Governor’s Highway Safety Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary of "Click It or Ticket"

PRESS RELEASE
NC Governor's Highway Safety Program

RALEIGH – The state of North Carolina was not just First in Flight. It was also the first state in the nation to launch an innovative seat belt safety awareness campaign called “Click It or Ticket.” Starting Monday, May 20, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program will celebrate the campaign’s 20th anniversary.

“We’re proud of the hard work we’ve put into making this campaign a model adopted today by every state in the country,” said N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Tony Tata. “We know the impact of “Click It or Ticket” is far reaching – saving countless lives not just in North Carolina but nationwide.”

Since the Governor’s Highway Safety Program launched “Click It or Ticket” in 1993, the number of reported crashes, fatalities and injuries involving unbelted passengers has dropped dramatically in North Carolina. Law enforcement officers responded to 38,289 crashes involving unbelted passengers in 1992, the year before the campaign started. By 2012, the totals dropped to 8,187.

“We credit the effectiveness of our “Click It or Ticket” campaign for dramatically reducing the number of crashes involving people who didn’t buckle up,” said Don Nail, interim director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “But, there are still North Carolinians who don’t wear their seat belt when they get behind the wheel. Until every person in our state abides by the law, we’ll continue to lead the way in seat belt safety awareness.”

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign runs through the Memorial Day holiday weekend and ends on June 2. During that time, law enforcement officers will step up patrols statewide and cite those who do not buckle up.

NCDOT produced a public service announcement to remind drivers and passengers that wearing a seat belt during a crash not only reduces your chances of suffering critical injuries or even death by 50 percent, but will also save you $161 in fines if you are caught without your seat belt fastened.




In addition to enforcement efforts, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program will hold regional anniversary events in Elizabeth City, Clyde and High Point next week to retrace the historic first steps of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

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Macon County Commissioners 05-20-2013 Meeting Agenda

The Macon County Commissioners will be meeting Monday night at 7pm. I have embedded both the public agenda for your convenience and the press kit as well in the interest of promoting transparency. I will be posting a nearly live play by play on Google Plus the night of the meeting. Please circle Macon Media on G+ and follow us on Facebook to keep informed on the meetings and events that we cover.

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MAY 20, 2013 – 7 P.M.

CONTINUED SESSION

AGENDA

HIGHLANDS CIVIC CENTER

600 NORTH 4TH STREET

HIGHLANDS, NC

 1. Reconvene and welcome by Chairman Corbin
 2. Announcements
 3. Moment of Silence
 4. Pledge of Allegiance
 5. Public Hearing(s) – none
 6. Public Comment Period
 7. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda
 8. Reports/Presentations
     A. Presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget – County Manager
 9. Old Business
10.New Business
     A. Presentation of proposed revisions to the subdivision ordinance – County Attorney
     B. Establishment of a cemetery board for Macon County – County Attorney
     C. Consideration of bid for computer hardware for Macon County Schools
     D. Funding for No-Rise Study at Macon County Airport – County Manager
     E. Southwestern Commission Regional Visioning Effort – Chairman Corbin
     F. Consideration of declaring ambulance as surplus and donating the same to the Town of Highlands     Police Department – County Manager and County Attorney
11.Consent Agenda
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
     A. Minutes of the April 9th, April 12th, April 18th, and April 23rd meetings
     B. Budget amendments #169, #174 and #175
     C. Tax releases (none)
     D. Consideration of county management records retention and
disposition schedule
     E. Change to Macon County Public Health Fee Schedule
     F. Pool hours/prices for Macon County Parks and Recreation
    G. Monthly ad valorem tax report (no action necessary)
12.Appointments
    A. Board of Health (three seats)
    B. Social Services Board (one seat)
    C. Planning Board (one seat)
13.Closed session (if necessary)
14.Adjournment/Recess

Macon County Commissioners 05-20-2013

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Franklin Aldermen Budget Work Session 05-14-2013

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met last night for a budget work session with the town manager. I have transcribed the budget message and placed it below, and then a copy of the budget has been embedded below that, and it is downloadable so that you can download it and keep it for your records. Any mistakes in the transcription posted below are mine. I made a few cosmetic changes for an improved presentation on this blog.

I was not present during this meeting, and set up a video camera to record the meeting while I was manning another camera across town at a meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners. I would like to thank Travis Tallent of the Macon County News for keeping an eye on the camera for me.

TOWN MANAGER'S BUDGET MESSAGE

FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014

The Town of Franklin remains in a solid financial condition with a stable fund balance and a current ad-valorem tax rate of $0.25 per $100. The overall slow recovery of the economy has essentially resulted in very slow growth in our revenue sources, especially sales tax and interest on investments. Although there are many issues for consideration by the North Carolina legislature that may have profound effects on municipalities and possibly our funding sources, this budget was developed based on current conditions. Any significant changes that develop at a later date concerning municipalities will require further consideration and subsequent action.

Debt Service

All debt payments are fully budgeted as required by law. The Town is completing the sewer plant renovation which will be complete by mid-summer and the additional debt service for this project is included within this budget.

Personnel

This budget calls for a 2% cost of living adjustment for all positions. One salaried management position in the fire department budget will be divided into two entry level staff positions. In lieu of replacing a full-time employee in the Streets Department, funds are allocated to hire a part-time employee to assist with mowing and general maintenance during the Spring and Summer months. Employee benefits will remain unchanged.

Operating Capital Outlay

The police department will be replacing two patrol vehicles with over 100,000 miles. Public works will replace one 1/2 ton pickup that was delayed from being purchased in 2013/2013, and a new leaf collection vacuum will be purchased to coincide with a leaf collection box purchased for an existing truck.

Special Projects

Funds are budgeted for upgrades to the gazebo area at Town Square and to initiate planning for possible uses of the Whitmire property.

By Department

Water/Sewer: Funds are budgeted for four small water and sewer replacement projects. Funds are budgeted for refurbishment of the belt press at the sewer plant. Funds are also budgeted for a flow study ofn the Cartoogechaye Creek in anticipation of planning for the water plant upgrade/expansion in the next five years.

Police Department: Bulletproof vests that are nearing expiration will be replaced. Funds were increased for fuel costs and increased vehicle maintenance.

Fire Department: replacement of uniforms and protective gear per the 10 year strategic plan continues.

Water/Sewer Rates

The Board of Aldermen initiated a water and sewer rate increase last fiscal year to be completed over a two year period. This budget anticipates completing that rate increase process this year resulting in an increase for residential water services inside the city limits from $1.90 to $2.50 per 1,000 gallons of usage and an increase for residential sewer services inside the city limits from $0.27 per 100 gallons usage to $0.35 per 100 gallons usage. The increases are necessary to fund debt service on the new sewer plant renovation and provide funding for future water treatment facility renovations. The disposal fee for septic waste accepted at the sewer treatment plant should also be changed from $50 per load to $0.05 per gallon to fairly distribute expenses based on truck capacities.

Conclusion

This budget for FY 2013/2014 is balanced in accordance with the North carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and continues to provide existing services while meeting the governing board's priorities and policies. No property tax increase is requested or recommended and the ad valorem tax rate should remain at twenty-fice cents ($0.25) per one hundred dollars ($100) of valuation.

Sincerely;
Warren J. Cabe
Town Manager

Town of Franklin 2013-2014 Proposed Budget

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Macon County Commissioners 05-14-2013

The Macon County Commissioners met on May 14, 2013. Here is the video, public agenda and the press kit packet for the meeting. I was unable to post a play by play of the meeting.

Macon County Board of Commissioners

May 14, 2013

AGENDA

1. Call to order and welcome by Vice-Chairman Beale

2. Announcements

3. Designation of authorized signers for the Macon County Inmate Account -- Finance Director

4. Consideration of Budget Admendment #168 -- Finance Director

5. Reports/Presentations (moved from May 20th meeting to the 14th)
A. Little Tennessee River Greenway restoration project – Sunny Himes

6. Closed Session Per G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) - To consult with the attorney

7. Recess until Monday, May 20, 2013 at 7pm at the Highlands Civic Center, located at 600 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741

Macon County Commissioners 05-14-2013

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Franklin Tourism Development Authority 05-13-2013

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority met last night and the video above is of that meeting. The agenda has been posted below for your convenience.

REGARDING THE NEW TDA INTRO/OUTRO MATERIAL

I left a camera running in the town hall so I could could catch this meeting while I was across town recording the Board of Education meeting [see video of that here]. You'll notice the beginning of the video why I feel it was necessary to leave a babysitter for the camera. I've had unattended cameras mysteriously shut down in the town hall before while I was attempting to cover other meetings at the same time and even when I take a simple trip to the restroom during a meeting.

I am grateful that Brittney Burn of the Macon County News agreed to watch the camera for me while I was filming the Board of Education meeting. She was able to make sure that the camera recorded the meeting without molestation by elected or appointed government officials.

I almost always run the camera (as well as audio recorders, which are always on when I am in a meeting room) for several minutes prior to all meetings and have never before before encountered a situation from this guy wanting me to shut down my camera and had always suspected that someone else of shutting down my cameras in the town hall. Now, I'm not so sure.

At any rate, the little piece of video will make a nice addition to a montage of public officials telling me to shut the camera off or making unkind gestures or comments about it's presence during meetings. LOL

Franklin TDA 05-13-2013

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Macon County Board of Education 05-13-2013

The Macon County Board of Education held a continuation meeting [see previous meeting here].

The Board of Education went into closed session for about an hour and when they came out, Dr Jim Duncan, the county school superintendent, announced that he would be sending letters to first year probationary teachers informing them that their contracts would not be renewed. He said that a final determination would be made by the board at the next meeting based on what happened at the next meeting of the county commissioners (May 20th at 6pm).

The Board then voted to postpone their next meeting (which had previously been scheduled to take place at the same time as the county commissioner meeting, to 6pm on May 28th at Nantahala School. The meeting was then adjourned.

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

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

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

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Franklin Aldermen 05-06-2013

**UPDATE** Here is the video from the meeting:




The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7pm for their regular monthly meeting. I plan on being there to record the meeting. The nearly live play by play will be posted on G+ at http://is.gd/MaconMedia 

Video of the April 1, 2013 meeting is available as well as video of the Annual Retreat is available for review before you attend tonight's meeting.

I have posted the public agenda and press kit below for your convenience.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen
Meeting Agenda
Monday May 6, 2013 - 7:00 p.m.


1...Call to order -Mayor Collins

2...Approval of the April 1, April 13 and April 23, 2013 board minutes

3...Public session
4...New business
    •Presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2013-2014 budget- Town Manager Warren Cabe
    •Set budget work session for Tuesday May 14, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
    •Set public hearing for the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget for Monday June 3, 2013 at 7:05 p.m.
    •Budget amendment- Finance Officer Janet Anderson and Police Chief David Adams
    •Street closing request for Taste of Scotland- Main Street Executive Director Linda Schlott
    •Appointment of Leland Riske to fill vacancy on Tourism Development Authority- Assistant to the Town Manager Summer Woodard
    •Appointment of Josh Drake to fill vacancy on Tourism Development Authority- Assistant to the Town Manager Summer Woodard
    •Discussion on electronic public notice bill- Aldermen Bob Scott
    •Discussion on blanket liability insurance policy for festivals and events- Town Manager Warren Cabe
    •Discussion on banners

5...Legal
    •Discharge of firearms ordinance-Town attorney John Henning Jr
    •Solicitor’s ordinance- John Henning Jr
    •Western North Carolina Hospice House- John Henning Jr
    •Proposed Unified Development Ordinance concerning internet gaming             devices- John Henning Jr
    •Update on Angel Medical Center lease- John Henning Jr

6...Adjourn

Franklin Aldermen Press Packet for 05-06-2013

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BizWeek 2013 Banquet Honors Local Businesses, Keynote address given by Tony Almeida, senior advisor to Governor Pat McCrory on jobs and the economy

BizWeek 2013 wrapped up last night in the fellowship hall of Holly Springs Baptist Church, with several local businesses being recognized for their contributions to Macon County.

Among those honored were, Angel Medical Center, JC and Frankie Jacobs, Old Edwards Inn and Span and Raymond Page.

The keynote address was given by Tony Almeida, senior advisor to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory on jobs and the economy. 

This was the third BizWeek hosted by the Macon County Economic Development Commission and the second one to honor the contributions of local businesses to the local economy.


For more information on the Macon County EDC please visit their website at http://maconedc.com/



This is the playlist that includes all the speakers and honorees that participated in BizWeek 2013.


Below are the individual videos in chronological order:

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Opening Ceremonies

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Presenting was Franklin Mayor Joe Collins and accepting was James Bross, CEO of Angel Medical Center.

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Presenters were Rob Gasbarro and Cory McCall, co-owners of Outdoor 76 and accepting was JC Jacobs of People's Department Store.

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Presenting was Macon County Commissioner Jimmy Tate.

Accepting for Old Edwards Inn and Spa was President Richard Delaney.

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Presenting was Johnny Mira-Knippel of TekTone Sound & Signal and accepting was Raymond Page.

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Keynote Address by Tony Almeida, Senior Advisor to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory at the BizWeek 2013 Banquet in Franklin, NC.

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Video of the closing remarks of Macon EDC Director Tommy Jenkins at the Biz Week 2013 Banquet.

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SDO: Three Years of Solar Observing in Three Minutes

Here is a beautiful thing:



From the video description:

In the three years since it first provided images of the sun in the spring of 2010, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has had virtually unbroken coverage of the sun's rise toward solar maximum, the peak of solar activity in its regular 11-year cycle. This video shows those three years of the sun at a pace of two images per day.

SDO's Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) captures a shot of the sun every 12 seconds in 10 different wavelengths. The images shown here are based on a wavelength of 171 Angstroms, which is in the extreme ultraviolet range and shows solar material at around 600,000 Kelvin. In this wavelength it is easy to see the sun's 25-day rotation as well as how solar activity has increased over three years.

During the course of the video, the sun subtly increases and decreases in apparent size. This is because the distance between the SDO spacecraft and the sun varies over time. The image is, however, remarkably consistent and stable despite the fact that SDO orbits the Earth at 6,876 miles per hour and the Earth orbits the sun at 67,062 miles per hour.

Such stability is crucial for scientists, who use SDO to learn more about our closest star. These images have regularly caught solar flares and coronal mass ejections in the act, types of space weather that can send radiation and solar material toward Earth and interfere with satellites in space. SDO's glimpses into the violent dance on the sun help scientists understand what causes these giant explosions -- with the hopes of some day improving our ability to predict this space weather.

There are several noteworthy events that appear briefly in this video. They include the two partial eclipses of the sun by the moon, two roll maneuvers, the largest flare of this solar cycle, comet Lovejoy, and the transit of Venus. The specific time for each event is listed below, but a sharp-eyed observer may see some while the video is playing.

00:30;24 Partial eclipse by the moon

00:31;16 Roll maneuver

01:11;02 August 9, 2011 X6.9 Flare, currently the largest of this solar cycle

01:28;07 Comet Lovejoy, December 15, 2011

01:42;29 Roll Maneuver

01:51;07 Transit of Venus, June 5, 2012

02:28;13 Partial eclipse by the moon

More information about this video, as well as full HD version of all four wavelengths and print-resolution stills are public domain and can be viewed and downloaded at: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a010000/a011200/a011255/

This video is public domain and can be downloaded.

Like our videos? Subscribe to NASA's Goddard Shorts HD podcast:
http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/iTunes/f0004_index.html

Or find NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/NASA.GSFC

Or find us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/NASAGoddard

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Macon County Board of Education 04-22-2013

**update** Here is the video of the meeting:


And here is what happened at the end of the closed session:

1. Superintendent Dr. Jim Duncan announced the reassignment/transfer of Kris Reis, Principal, Union Academy, transfer/reassignment to Assistant Principal, Franklin High School, effective July 1, 2013.

2. On a motion made by Gary Shields and seconded by Tommy Cabe, the board tabled action on the administrator contracts as well as the one year probationary, lateral entry, or provisional certification contracts that were listed on the consent agenda.

3. On a motion made by Gary Shields and seconded by Tommy Cabe, the board approved the remaining consent agenda items as submitted.

4. On a motion made by Gary Shields and seconded by Melissa Evans, the board moved to continue their meeting to Monday, May 13th at 5:30 p.m. in the board room of the Macon County Schools Administrative Offices at which time various matters of the board will be considered.

5. On a motion made by Gary Shields and seconded by Tommy Cabe, the board adjourned at 9:24 p.m.








I'll be at the school board meeting tonight and will post the video sometime tomorrow. There will be no live play by because there is no Public Internet Access at the administrative offices.

Here is the agenda:

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
MEETING AGENDA
APRIL 22,2013

Pledge...Students from East Franklin Elementary

I Spotlight on People and Programs
A Recognitions
• Deavan Lombard
• Duke University Talent Identification Program Students
• James Watson
• New Energy Savings

B Historical Highlights

C Presentations
• FHS Foods Class
• Knights of Columbus

II Public Comment

III Consent Agenda
A Resignations/Retirements
B New Personnel
C Change in Status
D Transfer of Personnel
E Substitutes
F Overnight/Out of District Trip Requests
G Student Transfers
H Recommended Renewals and Non-Renewals
I Miscellaneous Items

• 2013 Summer Workout Coaching Assignments

IV Personnel

A Approval Items
• Vacancies with ongoing interviews
? Assistant Principal, Franklin High School
? Men's Basketball Coach, Highlands School
? Child Nutrition Director, Macon County Schools
? School Psychologist, Macon County Schools
? Speech/Language Pathologist, Macon County Schools

V Policy
A Approval Items
•Cartoogechaye Elementary School PTO Fundraiser...Randy Shepherd
•Franklin High School Fundraiser-Skills USA.......Dr Chris Baldwin
•Highlands School Sophomore Class Fundraiser.......Brian Jetter
•Macon Middle School FCA Fundraiser...............Scot Maslin
•Mountain View Intermediate Fundraiser............Mark Sutton
•East Franklin Elementary School Handbook.........Shirley Parks
•Macon Early College Student Handbook.............Todd Gibbs
•Transportation Contract..........................Paula Ledford
•2012-2013 Drug Testing Results...................Dan Moore
•Athletic Drug Testing Program Cost Analysis......Dan Moore/John Henning

B Discussion
•Summer Edventure Camp............................Lenora Clifton
•Out of District Students.........................Dr Jim Duncan
•Athletic Expenditure Assessment..................Dan Moore

VI Curriculum and Instruction

A Approval Items
•School Improvement Plans.........................Nancy Cantrell
• Highlands School
• Macon Early College
• Macon MIddle School
• Union Academy
• Nantahala School


B Discussion Items
•Elementary Class Size Assessment as of March 22, 2013...Dan Moore

VII Building and Grounds

A Approval Items
B Discussion Items

VIII Business and Finance

A Approval Items
•Fund Redistribution - FHS..........................Angie Cook
•Budget Amendments..................................Angie Cook
•State
•Federal
•Public School Building Capital Fund................Angie Cook

B Discussion Items

IX Board of Education Information

A Approval Items

B Discussion Items

X Superintendent Information

A Discussion Items
•Coming Events.......................................Dr Jim Duncan

XI Closed Session

•NCGS 143-318.11.(a) (6) To consider the qualifications, competence, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employeee or prospective public officer or employee;

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The John Batchelor Show for 04-19-2013 The Tsranaev Brothers and Deep Background on Chechnya

INTRO

The John Batchelor Show is an essential tool for understanding the new order in the 21st Century. The world is now facing a dangerous and fanatical enemy determined to destroy Western civilization on both political and military fronts. In this, the first great ideological battle of the new millennium, it is imperative to know the major players and the theaters in which they operate.


The John Batchelor Show features a multitude of distinctive elements. John's themes cover every detail - from military battles, presidential campaigns, planetary exploration, and Hollywood politicos to his own international travel. John has broadcast from many corners of the world and in his program he calls out to all points, including New York, Jerusalem, Des Moines, Kazakhstan, Orlando, Manchester, Morocco, Boston, Taipei, Washington, and Baghdad.

AUDIO AND BACKGROUND

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For people who aren't necessarily familiar with the Chechens and the Boston Marathon Bombers, a listen to the four hours of The John Batchelor Show that aired on Friday will go a long way to informing you with a considerable deep background in this area...



Hour One 
Download MP3  
Show Notes 

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Hour Two 
Download MP3  
Show Notes 

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Hour Three 

Download MP3  

Show Notes 

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Hour Four 

Download MP3 

Show Notes 

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OUTRO 

For more information on The John Batchelor Show, please visit the following websites: 

You can live stream all four hours of the New John Batchelor Show, 9 PM Eastern Time to 1 AM Eastern Time, on 630 WPRO-AM in Providence, NewsRadio 1330 KNSS in Wichita, and AM 1230 WFAS in Westchester (weekdays). You can subscribe to the new podcasts (more data, better music) of the New John Batchelor Show on ITunes or with the RSS Feed. 

Wikipedia Article on John Batchelor  

Facebook Fan Page  

Twitter Account  

My previous articles on the show 

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Flag Flown Over US Capitol Building Now Flies in Macon County

Dr Jim Duncan, the Superintendent of Macon County Schools, presided over a flag raising ceremony on Monday, April 15th that was attended by employees of the scool system and members of the school board at the central offices of the Macon County School System that was flown over the US Capitol on December 11, 2012. The flag was obtained by Dr Duncan through the office of US Senator Richard Burr.

The central offices are located at 1202 Old Murphy Road in Franklin, NC.

Here are a few photos I took during the ceremony:

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Franklin Aldermen and Staff Hold Annual Retreat for 2013

Here are the videos arranged by topics of discussion during the retreat that was held this past Saturday by the Town Board of Aldermen and Staff. It began Saturday morning at 9am and was over at 11am. I posted a play by as the meeting happened on Google Plus [LINK].

The only reporters that attended the meeting were a reporter from the Macon County News and myself. The Franklin Press did not send a reporter, so if they do post a report...you'll know that they didn't get the information first hand.

THE VIDEOS (In chronological order and topic of discussion)



1. Budget Considerations
A) Fund Balance
B) Future Revaluation


2. Capital Projects
A) Sewer Plant Extension
B) Water Treatment Plant Renovation/Expansion


3. Properties
A) Old Town Hall
B) Whitmire Property


4. Personnel


5. Ordinances


6. Miscellaneous Town Projects
A) Gazebo
B) Streets
C) Other

7. Other Considerations/Discussions

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Franklin Garden Club Keeps Rankin Square Beautiful

Members of the Franklin Garden Club Caught in the Act of Beautifying Franklin

I had a serendipitous encounter with the Franklin Garden Club this morning and here are a few photos of these volunteers at work keeping our town beautiful!



The club will be having their Annual Plant Sale during the Airing of the Quilts Festival on Saturday, May 11th from 8:30am to 1:00pm at the Clock Tower. The types of plants they will be selling (for very reasonable prices) are ornamentals, vegetable plants, Mother's Day Planters & Baskets.

Proceeds of the sale go to benefit the Beautificiation of Franklin.

For more information, call Nancy Tara at 524-8673.

Here are more photos of the volunteers from the Franklin Garden Club working in Ranlin Square to beautiful downtown Franklin.









And, don't forget about the Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11th!!!

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Macon County Commissioners 04-12-2013

The Macon County Commissioner had recessed their Tuesday meeting [video] to Friday in order to complete their due diligence on the purchase of the Parker Meadows property. The meeting lasted about an hour. Read my play by play that I posted as the meeting happened on Google Plus.

The following is from the power point presentation given by Macon County Planner Matt Mason: (open the images in a new tab to view at a larger size)








SITE MEETINGS & DETERMINATIONS

• County staff conducted a Site meeting with David Brown, ACOE to discuss wetland delineations, and existing water features on the property.

• County staff met with Archaeologists to discuss potential historical sites that were present on the site.

• County staff made several site visits to ensure challenges were addressed in order to achieve compliances with all regulatory agencies.

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA

• Our office is required to make sure that _all_ development with the Special Flood Hazard area (SFHA) is compliant with Macon County's Flood Ordinance.

•The site at Parkers Farms is partially located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Therefore we are required to ensure full compliance with Macon County's existing Flood Ordinance.

PROPOSED DESIGN: DOES IT ALL WORK?

•The preliminary layout for the Recreational Complex at Parker Farms will be in full compliance with Macon County's Flood Ordinance.

•We can accomplish the proposed development of the project without any fill material being placed in the SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Area).

PROPOSED DESIGN OF CLOVER LEAFS

•Fields 1,2 and 8 are partially located with the SFHA.

•Fields 1 and 2 currently have 4'-5' of positive drainage from the home plate to the outfield and should be constructed, as proposed.

• Field 8 could be used as proposed (unable to verify drainage due to existing vegetation) or the field can be reduced in size to create a smaller field for tee ball, coach pitch, etc.


During the course of the discussion, Commissioner Higdon passed out a document [photo] that delineated his opposition to the project, some of which was invalidated due to the archaeologist verbally reporting during Tuesday night's meeting that no earth could be disturbed over the archaeological sites and his written report saying that the sites could be disturbed to a depth of 18 inches. Apparently, Commissioner Higdon was not given access to the written report but some county employees were. [I requested a copy of the archaeologist's written report Tuesday night, but he has not sent me a copy.]

Using information I've learned at a recent workshop held by +Carolina Public Press, I will be pursuing this public document request and will report back on the results.

Commissioner Haven made a motion to decline the purchase of the property, seconded by Commissioner Higdon, and after each commissioner had his say, the vote was called and the motion failed by a vote of 2 in favor and 3 opposed. Commissioners Haven and Higdon voted in favor of declining the purchase and Commissioners Beale, Corbin and Tate voted against declining the purchase.

So, the county will be moving forward to complete the purchase of the property.

The Commissioners recessed the meeting until Thursday night, April 18th, at 6pm at the Macon Bank Corporate Center in order to meet jointly with the Macon County Board of Education to discuss the Education Budget for the coming fiscal year.

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Parker Meadows Purchase Gets Approval From County Commissioners

A motion to decline the purchase of the Parker Meadows property failed by a vote of 2-3 in a county commissioner meeting tonight. Commissioners Haven and Higdon voted to in favor if declining the purchase and Commissioners Beale, Corbin and Tate voted Not to decline the purchase, so the county will move forward in acquiring the property for use as a recreational facility.

I have have the full video of the meeting posted online in the morning.

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