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Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County Board of County Commissioners.

Franklin Town Board of Aldermen

Coverage of the meetings of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen.

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Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County School Board.

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Thursday, May 4, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, May 4, 2017





LOCAL OUTLOOK

A vigorous low-pressure system developing over Missouri and Arkansas moves slowly east across Tennessee through Friday. This system will bring Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico moisture back into the area with the potential for heavy rain through Thursday evening.
Expect much cooler air over our region from Friday through the weekend.

Weather Almanac for May 4th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 88°F in Franklin in 1955
Lowest Temperature 25°F in Franklin in 1971
Greatest Rainfall 2.52 inches in Highlands in 1993
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since 1872 when weather records began being kept.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY Wind Advisory

Cloudy with highs in the mid-60s and winds 10 to 20 mph out of the southeast, gusting to 25 to 30 mph in the valleys and up to 50 mph in higher elevations. A Wind Advisory is in effect for today. 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 pm. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.

TONIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s and winds 5 to 15 mph out of the south with gusts in the 20 to 25 mph range. 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.



FRIDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-50s and winds out of the southwest. 60% chance of rain, mainly after noon, with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the lower 40s and winds out of the southwest. 40% chance of showers, mainly before 1 am.



SATURDAY

Mostly sunny with highs in the mid-60s. 30% chance of showers, mainly in the afternoon.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 40. 30% chance of showers, mainly before 10 pm.


HAZARDS

A wind advisory is in effect until midnight. Winds may cause scattered power outages as limbs or trees fall, on power lines.

The NWS has issued a Wind Advisory that is in effect until midnight tonight. Winds are expected to gust into the 20 to 30 mph range over most of the county, with wind gusts expected to exceed 45 mph in the higher elevations.

This will mean that scattered to widespread power outages may be possible.

Here is the text of the advisory:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
326 AM EDT Wed May 3, 2017

...VERY WINDY CONDITIONS TO AFFECT THE EXTREME SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...

.A low-pressure system moving from the mid-Mississippi River Valley to the southern Appalachians will bring very windy conditions to the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians late tonight through Thursday evening.


...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT EDT THURSDAY NIGHT...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from midnight tonight to midnight EDT Thursday night.

* LOCATIONS...The southern mountains of western North Carolina, especially along the higher terrain.

* HAZARDS...Very windy conditions.

* TIMING...Southerly winds will steadily ramp tonight and maximize across the mountains on Thursday.

* WINDS...Southeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph at times, especially at elevations above 3500 feet.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp.



As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non-profit groups.


Saturday, May 6 at 11 AM
EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL RELAY FOR LIFE TRUCK PULL

The Emergency Services Personnel Relay for Life Team is hosting a Firetruck pull to earn money for Relay for Life. Teams of 6 for $150. Also having a pull for children under the age of 12 for $50 per team. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers, and games for the kids! Come out, have fun, and help us raise money for Relay for Life!

Learn more about this fundraiser on the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/600783233464831/


Thursday, May 11, 6 pm

Social Media Panel and Discussion at the Macon County Public Library

On Thursday, May 11th at 6 pm, Macon County Public Library will host a panel and discussion on the uses of social media. This program is an invitation to learn and share perspectives about online resources, whether you are new to social media, immersed in cyberculture, or skeptical about the whole thing. Four local community members--Bobby Coggins, Elise Delfield, Jennifer Dills, and Timothy Tweed, all experienced at choosing between social media platforms and navigating the streams of digital communication--will talk about why they use their social media accounts, the communities they follow, and what they gain from them.

Read more at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/social-media-panel-and-discussion-at.html

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:12 am
Sunrise: 6:39 am
Sunset 8:22 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:49 pm





Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous with 66% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonset 3:20 a.m.
Moonrise 2:41 p.m.



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 3:20 am on May 4, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Social Media Panel and Discussion at the Macon County Public Library



PRESS RELEASE
Macon County Public Library
149 Siler Farm Rd.
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-3600


Event date: Thursday, May 11, 6pm
Contact: Cassie Chambliss, cchambliss@fontanalib.org, 828-524-3600

Social Media Panel and Discussion at the Macon County Public Library

On Thursday, May 11th at 6pm, Macon County Public Library will host a panel and discussion on the uses of social media. This program is an invitation to learn and share perspectives about online resources, whether you are new to social media, immersed in cyberculture, or skeptical about the whole thing. Four local community members--Bobby Coggins, Elise Delfield, Jennifer Dills, and Timothy Tweed, all experienced at choosing between social media platforms and navigating the streams of digital communication--will talk about why they use their social media accounts, the communities they follow, and what they gain from them.

Being able to connect on Facebook has become an assumption for a lot of people, and we hear references to Twitter on the news almost daily. But "social media" includes a lot more than Facebook and Twitter, and some of it might surprise you. Online communities have been likened to different countries on a virtual map, each with its own cultural and linguistic norms. This is one reason visiting a social media website can be disorienting at first, but it also reflects the diversity of purposes and styles among social sites. Online platforms offer a wealth of possibilities for engaging with art, entertainment, businesses, government, community groups, friends, and family. And new uses are always emerging as people solve problems, create businesses, and play. If you haven’t spent much time exploring social media, this program will give you a chance to look beyond Facebook and see some other places on the social media map.

Like any kind of social or technological endeavor, using social media also poses challenges. There is a learning curve for each platform, privacy settings are not always clear, and the flow of incoming information can be overwhelming...to say nothing of the novel social situations we can find ourselves in unexpectedly. It’s reasonable to ask whether the benefits outweigh the hassle and the risks. But it’s important for users to know that they have options, and that they can control the experience.

Bring your questions and personal observations to the library on May 11 at 6pm, and join us for the discussion as our panelists illustrate some of the choices they make on social media, from the perspectives of artist, gamer, business owner, journalist, lurker, educator, activist, friend.

Note: This is not a class or a how-to discussion. There will be beginning Twitter class at the Jackson County Public Library on May 17, and a class on Facebook Privacy Settings at the Macon County Public Library on May 23. Call or visit the library for more information.

About the panelists:
Bobby Coggins is a citizen journalist and blogger committed to providing independent coverage of the local news and events impacting residents of Macon County. His reporting can be found on Facebook (Macon Media News, Weather and Information , Macon Media), Blogger (thunderpig.blogspot.com), Google+ (Macon Media), and Twitter (WNC Scan).

Elise W.P. Delfield is a potter and pottery instructor in Bryson City. As a small business owner and part of a niche market (contemporary handmade pottery) Elise has been using social media platforms like Facebook (PincuPottery), Instagram (pincupottery), and Twitter (PincuPottery) for a good long time to help her business, network with the community, and have fun.

Jennifer Dills is a Technical Services Assistant at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. She has accounts with several different social media platforms, such as Twitch, Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. What she likes about each is that she can keep up with her interests, and still maintain the lurker persona she closely guards.

Timothy Tweed is an Adult Services Assistant at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Familiar with social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, he finds them useful for keeping up with long distance friends in addition to following other creative folks.








Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, May 3, 2017





LOCAL NEWS

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met Monday Night for their regular monthly meeting. Video and supporting documents are on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/regular-may-2017-meeting-franklin-town.html

A copy of the proposed budget for the Town of Franklin is also on the blog for you to read or download.

Here are the broad figures for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2017, and ends on June 30, 2018:


3,953,976 General Fund
   819,582 Fire Dept Fund
3,483,455 Water & Sewer Fund
   100,000 Tourism Development Fund
7,788,013 Total

The Aldermen and staff will be having a budget work session to potentially tweak these numbers on Monday, May 15th at 5:30 in the lower level of town hall.








LOCAL OUTLOOK

Weak high pressure continues over our region today. A vigorous low-pressure system developing from the plains to the Mississippi River Valley will bring Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico moisture back into the area Wednesday night through Thursday night. Much cooler air will spill into the region Friday through the weekend as the low-pressure system migrates to the eastern seaboard.

Weather Almanac for May 3rd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 86°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2012
Lowest Temperature 27°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1961
Greatest Rainfall 2.40 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1997
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since 1872 when weather records began being kept.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK


























TODAY

Sunny with highs near the mid-70s. Calm winds in the morning, then from the southwest in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Increasing clouds with lows in the mid-50s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the southeast.


























THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid to upper-60s with winds 10 to 20 mph from the southeast. Wind gusts in the 25 to 35 mph range. Winds will be higher in the higher elevations. A wind advisory is in effect for this wind event. Rain is likely, mainly after 2 pm with rainfall amounts between a half to three-quarters of an inch.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the southeast, calming after midnight. 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms.


























FRIDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid to upper 50s. 50% chance of rain showers.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 40s. 40% chance of rain, mainly before 3 am. Clearing skies after midnight.























HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

The NWS has issued a Wind Advisory that will be in effect from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow night, all day Thursday. Winds are expected to gust into the 20 to 30 mph range over most of the county, with wind gusts expected to exceed 45 mph in the higher elevations.

This will mean that scattered to widespread power outages may be possible.

Here is the text of the advisory:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
326 AM EDT Wed May 3, 2017

...VERY WINDY CONDITIONS TO AFFECT THE EXTREME SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...

.A low-pressure system moving from the mid-Mississippi River Valley to the southern Appalachians will bring very windy conditions to the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians late tonight through Thursday evening.


...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT EDT THURSDAY NIGHT...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from midnight tonight to midnight EDT Thursday night.

* LOCATIONS...The southern mountains of western North Carolina, especially along the higher terrain.

* HAZARDS...Very windy conditions.

* TIMING...Southerly winds will steadily ramp tonight and maximize across the mountains on Thursday.

* WINDS...Southeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph at times, especially at elevations above 3500 feet.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp.



As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non-profit groups.


Saturday, May 6 at 11 AM
EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL RELAY FOR LIFE TRUCK PULL

The Emergency Services Personnel Relay for Life Team is hosting a Firetruck pull to earn money for Relay for Life. Teams of 6 for $150. Also having a pull for children under the age of 12 for $50 per team. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers, and games for the kids! Come out, have fun, and help us raise money for Relay for Life!

Learn more about this fundraiser on the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/600783233464831/


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:13 am
Sunrise: 6:40 am
Sunset 8:21 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:49 pm



































Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous with 56% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonset 2:39 a.m.
Moonrise 1:41 p.m.



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




































Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning



































Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 4:18 am on May 3, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, May 2, 2017





LOCAL NEWS

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met last night for their regular monthly meeting. Video and supporting documents are on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/regular-may-2017-meeting-franklin-town.html

A copy of the proposed budget for the Town of Franklin will be posted after 8 am.

Here are the broad figures for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2017, and ends on June 30, 2018:

3,953,976 General Fund
   819,582 Fire Dept Fund
3,483,455 Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund
   100,000 Tourism Development Fund
7,788,013 Total

The Aldermen and staff will be having a budget work session to potentially tweak these numbers on Monday, May 15th at 5:30 in the lower level of town hall.


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Weak high pressure will build over the region today through Wednesday. A vigorous low-pressure system developing from the plains to the Mississippi River Valley will bring Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico moisture back into the area Wednesday night through Thursday night. Much cooler air will spill into the region Friday through the weekend as the low-pressure system migrates to the eastern seaboard.

Weather Almanac for May 2nd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 88°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 23°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1963
Greatest Rainfall 2.30 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1946
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since 1872 when weather records began being kept.


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response. 

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Sunny with highs near 70 and wind 5 to 10 mph from the northwest. Winds gusting in the 20 to 25 mph.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid to upper 40s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the west calming before midnight.




WEDNESDAY

Sunny with highs in the mid to upper 70s and calm wind early rising to come out of the southwest in the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the low to mid-50s and light winds out of the southeast. 20% chance of showers, mainly after 10 pm.



THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs near the mid-60s. 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s. 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms.


HAZARDS

A wind advisory for strong winds above 3500 feet is in effect until 4 pm today. Winds above 3500 feet will be in the 15 to 25 mph range with gusts as high as 50 mph. Some of this wind could spill into the valleys, so please be careful.

Of course, this wind won't help with the power outage situation. Be thinking of the utility workers who'll be pole dancing in the wind today.

***Wind Advisory***

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC


...STRONG GUSTY WIND...

.Strong northwest winds will continue across the North Carolina Mountains this morning into the afternoon. These winds will gradually diminish below advisory levels late in the afternoon.



...WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON ABOVE 3500 FEET...

* LOCATIONS...The North Carolina mountains and Blue Ridge sections of the North Carolina foothills.

* HAZARDS...Strong and gusty winds.

* TIMING...This morning through the afternoon.

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non-profit groups.


Saturday, May 6 at 11 AM
EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL RELAY FOR LIFE TRUCK PULL

The Emergency Services Personnel Relay for Life Team is hosting a Firetruck pull to earn money for Relay for Life. Teams of 6 for $150. Also having a pull for children under the age of 12 for $50 per team. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers, and games for the kids! Come out, have fun, and help us raise money for Relay for Life!

Learn more about this fundraiser on the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/600783233464831/


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is effecting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:14 am
Sunrise: 6:41 am
Sunset 8:20 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:48 pm


Moon Phase: First Quarter at 10:47 pm.
Moonset 1:53 a.m.
Moonrise 12:39 p.m.



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 4:53 am on May 2, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Monday, May 1, 2017

Regular May 2017 Meeting
Franklin Town Board of Aldermen





The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be having their regular monthly meeting tonight at 7 pm in the lower level of the town hall building. The video will be posted here in this article tomorrow.

**4:42 am on May 2nd** Here is the video of the meeting. A copy of the proposed budget is also here. [DOWNLOAD LINK]







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

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



The public agenda and the agenda packet that is shared with the media has been posted below in the interest of transparency.




Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Agenda

May 01, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.


1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott 
2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Patti Abel 
3. Adoption of the May 1, 2017 Town Board Agenda
4. Approval of April 3 and April 17, 2017 Town Board Minutes
5. Public Session
6. New Business

A.) Board Action Regarding the Charter of the Town of Franklin to change the style of Municipal Corporation from Board of Aldermen to Town Council 
B.) Street Closing Requests- Town Manager Summer Woodard 
C.) Depot Street Sidewalk Construction Agreement between the Town of Franklin and the North Carolina Department of Transportation- Town Manager Summer Woodard 
D.) Discussion on Angel Medical Center- Mayor Bob Scott
E.) Water Treatment Plant Bid Acceptance- Town Manager Summer Woodard 
F.) Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Town of Franklin Budget- Town Manager Summer Woodard
1.) Presentation of Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Town of Franklin Budget
2.) Set Budget Work Session for Monday May 15, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom
3.) Set Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Town of Franklin Budget for Monday June 5, 2017 at 7:05 p.m.
7. Legal
A.) Cross Connection Ordinance- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Minimum Housing Code Violations- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
8. Announcements
A.) NCLM Region Meeting Tuesday May 2, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at Motor Company Grill
B.) Town Board Budget Work Session Monday May 15, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom
C.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Monday May 29, 2017 in observance of Memorial Day
9. Adjournment








DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >>
https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 4:00 pm on May 1, 2017



Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, May 1, 2017




LOCAL NEWS

Two rallies were held this weekend in Franklin. A People's Climate March of Western North Carolina was held on Saturday and a forum on the announcement of the closing of the Labor & Delivery Department at Angel Medical Center. Video and photos of those will be published later today.


The regular monthly meeting of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be tonight in the lower level of town hall at 7 pm. Information about the meeting will also be published later today.


LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will cross the county from the west today, bringing the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms to the region. Dry high pressure will settle over the southeast Tuesday into Wednesday. A low pressure system will move from the plains to the Ohio Valley Wednesday night through Thursday, with a band of deep moisture moving into our region ahead of the associated cold front. The cold front will move east of the area on Friday, with windy and cooler conditions and continued northwest flow moisture across the mountains into the weekend.

Weather Almanac for May 1st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 86°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1962
Lowest Temperature 28°F in Highlands in 1996
Greatest Rainfall 1.63 inches in Highlands in 1976
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since 1872 when weather records began being kept.


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response. 

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY strong to severe storms, high winds

Storms and patchy fog early. Cloudy with highs near 70 and winds from the south 5 to 15 mph with gusts in the 25 to 30 mph range. Higher elevations could see gusts in the 45 to 55 mph range. 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts between half and three quarters of an inch expected. Skies are expected to clear after the cold front passes, probably around noon or later.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid to upper 40s and winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph shifting to come out of the northeast after midnight.



TUESDAY

Sunny with highs in the low to mid-70s and winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph with gusts in the 20 to 25 mph range.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid to upper 40s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the west, calming before midnight.



WEDNESDAY

Sunny with highs in the mid 70s.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid 50s and a 30% chance of showers after 1 am.


HAZARDS

Strong storms are possible this morning as a cold front pushes through this morning. The rain is expected to be over by noon or so. High winds are also possible.

NWS SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT


Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
202 AM EDT Mon May 1 2017

...STRONG GUSTY WINDS ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS...

A strong cold front will cross the area this morning. Winds will increase ahead of the front as it crosses east by mid day. Gusty winds between 45-55 mph are expected across the higher terrain of the North Carolina mountains...generally above 4000 feet. These winds will likely blow down weak or dead trees and could create power outages.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non-profit groups.


Saturday, May 6 at 11 AM
EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL RELAY FOR LIFE TRUCK PULL

The Emergency Services Personnel Relay for Life Team is hosting a Firetruck pull to earn money for Relay for Life. Teams of 6 for $150. Also having a pull for children under the age of 12 for $50 per team. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers, and games for the kids! Come out, have fun, and help us raise money for Relay for Life!

Learn more about this fundraiser on the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/600783233464831/


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is effecting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:15 am
Sunrise: 6:42 am
Sunset 8:20 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:47 pm




Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 24% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonset 1:01 a.m.
Moonrise 11:37 a.m.



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 4:45 am on May 1, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center.