevin Corbin	316	80.82%

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Numbers for Precinct : East Franklin


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	106	48.18%
Karl Gillespie	114	51.82%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	82	35.65%
Greg Boyer	94	40.87%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	54	23.48%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	54	22.78
Kevin Corbin	183	72.22%

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Numbers for Precinct : 8:26 pm TOTAL


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	1127	40.34%
Karl Gillespie	1667	59.66%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	1276	44.62%
Greg Boyer	642	22.45%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	942	32.94%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	1590	23.92
Kevin Corbin	5058	76.08%

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Numbers for Precinct : Ellijay


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	119	41.61
Karl Gillespie	167	58.39

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	155	53.45%
Greg Boyer	58	20.00%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	77	26.55%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	45	15.52%
Kevin Corbin	245	84.48%

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Numbers for Precinct : One Stop and N Franklin


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	1008	40.19%
Karl Gillespie	1500	59.81%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	1121	43.62%
Greg Boyer	584	22.72%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	865	33.66%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	1413	23.46%
Kevin Corbin	4611	76.54%

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Numbers for Precinct : North Franklin


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	93	34.83
Karl Gillespie	174	65.17

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	116	41.73
Greg Boyer	74	26.62
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	88	31.65

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	50	18.05
Kevin Corbin	227	81.95

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Numbers for Precinct : Early Voting (the Board of Election is not handing out paper thisyar, so coverage won't be what I thought it was)


BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Ron Haven	899	40.53%
Karl Gillespie	1319	59.47%

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3

Paul Higdon	994	43.79%
Greg Boyer	770	22.29%
Emmanuel (Manny) Carrion	506	33.92%

NC-120

Elliott J. Southworth	1178	24.48%
Kevin Corbin	3635	24.48%

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Polls Open for the 2016 Primary Day

The polls in Macon County opened at 6:30 am this morning. Important voting information and photos taken at the North Franklin Precinct when they opened for voting this morning are posted below.

2016 PRIMARY DAY INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS OF MACON COUNTY FOR MARCH 15, 2016

All voting places in Macon County are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 pm today. Upon entering the voting place, give your name, address, and party affiliation to the precinct officials. If you are properly registered, you will be given the appropriate ballot and directed to the voting machine to vote.

Note: If a person has changed addresses and not yet notified the election office, they may still vote on election day. The voter would need to go to the new precinct where the poll worker will fill out the forms and verify with the county board of elections office. However, this will obviously take time and it is much simpler to change your address prior to election day.

Curbside Voting

If you are unable to enter the voting place because of age or physical disability, you will be allowed to vote either in your vehicle or near the voting place during the hours that the polling place is open.

Transfer Voting

If you fail to change your address by the registration deadline, there is a procedure that allows you to vote. You may also appear at the Board of Elections office between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Election Day if you failed to change your address. Your information will be corrected and you will vote while in this office. To avoid any delay, please notify the elections office of any address change within 25 days of an election.

Polling Places and Buffer Zones for Macon County Polling Places:

The following is a list of Macon County polling places and a description of each buffer zone in which Election Day electioneering. Buffer zones are designated in accordance with G.S. 163-166.4(a), by the County Board of Elections. Where practical set limit of the zone is 50 feet from the door of entrance to the voting place.

The poll workers will mark buffer zones on Election Day with "No Campaigning Past This Point" at the following polling locations:

North Franklin - Franklin Town Hall - 95 Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734

South Franklin - Macon County Public Library - 149 Siler Farm Rd. Franklin, NC 28734

East Franklin - Macon County Environmental Resource Center - 1624 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC 28734

Iotla - Macon County Airport - 1241 Airport Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Union - Macon County Community Building - 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Millshoal - Holly Springs Community Building - 2720 Cat Creek Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Ellijay - Cullasaja Gorge Fire & Rescue - 104 River Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Sugarfork - Pine Grove School - 38 Peeks Creek Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Highlands - Highlands Civic Center - 600 North 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741

Flats - Scaly Mountain Fire Department - 169 Hale Ridge Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775

Smithbridge - Otto Community Building - 60 Firehouse Rd, Otto, NC 28763

Cartoogechaye - West Macon Fire and Rescue - 564 Charles Nolen Road, Franklin NC 28734

Nantahala - Nantahala EMS Building - 1096 Junaluska Road, Topton NC 28781

Burningtown - Burningtown Community Building - 250 Burningtown Baptist Church Road, Franklin, NC 28714

Cowee - Cowee School - 51 Cowee School Drive, Franklin, NC 28734



**note** The County Canvass will take place on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 11:00 am.

ONE STOP VOTING STATS

According the the Macon County Board of Elections, here are some voting stats from One Stop from March 6th until the close of early voting at 1 pm on Saturday: (any transcription errors are mine)

Voted in Franklin • 3,185
Voted in Highlands • 418
Total One Stop • 3,603

Ballot Requested

Democratic
Franklin • 1,122
Highlands • 141

Republican
Franklin • 2,057
Highlands • 276

DAY SPONSOR

MaconMedia.com's News and Weather coverage is being underwritten today by NC Against the Bond. A bond is not free money, it’s a debt left to future generations to pay without their consent. If an item is truly important, put it in the budget. Find out more about this campaign at http://againstthebond.com/uncategorized/vote-against-the-2-billion-debt-bond-on-tuesday/

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US and NC Forest Service to conduct burns today

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Macon County Emergency Management
March 7, 2016
Todd Seagle, 911 Communications Supervisor

The USFS will be conducting two prescribed burns today. They will be burning 1,000 acres in the Nantahala community near USFS road 711. They will also be burning 800 acres in North Georgia close to the state line near the Scaly Mountian/Sky Valley community. The NCFS will conduct a prescribed burn of approximately 100 acres in the Otto community and the NCWRC will be conducting a prescribed burn of 200 acres in the Needmore community in northern Macon County. With winds predicted to be out of the southwest today, it is a possibility that these control burns will be seen and directly affect the Franklin, Highlands, and Otto areas of Macon County.

The Macon County 911 Center would like to ask that residents refrain from calling 911 to report these control burns as wildfires or to inquire as to the source of the smoke. As always, residents should continue to report emergency situations they believe to be threatening life or property.

Read More

Emergency Management Press Release on Moore Street Fire

Macon County Emergency Management has sent out a press release regarding the structure fire that claimed one life Saturday evening, but it does not tell us any more than we knew Saturday night.

Here is the press release in full:


Press Release
For Immediate Release
Macon County Emergency Management
March 7, 2016
Todd Seagle, 911 Communications Supervisor

The Macon County Fire Marshal’s Office in conjunction with the Franklin Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the cause and origin of a residential structure fire that occurred Saturday evening. Firefighting crews responded to 19 Moore St. in Franklin and located one victim inside the residence. The identity of the victim will be released pending autopsy results. According to Fire Marshal Jimmy Teem “We know where the fire started but we will continue to investigate until we know what started it”. Five departments responded to the scene: Franklin, Clarks Chapel, Cullasaja, West Macon, and Cowee.

Read More

Macon County Daily Weather Briefing Monday March 7, 2016

OVERVIEW

Dry high pressure is expected to dominate the local weather pattern through the middle of the week, temperatures will be well above seasonal level. A cold front is expected to arrive from the northwest later in the week, bringing increased chances for rain and thunderstorms.


STRUCTURE FIRE ON MOORE STREET

Several volunteer fire departments battled a fire at a residence on Moore Street Saturday night. More information can be seen at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/structure-fire-on-moore-street.html


SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

Governor Pat McCrory has declared the week of March 6th through March 12th, 2016, as “SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and has called upon citizens and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities that promote awareness of severe weather and how to stay safe.

In furtherance of that, Macon Media will be publishing a series to articles through the week on severe weather and ways to become more prepared.

2016 severe Weather Awareness Week

SUNDAY • Introduction

MONDAY • Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes (a more complete article that will include images and video on this topic will be published later today. The updated link will be added here when that happens.

What are the differences between a Thunderstorm Watch and Warning?

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where severe thunderstorms may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.


Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or county) that may be impacted by an on-going severe thunderstorm.


What are the differences between a Tornado Watch and Warning?

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.


Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the  size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on Radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.



TODAY

Partly sunny with highs in the low to mid 60s and light winds out of the southeast shifting to come from the south at 5 to 10 mph by mid morning.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected. Unless you're allergic to sunlight and spring-like temperatures.


Current Advisories, Watches and Warnings issued by the National Weather Service for Macon County can be viewed at any time at
http://is.gd/MACONWARN


TONIGHT


Partly cloudy with lows near the upper 30s and winds from the southeast.


TUESDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near the mid to upper 60s and calm winds early rising to 5 to 10 mph from the south by mid morning.


TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s with winds from the southeast.


WEDNESDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 60s.


WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50.



WEATHER ADVISORIES, WATCHES AND WARNINGS

• No weather advisories are in effect for Macon County as of 3 am.



ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have an event announcement, or wish to inquire about a day sponsorship, email the information to editor@maconmedia.com.
An advertising fee will be required for events that either charge admission or charge for vendor participation.

Early Voting Underway

Early voting lasts until 1 pm on Saturday, March 12th, then election day is on the 15th from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

People can vote at any open polling place in the county during early voting. If you vote on March 15, you must go to your assigned precinct.


Dollar-A-Day Boys at the Macon County Library on March 12, 2016

The Macon County Public Library and the Macon County Historical Museum are co-sponsoring a musical tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps on March 12th, 2016. More information is on the website at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/dollar-day-boys-at-macon-county-library.html




MACON COUNTY WEATHER EXTREME ALMANAC FOR MARCH 7TH

Highest Temperature • 81°F in Franklin in 1974
Lowest Temperature • -7°F in Highlands in 1899
Greatest One-Day Precipitation • 3.13 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Lab in 1967
Greatest One-Day Snowfall • 2.0 inches in Highlands in 1914


WEATHER EXTREMES FOR MARCH IN MACON COUNTY
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature -- 86°F at the Coweeta Experimental Lab on March 15, 1967
Lowest Temperature -- -7°F in Highlands on March 7, 1899
Greatest One-Day Precipitation – 6.43 inches in Highlands on March 29, 1898
Greatest One-Day Snowfall – 25.5 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Lab on March 13, 1993




CROWD FUNDING OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You 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

time posted >> 5:00 am (3:00 am for the website version)
(weekend and major holiday publish times are 6 am and weekdays are 5 am)

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2016 Severe Weather Awareness Week Introduction

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
800 AM EST SUN MAR 6 2016

Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina is March 6-12, 2016
Statewide Tornado Drill scheduled for Wednesday, March 9 at 9:30 AM

This week is North Carolina’s annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week. This week the National Weather Service and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety are teaming up to bring this severe weather safety campaign to all of North Carolina’s residents. With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time to prepare for the severe weather season. If each North Carolina resident would take a few moments this week to learn about severe weather safety and implement a safety plan, then we would all be better off when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes inevitably strike our state and the likelihood of injury and fatalities caused by severe weather could be minimized.

Severe weather and severe weather preparedness takes many forms, so each day this week we will highlight a different preparedness topic. This week’s topics will include…

• Monday: Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes

• Tuesday: Ways to receive severe weather alerts, and information about the Statewide Tornado Drill

• Wednesday: Staying safe when high winds, hail, and tornadoes strike

• Thursday: Lightning safety

• Friday: Flash flood safety

• Saturday: Make a plan and encourage others to do the same

On Wednesday, March 9th at 9:30 AM, the National Weather Service in cooperation with local broadcasters will conduct a statewide tornado drill. The alarm test, which will come in the form of a Required Monthly Test, will activate the State Emergency Alert System and be carried by local radio broadcasters. Every school, business, and residence is encouraged to participate in this drill. It’s really easy: at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, take a few moments to practice your severe weather safety plan, and seek shelter for a few minutes as if a tornado was headed your way. Practicing this when the weather is good will allow you to react more quickly when the weather turns bad.

Finally, take a few moments this week to visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s preparedness website…readync.org. On this web page you will find an abundance of information, and links to a free cell phone app, that will help you plan and prepare for the severe weather season. Once again, that’s readync.org.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Macon County Sunday, March 6, 2016

OVERVIEW

High pressure returns today, dominating the local weather pattern through midweek before another frontal system approaches later in the week, when highs will approach the mid to upper 60s.

STRUCTURE FIRE ON MOORE STREET

Several volunteer fire departments battled a fire at a residence on Moore Street last night. More information can be seen at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/structure-fire-on-moore-street.html

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

Governor Pat McCrory has declared the week of March 6th through March 12th, 2016, as “SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and has called upon citizens and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities that promote awareness of severe weather and how to stay safe. See the declaration at the Governor's website.

In furtherance of that, Macon Media will be publishing a series to articles through the week on severe weather and ways to become more prepared.


TODAY

Sunny with highs near 60 and winds from the north 5 to 10 mph, calming in the afternoon.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected.


Current Advisories, Watches and Warnings issued by the National Weather Service for Macon County can be viewed at any time at
http://is.gd/MACONWARN


TONIGHT


Partly cloudy with lows near 30 and and light winds out of the southeast.


MONDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near 60 and calm winds in the morning rising to 5 to 10 mph from the south by mid morning.


MONDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near the upper 30s and winds from the southeast.


TUESDAY

Partly sunny with highs near the mid 60s and calm winds early rising to 5 to 10 mph from the south by mid morning.


TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s.



WEATHER ADVISORIES, WATCHES AND WARNINGS

• No weather advisories are in effect for Macon County as of 3 am.



ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have an event announcement, or wish to inquire about a day sponsorship, email the information to editor@maconmedia.com.
An advertising fee will be required for events that either charge admission or charge for vendor participation.

Early Voting Underway

Early voting lasts until 1 pm on Saturday, March 12th, then election day is on the 15th from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
People can vote at any open polling place in the county during early voting. If you vote on March 15, you must go to your assigned precinct.


Dollar-A-Day Boys at the Macon County Library on March 12, 2016

The Macon County Public Library and the Macon County Historical Museum are co-sponsoring a musical tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps on

March 12th, 2016. More information is on the website at
http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/dollar-day-boys-at-macon-county-library.html




MACON COUNTY WEATHER EXTREME ALMANAC FOR MARCH 6TH

Highest Temperature • 75°F at the Coweeta Experimental Lab in 1997
Lowest Temperature • 1°F in Highlands in 1901
Greatest One-Day Precipitation • 5.19 inches in Nantahala in 1963
Greatest One-Day Snowfall • 5.5 inches in Highlands in 1969


WEATHER EXTREMES FOR MARCH IN MACON COUNTY
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature -- 86°F at the Coweeta Experimental Lab on March 15, 1967
Lowest Temperature -- -7°F in Highlands on March 7, 1899
Greatest One-Day Precipitation – 6.43 inches in Highlands on March 29, 1898
Greatest One-Day Snowfall – 25.5 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Lab on March 13, 1993




CROWD FUNDING OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You 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

time posted >> 6:00 am
(weekend and major holiday publish times are 6 am and weekdays are 5 am)

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Structure Fire on Moore Street

At about 7:30 pm this evening, Franklin Fire Department was dispatched to report of a structure fire on Moore Street with people still in the residence. Several Franklin Police Officers arrived on scene first and reported the structure fully involved and one person still in a bedroom at the rear of the building. They also reported a downed power line on the residence that was arcing and Duke Energy was notified to respond to the fire.

Everyone but one person was able to escape the fire and one person did not. The name of the victim is being withheld until. the family can be notified.

Additional assistance was provided by Macon County EMS, Cullasaja, Clarks CHapel, Cowee and West Macon Fire Departments. Franklin Police assisted the family and along with the Macon County Sheriffs Office, provided traffic control.

The Franklin Police Department and NC SBI are investigating the fire.


If a fund is set up for the family, Macon Media will pass along the information so members of the public can contribute.

VIDEO



PHOTOS

You can manually flip through the photos here or see them on Flickr.

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Learn how to volunteer at the Charles George VA Medical Center

Something to consider for those who are able, or those who know someone near the Charles George VA Medical Center and are willing.



Learn how to volunteer at the Charles George VA Medical Center at this website. 

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Daily Weather Briefing for Macon County Saturday, March 5, 2016

OVERVIEW

A weak cold front is expected to sweep across the region later today, then a strong high pressure returns on Sunday and will probably dominate the local weather pattern through midweek before another frontal system approaches later in the week, when highs will approach the mid to upper 60s.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be meeting Monday night at 7 pm. More information on that can be found at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/march-2016-regular-meeting-of-franklin.html

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday night at 6 pm. More information on that meeting can be found at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/march-2016-regular-meeting-of-franklin.html

TODAY

Patchy fog before 9 am, partly sunny with highs near the mid 50s and calm winds rising to come from the southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected..

Current Advisories, Watches and Warnings issued by the National Weather Service for Macon County can be viewed at any time at
http://is.gd/MACONWARN

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near freezing and light and variable winds shifting to come from out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph after midnight. 30% chance of rain, mainly before midnight with rainfall accumulation of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

SUNDAY

Sunny with highs near 60 and winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near the mid 30s and light winds out of the southeast.

MONDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near 60.

MONDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 40.

WEATHER ADVISORIES, WATCHES AND WARNINGS

• No weather advisories are in effect for Macon County as of 3 am.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have an event announcement, or wish to inquire about a day sponsorship, email the information to editor@maconmedia.com.
An advertising fee will be required for events that either charge admission or charge for vendor participation.

Early Voting Underway

Early voting lasts until 1 pm on Saturday, March 12th, then election day is on the 15th from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
People can vote at any open polling place in the county during early voting. If you vote on March 15, you must go to your assigned precinct.

Dollar-A-Day Boys at the Macon County Library on March 12, 2016

The Macon County Public Library and the Macon County Historical Museum are co-sponsoring a musical tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps on March 12th, 2016. More information is on the website at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/dollar-day-boys-at-macon-county-library.html

MACON COUNTY WEATHER EXTREME ALMANAC FOR MARCH 5TH

Highest Temperature • 77°F at the Coweeta Experimental Lab in 1955
Lowest Temperature • -1°F in Highlands in 1960
Greatest One-Day Precipitation • 2.68 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Lab in 2008
Greatest One-Day Snowfall • 2.5 inches in Highlands in 1980

WEATHER EXTREMES FOR MARCH IN MACON COUNTY
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature -- 86°F at the Coweeta Experimental Lab on March 15, 1967
Lowest Temperature -- -7°F in Highlands on March 7, 1899
Greatest One-Day Precipitation – 6.43 inches in Highlands on March 29, 1898
Greatest One-Day Snowfall – 25.5 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Lab on March 13, 1993

CROWD FUNDING OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You 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

time posted >> 6:00 am
(weekend and major holiday publish times are 6 am and weekdays are 5 am)

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March 2016 Meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners

County Commissioners succumb to Bannermania

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday night, March 8th, 2016 in the Commissioners Boardroom on the third floor of the Macon County Courthouse. Macon Media will be there to record the meeting for those who cannot be there. the public agenda and and the agenda that is shared with the media is posted below the live video player.

Macon Media has switched video providers from Livestream to Ustream because Ustream allows embedding of live video events on websites at the free service level. No login is required, but you will have to sit through and ad served up by Ustream. Once the ad finishes playing, click skip ad in the upper right corner of the video player. Once a little more cash flow is generated, a service plan can be bought that will remove the ads.

Once the meeting is over and a video has been produced, the live video player will be replaced with the recorded video.

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MARCH 8, 2016

AGENDA

•Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin

•Announcements
   --NCACC Update Video

•Moment of Silence

•Pledge of Allegiance

•Public Hearing(s) - NONE

•Public Comment Period

•Additions to agenda

•Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

•Reports/Presentations
   --Annual Program Impact Report - County Extension Director Alan Durden

•Old Business

•New Business
   --Consideration of Fiscal Year 2015-16 audit contract - Finance Director
   --Consideration of bids for shade structures at Parker Meadows Recreational Complex - County Manager or Finance Director and Recreation Director Seth Adams
   --Solid Waste -- Director Chris Stahl and Finance Director
   ----Adoption of bond order authorizing issuance of special obligation bonds for landfill expansion project
   ----Adoption of resolution for issuing county special obligation bonds
   ----Consideration of award of contract to Shamrock Environmental for construction of landfill Phase III, Cell I


•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.
   --Minutes of the February 9, 2016 regular meeting
   --Budget Amendments #126 through #132
   --Tax Releases

•Appointments
   --Board of Equalization and Review (5 seats)
   --Library Board of Trustees (3 seats)

•Closed session (if necessary)

•Adjourn/Recess

March 2016 County Commission Press Packet

CANDIDATE SIGHTING REPORT

Karl Gillespie, candidate for District II County Commissioner, and Greg Boyer, candidate for District III County Commissioner, were present in the audience for the entire meeting.

MEDIA ROLL CALL
(Media outlets with reporters physically present at the meeting. If you see a report about this meeting in a media outlet without a reporter present, either they're watching the videos or a reporter from one of the other outlets is moonlighting)

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

CROWD FUNDING OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online and are allowing new features to be added to coverage of local news, weather and events.

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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March 2016 Regular Meeting of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be meeting Monday night, March 7th, 2016 in the lower level of town hall. Macon Media will be there to record the meeting for those who cannot be there. the public agenda and and the agenda that is shared with the media is posted below the live video player.

Macon Media has switched video providers from Livestream to Ustream because Ustream allows embedding of live video events on websites at the free service level. No login is required, but you will have to sit through and ad served up by Ustream. Once the ad finishes playing, click skip ad in the upper right corner of the video player. Once a little more cash flow is generated, a service plan can be bought that will remove the ads.

Once the meeting is over and a video has been produced, the live video player will be replaced with the recorded video.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Regular Scheduled Meeting

Agenda Monday March 7, 2016 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott

2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Patti Abel

3. Adoption of the March 7, 2016 Town Board Agenda

4. Approval of the January 30 and February 1, 2016 Town Board minutes

5. Public Hearing 7:05 p.m. for Re-Zoning Petition for Carolina Mountain Drive



6. Public Session

7. New Business

A.) Board Action on Re-Zoning Petition for Carolina Mountain Drive

B.) Consideration of Rate Increase Request for J&B Disposal- Bonita Hamstra

C.) Forward Text Amendment Regarding Neighborhood Mixed Use Zoning to Town Planning Board- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser

D.) Tax Release- Tax Collector Jessie Wilkins

E.) Martin Starnes Audit Contract for Fiscal Year 2016-2017- Finance Officer Kyra Doster

F.) Update on Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Town of Franklin Budget Schedule- Town Manager Summer Woodard

G.) Street Closing Requests for 2016- Town Manager Summer Woodard



8. Legal

A.) Parking Citation- Town Attorney John Henning Jr and Police Chief David Adams

B.) Ordinance for Handicapped Parking Penalty- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

C.) Utility Ordinance Amendments- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

D.) Resolution of Intent to Join the National Flood Insurance Program- Town Attorney John Henning Jr



9. Announcements

A.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Friday March 25, 2016 in observance of Good Friday



10. Adjourn

March 2016 Franklin Aldermen Press Packet

CROWD FUNDING OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept
Macon Media online and are allowing new features to be added to coverage of local news, weather and events.

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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BAT Mobile Unit Seen in Franklin

This is a friendly reminder not to drink and drive and a photo of one the state's six Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Units in Franklin, NC.
More on this vehicle from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services:

The Forensic Tests for Alcohol Branch developed and implemented the state's first Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit Program in 1996. The BAT Program utilizes six 32' buses equipped for processing impaired drivers. The BAT Mobile Units display logos of "Booze It & Lose It,” “Don't Drink & Drive” and “0.08 It's The Law".

The BAT Mobile Unit Program plays a major role in the public health field through education and prevention, resulting in lives saved and smarter decisions about drinking and driving.

The BAT Mobile Units are used at highway safety/educational events coordinated by law enforcement and/or local safe community coordinators. Highway safety events reach out to the public to explain the dangers of drinking alcohol and driving. The BAT Mobile Units are utilized at high schools, colleges and universities across the state to heighten the awareness of young adults about the dangers of driving while impaired.

The BAT Mobile Units have been labeled as one of the most visible and effective programs in the state, not only for enforcement but also as a public health service in educating North Carolinians about the dangers of drinking and driving.

DAY SPONSOR

MaconMedia.com's News and Weather coverage is being underwritten today by Southworth for NC 120. Elliott Southworth is a candidate running in the Republican primary for the North Carolina House seat in the 120th District that is being vacated by a retiring Roger West. Find out more about this campaign at http://electelliottsouthworth.com

CROWD FUNDING OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept
Macon Media online and are allowing new features to be added to coverage of local news, weather and events.

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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Test of Concept 03-02-2016

Just running a test to see if I can embed live content from Ustream on the blog like in the old days. If this works, readers will not have to log in to see live or on demand content.


Live streaming video by Ustream

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Macon County Republican Party Holds Candidate Forum

On Saturday, February 6, 206, the Macon County Republican Party hosted a forum for candidates. Headlining the forum was Buck Newton, a Republican candidate for North Carolina Attorney General. Other candidates included NC Senator Jim Davis (running for re-election to the 50th District NC Senate seat), Commissioner Kevin Corbin and Elliott Southworth (both running for the NC House 120th District seat of the retiring Roger West), Karl Gillespie and Ron Haven (both seeking the County Commissioner District II seat that is being vacated by Kevin Corbin), and Commissioner Paul Higdon, Greg Boyer and Manny Carrion (all seeking the County Commissioner District III seat currently held by Paul Higdon). All candidates will face Democratic opposition in the General election this fall.

Due to technical problems and illness, this material was delayed in being published. I apologize for that delay.


MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with representatives present at the event)
Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press (a photographer, but no reporter was present)
Macon County News and Shopping Guide

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Dollar-A-Day Boys at the Macon County Library

Press Release

Contact: Karen Wallace

Phone: (828) 524-3600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





DOLLAR-A-DAY BOYS



On May 28, 1933 a CCC Camp Neorakada opened 2 miles south of Franklin. The men came into town on weekends, and patronized stores, movie theatres, billiard rooms, dance halls, churches and restaurants. Many enrollees met their wives while in camp. The C’s also helped out during emergencies, such as fires or floods. The enrollees spent approximately $5,000 a month in Franklin, which was a boast to the local economy during the depths of The Great Depression.



The Franklin Press reported that 108 young men arrived in Franklin on a special train from Fort Bragg. “Clad in army shirts, fishing hats, blue denim and khaki work pants and carrying dunny bags loaded with bedding and personal belongings, the boys looked like they were starting out on a vacation camping trip. Jesting and jostling each other good-naturedly, they were happy over the prospect of working in the Nantahala National Forest instead of staying at home in Piedmont North Carolina vainly hunting for jobs that do not exist.” Thirty men from Macon County had been accepted in the Civilian Conversation Corps and were undergoing twenty-two days of intensive training at Fort Bragg. Two weeks later, 24 of the local men arrived at the camp, and the C. C. Camp Boys had defeated Cowee in a baseball game. The camp quota of 200 men was filled by June 15. In addition to a mess hall and other camp buildings, a baseball field, basketball court, volleyball court, and boxing arena were constructed at the camp.



Many local young men worked at Civilian Conservation Corps camps in western North Carolina starting in 1933 during the Great Depression. CCC camps in the area included those built near Franklin, Bryson City, Smokemont, Aquone, Cowee, and Topton.



Author Bill Jamerson presents a music and storytelling program about how the CCC camps improved the surrounding area as well as the lives of the young men and their families. Join us on March 12 at 2:00pm for this entertaining and nostalgic program with laughter and many heartfelt stories!



This program is co-sponsored by the Macon County Public Library and the Macon County Historical Museum.

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Franklin TDA - Feb 2016 Meeting

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority met today, February 8, 2016 in the lower level of town hall. The video and agenda packet that is share with members of the press are posted below. The next meeting will be on Monday, March 14, 2016.


MEDIA ROLL CALL
(Members of the local media present at the meeting)

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

Feb 2016 Franklin TDA Agenda Packet

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Governor Proclaims School Bus Driver Appreciation Week

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed the week of Feb 8-12, 2016 as 'School Bus Driver Appreciation Week." A copy of the proclamation is below.

2016 Proclamation School Bus Driver Week

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Landslide Temporarily Closes Ellijay Road

A small landslide has closed Ellijay road for a day or two just past Rocky Branch Road in the 3200 block. The Supervisor at the scene expects the road to be closed most of the day and may not be re-opened until tomorrow. The overall cleanup at the slide location will take longer. You can check whether or not the road has been opened to traffic at the NCDOT TIMS website.

The NCDOT detour is as follows: Slide is 1 mile south of SR 1528 (Little Ellijay Rd).

Residents south of SR 1528 will travel south on SR 1001(Ellijay Rd) to US 28/64.

Residents north of SR 1528 will travel north on SR 1001 to SR 1521(Mtn Grove Rd) to SR 1513(Cat Creek Rd) then to US 441.

Video and Photos taken at the scene earlier this morning are posted below. Click on the images to embiggen them to a larger size.

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US Action Committee Installs US Motto on Macon County Courthouse

The US Motto Action Committee installed the US Motto on the outside of the Macon County Courthouse on the Iotla Street and Main Street entrances, and thanks to members of the public who messaged Macon Media about it, I was able to capture some photos and video of the event and have put the video to music and sped it up.



The Macon County Commissioners heard a presentation from Rick Lanier in September 2015 and approved the request to put the US Motto on the courthouse. The Us Motto Action Committee paid for the materials and did the labor on their own dime. The committee is funded through donations from the public. See video of that meeting at this link.

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Franklin Aldermen Attend 2016 Retreat

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen and Staff held a retreat in the lower level of town hall on Saturday, January 30, 2016. A copy of the agenda and the full video of the retreat are posted below.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Retreat

Agenda Saturday January 30, 2016 9:00 a.m.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott

2. Adoption of the January 30, 2016 Retreat Agenda

3. Public Comment Session

4. Upgrade Existing Tablets for Town Board Members

5. Update on Computer Software for Accounting, Tax and Utility Billing

6. Guidelines for Street Closing Requests

7. Update on Crosswalks

8. Speeding

9. Littering Campaign

10. Parking

11. Festivals

12. Whitmire Property

13. Other Considerations/Discussions

14. Adjourn





MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets physically present at the meeting)

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




PREVIOUS RETREATS COVERED BY MACON MEDIA




2013 Retreat (Video is split into multiple parts)

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