Franklin Town Council March 5, 2018 Meeting

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting at 6 pm on Monday, March 5, 2018 (tonight) in the lower level of town hall. Macon Media will be there to record video of the meeting. Once processed, it will be added in the space provided below in this article, so check back a couple of days after the meeting. Copies of the public agenda, agenda packet, and the draft minutes of the last regular meeting have been posted below in an effort to promote transparency and accountability in local government.

Meeting Video




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

Macon Media
WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM
The Franklin Press

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.

Copy of the public agenda


Agenda
March 05, 2018 | 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Approval of the February 5, 2018 Town Board minutes
4. Adoption of the March 5, 2018 Town Board Agenda
5. Public Session

6. New Business
A.) Proclamation for Women’s History Month - Mayor Bob Scott
B.) Proclamation for 80’s Flashback Day - Dave Linn
C.) Street Closing Request for Macon Your Heart Beat 5K - Bonnie Peggs
D.) Street Closing Requests for 2018 - Town Manager Summer Woodard
E.) Budget Amendments - Finance Officer Kyra Doster
F.) Minimum Housing Bid Proposals - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
G.) Update on NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Grant - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
H.) Letter of Support for Watch for Me Program - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser and Police Chief David Adams
I.) Proposed NCDOT Improvements on US 441 Georgia Road from Wide Horizon to Belden Circle - Town Engineer Nathanael Moore
J.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Movie Nights - Town Manager Summer Woodard

7. Legal
A.) Easement for Root and Barrel Restaurant - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Comprehensive Plan - Town Attorney John Henning Jr. and Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
C.) Set Public Hearing for Telecommunications Ordinance - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
8. Announcements
A.) Town Hall Offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday on Friday March 30, 2018.

9. Adjourn


Copy of the Agenda Packet for the March 5, 2018 Meeting

2018 0305 Town Board by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Copy of Draft Minutes of the February 2018 Meeting

2018 0205 Draft Minutes by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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

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



Posted at 4:30 am on March 5, 2018

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, March 5, 2018

LOCAL NEWS
The Franklin Town Council will be meeting tonight at 6 pm. More information, including the public agenda, the agenda packet, and a draft of the February 5, 2018 meeting of the town council are on the blog. [LINK]

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry conditions will prevail today as high pressure continues to build over the region from the northwest. Another cold front will bring the next chance of rain to the area late tonight into Tuesday, along with cooler weather for the middle of the week.

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.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for March 5th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

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

Record Weather Events for March (1872-2017)

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



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

The day will start out partly cloudy and become mostly cloudy by 2 pm or so. Highs will range from the lower 50s at the higher elevations to the lower 60s in the lower elevations. Calm winds early increasing to 5 mph out of the southwest in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Cloudy skies with lows ranging from the upper 30s at the higher elevations to the lower 40s in the lower elevations. Calm winds early in the evening increasing to the 3 to 6 mph range from the southeast after 2 am. Rainfall chances 15% at 8 pm, 50% at 2 am and 60% chance between 3 am and 5 am and dropping afterward. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.



TUESDAY

Patchy fog early, mostly cloudy early with decreasing clouds to become partly cloudy by 6 pm. Highs ranging from the low-to-mid 50s at the higher elevations to near 60 in the lower elevations.Calm winds early increasing to 5 to 10 mph out of the west in the afternoon. 50% chance of rain, mostly before 7 am, but chances may remain through the whole day, decreasing to 30% by noon and 10% chance by 6 pm. The main body of rain should move to our east before 10 am at the latest. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are expected.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows ranging from near 30 at the higher elevations to near freezing in the lower elevations. Winds out of the west around 10 mph.



WEDNESDAY Don't Believe the Snow Hype

Mostly sunny with highs ranging from the lower 40s at the higher elevations to the mid-to-upper 40s in the lower elevations. Some computer models are showing a period of snow showers in the morning. If it does happen, there will be no accumulations below 3000 feet (or even above it) because the soil temperatures are too high. The highest peaks may see half an inch to an inch or so before it all melts away as temperatures rise above freezing. The rest of us may just have something pretty to look at while it falls if it does not fall as rain, which is what I suspect will happen for most of us in the lower elevations.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows ranging from near 20 at the higher elevations to the mid-20s in the lower elevations.




GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
12:47 am to 3:42 am



HAZARDS

Hazardous Weather is not expected today.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
3:47 am



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. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

CARPENTER for SHERIFF


MEET and GREETS!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! They are now planned!!!

To all that wish to attend:

Nantahala Library on March 15th from 3pm-6pm
Highlands Library on March 23rd from 12pm-2pm
Franklin Library on March 30th 1pm-5pm

I have set up some meet and greets, for those, who wish to sit down and talk about issues that you are having in your community and our county and how you and your family can find out my plans to MAKE MACON SAFE AGAIN. While people are at the meeting, they will be able to sign the petition to place me on the ballot in November. Thank you!

There will be light refreshments for all to enjoy!

Please share so the info can be passed along. Any questions; message me Facebook; or call and text me at 828-342-4283. I would be more than happy to answer them.


FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!



Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.



National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

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.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:32 a.m.
Sunrise 6:58 a.m.
Sun transit 12:45 p.m.
Sunset 6:33 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:58 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 9:33 p.m. last night
Moon transit 3:30 a.m.
Moonset 9:21 a.m.
Moonrise 10:33 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on March 5, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 84% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 1, 2018 at 7:51 p.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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

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



Posted at 4:02 am on March 5, 2018

#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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, March 4, 2018

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry conditions will prevail through the weekend as high pressure continues to build in from the northwest. Into next week, a cold front will bring the next chance of rain late Monday night into Tuesday, along with cooler weather for the middle of next week.



WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Today OUTDOOR NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO LOW HUMIDITY

Sunny, with a high near 62. Light northwest wind.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind.

Monday

Increasing clouds, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Showers likely, mainly after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 41. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

HAZARDS

Hazardous Weather is not expected today.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.



National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

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.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:34 a.m.
Sunrise 6:59 a.m.
Sun transit 12:45 p.m.
Sunset 6:32 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:57 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 8:30 p.m. last night
Moon transit 2:42 a.m.
Moonset 8:46 a.m.
Moonrise 9:33 p.m.

Phase of the Moon on March 4, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 91% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 1, 2018 at 7:51 p.m. (local standard time)



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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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

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



Posted at 3:05 am on March 4, 2018

#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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, March 3, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

The Franklin Town Council will be holding the second session of its annual retreat today (Macon Media was not able to cover the session that took place last night). A copy of the proposed agenda is posted below:


Town of Franklin Council
Retreat Agenda
March 3, 2018
9:00 a.m.
1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Introduction of Facilitator Mr. Russ Harris
3. Nikwassi Initiative
4. Whitmire Property
5. Memorial Park
6. Old Drive In Theater Property
7. Gazebo
8. Restrooms
9. Downtown Grant for Residential Revitalization
10. Ray’s Chapel
11. Lyman’s Field Project
12. Women’s History Trail
13. Opioid Epidemic
14. Sidewalks
15. Rules of Procedure


LOCAL OUTLOOK

High pressure will continue to build into the region from the southwest through the weekend, as strong low pressure moves away from the East Coast. The next cold front arrives on Tuesday bringing cooler weather for the middle of next week.

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.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for March 3rd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 82°F in Franklin in 1976
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Franklin in 1980
Greatest Rainfall 3.72 inches in Highlands 1934
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 9.0 inches in Nantahala in 1942

Record Weather Events for March (1872-2017)

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



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY OUTDOOR BURNING NOT RECCOMENDED

Relative Humidity Values will be below 30% for most of the day and below 20% between 11 am and 6 pm. This means fuels will dry out very rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Sunny skies with highs ranging from the low to mid-40s at the higher elevations to the upper 50s in the lower elevations. Light winds out of the northwest increasing to 5 to 10 mph and gusts in the 20 mph range and peaking between 2 pm and 5 pm in the lower elevations. Winds starting out 20 to 25 mph out of the north gusting to 35-40 mph in the morning at the higher elevations and dropping to 10 to 20 mph out of the north and gusting into the 25 to 30 mph range.

TONIGHT

Clear skies with lows ranging from the mid-20s (wind chills down into the upper teens) at the higher elevations to near 30 in the lower elevations.

HIGHER ELEVATION WINDS 15-20 mph gusting to 25-30 mph at 6 pm and dropping to 10-15 mph gusting to 15-20 mph by 6 am.

LOWER ELEVATIONS 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest at 6 pm and dropping to very light by 6 am.



SUNDAY Outdoor Burning is Not Recommended

Relative humidity levels will be below 30% for most of the day and near 20% between noon and 5 pm. Please put off outdoor burning for a week or so. A second day of very low humidity levels means ground cover and loose fuels on the ground will rapidly dry out and facilitate the rapid spread of loose fire.

LOWER ELEVATIONS

Clear skies. Temperatures will start out around 30 and will rise to near 60 in the afternoon. Winds will be very light out of the north early and the northwest in the afternoon.

HIGHER ELEVATIONS

Clear skies with temperatures ranging from near 20 to the mid-20s in the morning and rising the the upper 40s to the lower 50s. Winds will be 5 to 10 mph out of the north gusting to the 15 mph range in the morning and gradually decreasing to 5 to 10 mph out of the west to northwest by 6 pm.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Sunny skies with highs ranging from the lower 50s at the higher elevations to near 60 in the lower elevations. Winds out of the northwest becoming calm by 6 pm.



MONDAY

Mostly sunny (increasing clouds in the mid-to-late afternoon) with highs ranging from the lower 50s at the higher elevations to the upper 50s in the lower elevations. Light winds out of the north.

MONDAY NIGHT

Increasing clouds, becoming mostly cloudy by 9 pm or so. Lows ranging from the mid-30s at the higher elevation to the lower 40s in the lower elevations. 60% chance of rain, mainly after midnight.




GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
12:02 am to 02:57 am



HAZARDS

Hazardous Weather is not expected today.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
3:02 am



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. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.



National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

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.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:35 a.m.
Sunrise 7:00 a.m.
Sun transit 12:45 p.m.
Sunset 6:31 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:56 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 7:26 p.m. last night
Moon transit 1:52 a.m.
Moonset 8:11 a.m.
Moonrise 8:30 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on March 3, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 96% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 1, 2018 at 7:51 p.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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

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



Posted at 3:50 am on March 3, 2018

#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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, March 2, 2018

LOCAL OUTLOOK

High pressure will build across the region as a strong low pressure moves east. Windy conditions will gradually diminish going into the weekend as the center of the high pressure gets closer to our area. The next cold front arrives on Tuesday bringing cooler weather in the middle of the week.

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.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for March 2nd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 78°F in Franklin in 1976
Lowest Temperature 3°F in Highlands in 1914
Greatest Rainfall 2.86 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station 2007
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 12.0 inches in Highlands in 1942

Record Weather Events for March (1872-2017)

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



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY High Wind Warning/Scattered Power Outages Possible/Outdoor Burning Not Recommended

Sunny skies with highs ranging from the upper 40s at the higher elevations to the mid-50s in the lower elevations. 
Lower Elevation Winds 10-20 mph out of the northwest with gusts in the 30 to 35 mph range
Higher Elevation Winds will be 15 to 35 mph of the northwest with gusts ranging from 40 to 60 mph at times. Relative humidity levels will be dropping below 30% between noon and 5 pm today. 

Outdoor burning is not recommended due to the potential for fuels to dry out in the winds and low humidity levels. Some valleys in Macon County may be sheltered from the high winds if they are on the southeast side of ridges that run perpendicular to the northwest flow of winds. Other locations may see higher winds than posted here if they are open to the northwest or are on a northwest slope.

TONIGHT High Wind Warning/Scattered Power Outages/Wind Chills

Clear skies with lows ranging from the lower 20s (wind chills in the teens) at the higher elevations and in the mid-to-upper 20s (wind chills in the lower 20s) in the lower elevations. 
Lower Elevation Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest expected to decrease after midnight. 
Higher Elevation Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the northwest with gusts in the 25 to 30 mph range decreasing overnight by about 5 mph or so.



SATURDAY High Wind Watch in Effect/Scattered Power Outages

Sunny skies with highs ranging from the lower 50s at the higher elevations to the upper 50s in the lower elevations. Lower Elevation Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the north. Higher Elevation Winds 10 to 20 mph out of the north with gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range.

SATURDAY NIGHT High Wind Watch in Effect/Scattered Power Outages/Freezing Temperatures

Clear skies with lows ranging from the lower 20s (wind chills in the teens) at the higher elevations and the upper 20s (wind chills in the mid-20s) in the lower elevations.



SUNDAY

Sunny skies with highs ranging from the upper 50s at the higher elevations to the lower 60s in the lower elevations.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Clear with lows ranging from the mid-20s at the higher elevations to around 30 in the lower elevations.



GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
12:07 am to 03:02 am



HAZARDS

Macon County is under a High Wind Warning due to a combination of high winds and saturated ground after recent heavy rains. Scattered to widespread power outages are possible today and tonight. A copy of the High Wind Warning has been posted below for your convenience.

***High Wind Warning***
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
931 PM EST Thu Mar 1 2018

...STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS EXPECTED ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS OF THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA AS WELL AS THE NORTH CAROLINA AND PORTIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT THROUGH AT LEAST FRIDAY NIGHT...

.A strong cold front will move across the region late today. The winds will shift to northwesterly behind the front this evening, and strengthen significantly as low pressure develops well to our north through Friday. The strong northwest winds will continue through the day Friday and then overnight before tapering off Saturday morning.


...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST SATURDAY...

* LOCATIONS...The mountains and foothills of western North Carolina as well as the mountains of extreme northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina.

* HAZARDS...Strong to damaging winds.

* TIMING...Beginning tonight, maximizing on Friday, and then very slowly diminishing Saturday morning.

* WINDS...Northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph. At the highest elevations where winds typically are stronger, gusts of 70-80 mph are possible.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.

Please report damaging winds by calling the National Weather Service toll free at...1...800...2 6 7...8 1 0 1. Leave a message with your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You can also post your report to National Weather Service Greenville Spartanburg Facebook or tweet your report using hashtag nwsgsp.
Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
3:22 am



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. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.



National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

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.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:36 a.m.
Sunrise 7:02 a.m.
Sun transit 12:46 p.m.
Sunset 6:30 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:55 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 6:19 p.m. last night
Moon transit 1:00 a.m.
Moonset 7:34 a.m.
Moonrise 7:26 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on March 2, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 99% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 1, 2018 at 7:51 p.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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

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



Posted at 3:40 am on March 2, 2018

#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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, March 1, 2018

Lockdown at Iotla Valley Elementary School

From the school system Facebook Page:

As released by Sheriff Holland & the Macon County Sheriff's Department:

There was a “Lock Down” conducted at Iotla school this morning after a suspicious person was seen in dark clothing and wearing a backpack next to a wooded area near the school. When the SRO approached the individual he immediately disappeared into the wooded area. The SRO called for additional assistance of deputies as he was attempting to locate the suspicious individual. While doing so the SRO and school administrators put the school temporarily on lockdown. Two individuals were immediately located by the SRO and other officers who responded and identified two individuals. It was determined there was no need for either of them to be on school property at this time. Within a few minutes an all clear was given and classes resumed to normal activities. This is not all the facts but we wanted to give you some information to relieve any unnecessary stress should any student go home and talk about their “Practice” Drill. It was in fact a live drill and we are happy with how it was conducted.

THANK YOU TO ALL who immediately took steps to ensure the students were safe. You took necessary action!

Sincerely,
Sheriff Robert Holland

Source [LINK]

Commentary

The following may be unpopular, but it needs to be said before things get out of hand.

It appears they were jittery over someone next to a wooded area near the school. These things happen after major school shootings, especially if the person(s) involved watched a lot of news coverage of the event and/or have children of their own or children under their charge. People are nervous about things they wouldn't normally be. Remember how it was after 9-11. People called the police after every little 'suspicious' package or person. The police were even called when tourists took photos of famous landmarks. Remember how things were (and still are, to a degree) here after the Wildfires of 2016. People would freak out over every column of smoke or brush pile they saw burning. In the old days they called it hysteria, I (Bobby) call it public PTSD. People are shell-shocked about events that have been in the news or have recently happened and are still processing it.


The CDC has a good guide for dealing with psychological stress after a traumatic event. [LINK to PDF]

We need to remember that children may be suffering from exposure to news about school shootings and may also act out, even making threats themselves in their attempt to cope with their traumatic stress.

A good source for information on children and traumatic stress can be found at National Child Stress Trauma Network [LINK]


Election Filing Period Ends for 2018 Midterms

The filing for partisan offices ended yesterday at noon. There will be primaries in a number of races. A full list of those who have filed to run for federal, state and local offices are on the blog. [LINK]



LOCAL OUTLOOK

Moist southerly flow will persist over the region until a vigorous cold front passes late today. The associated strong low pressure moves off the East Coast on Friday helping to produce very windy conditions that are expected to persist well into Saturday. At the same time, drying high pressure will settle to our north and persist into early next week.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for March 1st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 75°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1972
Lowest Temperature 6°F in Highlands in 1920
Greatest Rainfall 2.50 inches in Franklin 1875
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 8.0 inches in Nantahala in 1968

Record Weather Events for March (1872-2017)

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



THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY Rain and increasing Wind

Patchy fog, cloudy skies, and highs within a few degrees of 60 °F. Light winds very early increasing to 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest by midmorning. Wind speeds will further increase after the passage of a cold front this afternoon. Near 100% chance of rain. Rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch expected.

TONIGHT Rain Chances Decrease and High Wind Watch in Effect/Scattered Power Outages

Partly cloudy with lows near freezing and wind chills in the 20s. Winds will range from 10 to 15 mph out of the northwest with wind gusts in the 25 mph range in the lower elevations and 20 to 30 mph with wind gusts exceeding 40 mph in the higher elevations. Scattered power outages are possible.



FRIDAY High Wind Watch in Effect/Scattered Power Outages

Sunny with highs ranging from near 50 at the higher elevations and the mid-50s in the lower elevations. Winds 15 to 20 mph out of the northwest with gusts near 25 mph in the lower elevations and 20 to 30 mph out of the northwest with gusts in the 40 mpg range at the higher elevations. High Wind Watch in Effect/Scattered Power Outages are possible.

FRIDAY NIGHT High Wind Watch in Effect/Scattered Power Outages/Freezing Temperatures

Clear with lows near 30 and wind chills in the 20s. Winds around 15 mph out of the northwest with gust in the 25 mph range in the lower elevations and 25 to 30 mph out of the northwest with gusts exceeding 40 mph at times in the higher elevations.



SATURDAY Decreasing Winds

Sunny skies with highs ranging from near 50 at the higher elevations to the mid-to-upper 50s in the lower elevations.

SATURDAY NIGHT Freezing Temperatures

Clear with lows ranging from the mid-20s at the higher elevations to around 30 in the lower elevations.



GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
12:07 am to 03:02 am



HAZARDS

Heavy rain is possible early today, so be on the lookout for excessive water in the roadways that may lead to hydroplaning if you exceed safe travel speeds for these conditions today and tomorrow. Moderate flooding may be possible tomorrow in low lying areas and locations with poor drainage. High winds are also in the forecast for from midmorning today through early Saturday. Trees and limbs could fall on power lines, leading to scattered power outages. A High Wind Watch will be in effect from 6 pm tonight through Saturday morning. A copy has been posted below for your convenience:

***High Wind Watch***
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
949 PM EST Wed Feb 28 2018

...VERY STRONG WINDS EXPECTED THURSDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING...

.Winds will become northwest and increase in speed in the wake of a strong cold front Thursday night and continue into Saturday morning.


...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...

* LOCATIONS...Mountains and Foothills of North Carolina
including the Northern Escarpment of Upstate South Carolina
and extreme Northeast Georgia.

* HAZARDS...Strong to damaging winds.

* TIMING...Beginning Thursday night and continuing into Saturday morning.

* WINDS...Northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* IMPACTS...Numerous downed trees and power outages likely. Minor structural damage possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Watch means there is the potential for a hazardous high wind event. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph ... or gusts of 58 mph or stronger may occur. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation)
3:02 am



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. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market is continuing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).

If you’re interested in selling, please call 369-8488 for details and registration information--new vendors needed. Only the registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If you're shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings. Come check out the bargains!

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at the The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

Uptown Gallery Artist Presentation

At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, March 12th, Carol Rollick and Pat Menninger, exhibiting artists, will be discussing the process of “Paint Pouring” starting at 1:00 pm. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art, fluid acrylic paints can be poured directly onto the surface. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607 on 30 East Main Street.



National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

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.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:38 a.m.
Sunrise 7:03 a.m.
Sun transit 12:46 p.m.
Sunset 6:29 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:55 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 5:11 p.m. yesterday
Moon transit 12:06 a.m.
Moonset 6:54 a.m.
Moonrise 6:19 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on March 1, 2018: Full Moon at 7:51 p.m. (local standard time)


Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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

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



Posted at 4:00 am on March 1, 2018

#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. 

Read More