Full Circle Recovery Center to Hold Harm Reduction Tea Party on Friday

PRESS RELEASE



Come on down to Full Circle Recovery Center this Friday 2/24 between 12-2 for our first annual Harm Reduction Tea Party! We are honored to have been chosen by Families for Sensible Drug Policies (FSDP) and Family Drug Support to participate in this global inaugural event, International Family Drug Support Day!!

Help us assemble overdose reversal kits, enjoy a cup of tea/coffee with light refreshments and show your support for families living with drug issues or in recovery. All are welcome!

This year's theme is #SeeThePersonNotTheDrug

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Power line in roadway near 1300 North Jones Creek Service expected to be restored by 10 am

At about 6:35 am this morning, West Macon Fire Department responded to report of a fire and associated power outage near 1300 North Jones Creek Road.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find an energized power line in the roadway and stood by until a repair crew from Duke Energy could arrive. 

Firefighters report only one span is down and Duke Energy reports they expect to restore service to the 2 impacted customers by 10:00 am this morning.

Further updates will be posted on our Facebook Page. The post relating to this incident has been embedded below.








**Update** 8:00 am

Duke Energy has raised the number of customers impacted by this outage to 140. The time of restoration is still 10:00 am. An updated map of the area without service is posted below.

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >> 

https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 7:02 am on Feb 22, 2017

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Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Weather Advisories and Warnings Across the USA
NATIONAL OUTLOOK

...Many daily temperature records may be broken from the Great Plains into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic region due to anomalous warmth...

...Heavy snow is possible across the Wasatch and into the Central Rockies...

...Increasingly wet conditions likely for the state of Florida...

A robust upper-level low and associated surface frontal system, tracking across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and southern Florida, will keep showers and thunderstorms in the forecast for portions of the Southeast through Thursday. Much of the state of Florida could see accumulations around 1 inch-- isolated higher amounts will be possible.

Over the next few days a broad upper-level trough will be in place over the West which will keep a cooler, more moist airmass over the region. A cold front exiting out of the Rockies and into the High Plains and Upper Midwest today will continue on its way through the central U.S. By Thursday the sprawling boundary will span from the Desert Southwest to the Great Lakes/Northeast. Widespread precipitation is forecast from the continental divide eastward to the Great Lakes/Ohio valley through early Saturday morning. The better chance for snowfall accumulations will be from the Wasatch eastward into the Central Rockies where amounts of up to 12 to 18 inches are possible in the highest elevations. Amounts in the adjacent High Plains are forecast to be 4 to 8 inches. Winter Storm Watches are in effect from Wyoming to Wisconsin. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for portions of Utah, Idaho and Montana.

Additionally, strong gusty winds will accompany this system as it crosses into the Plains. The influx of drier air will increase the threat for wildfires. Red flag warnings are in effect for eastern New Mexico and Colorado. Currently the Southern/Central High Plains are at a critical risk for such activity based on the latest Storm Prediction Center fire weather outlook.

Mild temperatures are forecast to continue through the end of week. Forecast temperatures from the center of the country eastward into the Upper Great Lakes/Middle Mississippi Valley are approximately 20 to 30 degrees above average. Consequently, many daily temperature records may be reached or exceeded across the region.



LOCAL OVERVIEW

A weak frontal boundary passes east of our area today. This will be followed by brief drying on Thursday before a more significant cold front brings additional chances for rain and thunderstorms late Friday or Saturday. Overall, daytime temperatures will remain well above normal through the weekend.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




Wednesday

Patchy dense fog before 10 am. Cloudy with highs near the low to mid 60s and light winds out of the southeast. 60% chance of very light rain with less than a tenth of an inch expected.

Wednesday Night

Patchy dense fog before midnight. Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid to upper 40s and calm winds.




Thursday

Mostly cloudy with highs near 70 and light winds out of the southeast.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near the upper 40s and light winds out of the southeast.




Friday

Mostly cloudy with highs near 70.


Friday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50. 60% chance of rain with thunderstorms possible before daybreak.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected today.

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 or photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.



MARDI GRAS DINNER TO BENEFIT REACH OF MACON COUNTY

A Mardi Gras Dinner to benefit REACH of Macon County will be held at Root + Barrel Kitchen on Main Street on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm.
Reserved tickets are $75 and open seating is $60.
More information is on the flyer posted here.





Be the Voice for a Child! Don’t let another child’s voice go unheard. The Guardian Ad Litem program is currently seeking volunteers in your community to be the voice of a foster child in court. The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program thrives on volunteerism, and its vital work is only made possible by dedicated volunteers who are committed to the cause of keeping children safe from future harm. We will have a training class for volunteers in Sylva starting March 16, 2017. We would love to have you join us. It's not too late to apply!
If you have an interest in becoming the voice for a child, contact Joe Allen at the Macon County GAL office at 828-349-7222 or Shannon Cowan at the Jackson County GAL Office at 828-587-2087. You can also find out more about the program by visiting www.ncgal.org or www.facebook.com/ncGuardianAdLitem


Weather Extremes Almanac for February 22, 2017



North Carolina

High Temperature 83ºF in Maysville, Onslow County in 1993
Low Temperature -14ºF on Grandfather Mountain, Avery County in 1963
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 3.90 inches in Enfield, Halifax County in 1954
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 8.0 inches in Kinston, New Bern County in 1936

Macon County

High Temperature 73ºF at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1986
Low Temperature -2ºF at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1963
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 2.88 inches in Highlands in 1974
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 5.0 inches in Nantahala in 1960


Astronomy


Twilight Begins: 6:46 am
Sunrise: 7:11 am
Sunset 6:23 pm
Twilight Ends: 6:49 pm
Day Length: 11 hours 48 minutes
Sunrise to Sunset: 12 hours 03 minutes



Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 16% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated
Moonrise 4:16 am
Moonset 2:46 pm



Observing the Skies

Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 8:30 pm tonight



Venus and Mars are the bright evening planets.

VENUS
Rises 8:29 am
Sets 9:21 pm
Brightness -4.4 Magnitude
Distance 0.392 AU
Constellation: Pisces

MARS
Rises 9:11 am
Sets 9:52 pm
Brightness 1.3 Magnitude
Distance: 1.995 AU
Constellation: Pisces



Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




MERCURY
Rises 6:56 am
Sets 5:27 pm
Brightness -0.6 Magnitude
Distance 1.373 AU
Constellation: Capricornus

SATURN 

Rises 3:13 am
Sets 12:59 pm
Brightness 1.3
Distance: 10.382 AU
Constellation: Sagittarius

JUPITER
Rises 10:07 pm
Sets 9:27 am
Brightness -2.1 Magnitude
Distance: 4.750 AU
Constellation: Virgo




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine



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

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space

Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

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





CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any
local news outlets.

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

Published at 4:25 am on Feb 22, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


Be kind to one another.


Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, 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.

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Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Weather Advisories and Warnings Across the USA
NATIONAL OUTLOOK

...Heavy rain and mountain snow possible into Tuesday across portions of the western U.S...

...Heavy rain possible into Tuesday across portions of the central Gulf Coast...

...Record high temperatures possible through midweek across portions of the central and eastern U.S...

Rain and mountain snow will persist across much of the West as a vigorous low pressure system crosses the Intermountain region and into the Northern High Plains/Upper Midwest. Heavy rain may result in flooding for some areas, and heavy snow will be possible at high elevation locations. Precipitation will slowly decrease over the Pacific Northwest and California by midweek as the system reaches the central U.S. The potential for heavy snow in the Northern Rockies will taper off by this afternoon while chances for snow in the Great Basin will continue into Wednesday.

Showers and thunderstorms will persist from the central Gulf Coast to Northeast into today as a slow moving cold front passes through the Mississippi/Ohio valleys and the Great Lakes. Areas of heavy rain may be possible over the central Gulf Coast. A wintry mix will be possible for portions of New England tonight before transitioning to mostly snow during the day on Wednesday. Rain will be possible across the Southeast and southern Mid-Atlantic region through Wednesday evening as another low pressure system tracks through the Gulf of Mexico and Florida.

Portions of the central and eastern U.S. observed warmer than usual conditions of late and that will persist this week. With an expansive high pressure aloft, average temperatures are forecast to range 20 to 40 degrees above average from the central and northern plains to the Great Lakes, with many areas reaching well into the 70s. Temperatures exceeding 20 degrees above average will reach the Mid-Atlantic region by Wednesday.
Temperatures records may be ties or broken across these areas through Wednesday.

LOCAL NEWS

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen held their annual retreat yesterday. Video is on the blog. [LINK]

LOCAL OVERVIEW

A frontal boundary will push across the area late Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing a chance for some modest rainfall. This will be followed by brief drying, before another frontal system brings additional chances for rain and thunderstorms heading into next weekend.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid 60s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 60% chance of rain, mainly after 2 pm, with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

Tuesday Night

Cloudy, patchy fog expected after midnight. Lows near the upper 40s. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarer of an inch expected.




Wednesday

Rain and patchy dense fog before 10 am. Cloudy with highs near the lower 60s. Calm winds early, then from the south late in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near the upper 40s and calm winds.




Thursday

Mostly cloudy with highs near the upper 60s. Slight chance of rain and thunder in the afternoon.


Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50.

HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected today.

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 or photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.


Youth Night Out

THIS AFTERNOON 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the FHS Fine Arts Building
Teen Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships.
Presented as a partnership of Angel Medical Center, Macon County Public Health, REACH of Macon County and Discover Church.

Macon Overdose Prevention Coalition Meeting Reminder:

Tuesday, February 21st from 3-5pm at Full Circle Recovery Center, 3261 Georgia Road.
Agenda includes discussion about the Learn to Cope family support meeting, planning for our International Family Drug Support Day event on Friday 2/24,, syringe exchange update, recent and upcoming training events, partnering with WNCAP and Families for Sensible Drug Policy, and more!
Anyone interested in being part of the opioid epidemic solution is welcome to join us. Questions? Call Stephanie at 828-475-1920.





MARDI GRAS DINNER TO BENEFIT REACH OF MACON COUNTY

A Mardi Gras Dinner to benefit REACH of Macon County will be held at Root + Barrel Kitchen on Main Street on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm.
Reserved tickets are $75 and open seating is $60.
More information is on the flyer posted here.





Be the Voice for a Child! Don’t let another child’s voice go unheard. The Guardian Ad Litem program is currently seeking volunteers in your community to be the voice of a foster child in court. The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program thrives on volunteerism, and its vital work is only made possible by dedicated volunteers who are committed to the cause of keeping children safe from future harm. We will have a training class for volunteers in Sylva starting March 16, 2017. We would love to have you join us. It's not too late to apply!
If you have an interest in becoming the voice for a child, contact Joe Allen at the Macon County GAL office at 828-349-7222 or Shannon Cowan at the Jackson County GAL Office at 828-587-2087. You can also find out more about the program by visiting www.ncgal.org or www.facebook.com/ncGuardianAdLitem


Weather Extremes Almanac for February 21, 2017



North Carolina

High Temperature 83ºF in Hot Springs, Madison County in 1939
Low Temperature -10ºF in Bakersville, Mitchell County in 1896
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 5.84 inches in Lake Toxaway, Transylvania County in 1953
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 11.5 inches in New Bern, Craven County in 1936

Macon County

High Temperature 75ºF in Franklin in 1986
Low Temperature -5ºF in Highlands in 1896
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 3.81 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1953
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 5.5 inches in Highlands in 1960


Astronomy


Twilight Begins: 6:47 am
Sunrise: 7:13 am
Sunset 6:22 pm
Twilight Ends: 6:48 pm
Day Length: 12 hours 01 minutes
Sunrise to Sunset: 11 hours 9 minutes



Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 24% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated
Moonrise 3:26 am
Moonset 1:55 pm



Observing the Skies

Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 8:30 pm tonight



Venus and Mars are the bright evening planets.

VENUS
Rises 8:33 am
Sets 9:23 pm
Brightness -4.4 Magnitude
Distance 0.399 AU
Constellation: Pisces

MARS
Rises 9:13 am
Sets 9:52 pm
Brightness 1.3 Magnitude
Distance: 1.988 AU
Constellation: Pisces



Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




MERCURY
Rises 6:55 am
Sets 5:23 pm
Brightness -0.5 Magnitude
Distance 1.370 AU
Constellation: Capricornus

SATURN 

Rises 3:17 am
Sets 1:03 pm
Brightness 1.4
Distance: 10.397 AU
Constellation: Sagittarius

JUPITER
Rises 10:11 pm
Sets 9:31 am
Brightness -2.1 Magnitude
Distance: 4.762 AU
Constellation: Virgo




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine



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

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space

Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

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





CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin
local news outlets.

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

Published at 4:25 am on Feb 21, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


Be kind to one another.


Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, 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.

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Franklin Town Board of Aldermen Hold Retreat

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met Monday, February 20, 2017 for their annual retreat to discuss topics and items board members wanted to focus on in the coming year. A video of the meeting, minus the first 30 seconds or so, and supporting documents are posted below. A couple of maps and a document need to be digitized and will be added in the next couple of days.



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters present)

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


ELECTED OFFICIALS

No elected officials other than board members were present

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Retreat Discussion

February 20, 2017

5:00 pm

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Adoption of the February 20, 20! 7 Retreat Agenda
3. Discussion on Downtown Streetscape Proposals
4. Comprehensive Improvements Plan for Town Sidewalks
5. Whitmire Property
6. ABC Store
7. Room Occupancy Tax
8. Other Considerations/Discussions
9. Adjourn


DAY SPONSOR

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

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

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


CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

Published at 9:57 pm on Feb 20, 2017

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Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, February 20, 2017

Weather Advisories and Warnings Across the USA
NATIONAL OUTLOOK

....Slight risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the Southern Plains continuing into Monday morning...

...Heavy snow possible for the Sierras, Sawtooth and Wind River/Absaroka Ranges...

...Heavy rain likely for portions of Northern/Central California--possible for the Pacific Northwest coast...

...Heavy rain possible for portions Western/Central Gulf Coast...

Much of the West Coast will remain in an active wet pattern through mid-week as multiple Pacific fronts move through the region. A nearly continuous plume of moisture will be directed toward portions of central and northern California through Tuesday-- resulting in heavy rainfall along the coast and valleys; with mountain snow. Snow and lower elevation rain will also develop over parts of the Northern Intermountain region through Tuesday as the the front pushes out into the High Plains.

Additionally, northern stream upper-level energy associated with the deep upper-level trough over the Rockies will move to the Great Lakes by Tuesday morning. The energy will aid in producing rain over parts of the Northern Plains/Upper Mississippi Valley today and spreading into the Great Lakes/Western Ohio valley by Tuesday morning.

A strong line of thunderstorms developed Sunday evening along and ahead of the eastward-moving cold front through the Southern/Central Plains. The showers and thunderstorms are expected to move east into the Lower/Mid-Mississippi valley by this afternoon, extending northward into the Tennessee valley. Warm Gulf air streaming northward along the front will help maintain higher precipitation for the Gulf states. Heavy rainfall may develop and increase the threat for flash flooding. Please refer to WPC excessive rainfall outlooks for additional information on the risk for heavy rain and flash flooding.



LOCAL OVERVIEW

Warm high pressure will move over the area through the early part of the week, bringing temperatures close to record highs. A cold front will bring a chance for some modest rainfall over the area by mid week, followed by brief drying, before a frontal system arrives next weekend with chances of rain and thunder.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




Washington's Birthday

Patchy dense fog in the morning. Mostly sunny with highs near the lower 70s. Calm winds shifting to come out of the south in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy with lows near the low to mid 40s.




Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid 60s. Calm winds rising to 5 to 10 mph out of the south by mid morning. Rain chances increase after 4 pm.

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with lows near the upper 40s. Light winds out of the southeast. 60% chance of rain, mainly after midnight.




Wednesday

Partly sunny with highs near 70. 40% chance of rain, mainly before 2 pm.


Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50.




HAZARDS

Patchy dense fog could develop this morning, If it does, please increase your following distance and use your vehicles low beams so other motorists can see you. Otherwise, no hazardous weather is expected today.

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 or photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.


FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB MEETING AT LIBRARY

TONIGHT
Franklin Bird Club meeting. “Cherokee Bird Legends and Myths” by Barbara Duncan. 7:00 pm at the Macon County Public Library.

February 21 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the FHS Fine Arts Building
Youth Night Out Teen Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships.
Presented as a partnership of Angel Medical Center, Macon County Public Health, REACH of Macon County and Discover Church.




MARDI GRAS DINNER TO BENEFIT REACH OF MACON COUNTY

A Mardi Gras Dinner to benefit REACH of Macon County will be held at Root + Barrel Kitchen on Main Street on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm.
Reserved tickets are $75 and open seating is $60.
More information is on the flyer posted here.





Weather Extremes Almanac for February 20, 2017



North Carolina

High Temperature 83ºF in Hot Springs, Madison County in 1939
Low Temperature -20ºF on Mount Mitchell, Yancey County in 2015
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 4.00 inches in Lenoir, Caldwell County in 1947
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 11.0 inches on Grandfather Mountain, Avery County in 1999

Macon County

High Temperature 77ºF in Franklin in 1994
Low Temperature -6ºF in Highlands in 2015
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 3.14 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1954
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 0.6 inches in Highlands in 1940


Astronomy


Twilight Begins: 6:48 am
Sunrise: 7:14 am
Sunset 6:21 pm
Twilight Ends: 6:47 pm
Day Length: 11 hours 59 minutes
Sunrise to Sunset: 11 hours 7 minutes



Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 42% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated
Moonrise 3:35 am
Moonset 1:08 pm



Observing the Skies

Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 8:30 pm tonight



Venus and Mars are the bright evening planets.

VENUS
Rises 8:36 am
Sets 9:24 pm
Brightness -4.5 Magnitude
Distance 0.405 AU
Constellation: Pisces

MARS
Rises 9:15 am
Sets 9:52 pm
Brightness 1.3 Magnitude
Distance: 1.981 AU
Constellation: Pisces



Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




MERCURY
Rises 6:54 am
Sets 5:18 pm
Brightness -0.5 Magnitude
Distance 1.366 AU
Constellation: Capricornus

SATURN 

Rises 3:21 am
Sets 1:06 pm
Brightness 1.4 Magnitude
Distance: 10.412 AU
Constellation: Sagittarius

JUPITER
Rises 10:150 pm
Sets 9:36 am
Brightness -2.1 Magnitude
Distance: 4.775 AU
Constellation: Virgo




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine



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

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space

Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

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





CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any
local news outlets.

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

Published at 4:26 am on Feb 20, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


Be kind to one another.


Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, 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, February 19, 2017

Weather Advisories and Warnings Across the USA
NATIONAL OUTLOOK

...Heavy snow possible for the Cascades, Sierras, Sawtooths, the Mogollon Rim and Central Rockies...

...Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain possible over eastern Texas and lower Mississippi valley...

...Heavy rain possible for portions of northern and central California...

Surface low and associated front will spin up near the Southeast Coast today as an upper-level low propagates eastward -- resulting in showers and a few thunderstorms for Florida and the Southeast Coast. Rain will also develop over parts of the Southern Ohio and Tennessee valleys along with parts of the Central/Southern Appalachian this morning and will move into parts of the Mid-Atlantic/Central Appalachians this afternoon before dissipating.

The system that brought widespread heavy precipitation to California and portions of the Southwest will continue to weaken as it tracks eastward into the Central/Southern High Plains today and into Monday. Rain and higher elevation snow is forecast for parts of California, the Great Basin and Southwest ending over most of California this morning and will expand into the Central/Southern Plains, waning by Monday. Farther north, multiple waves embedded within the upper-level low will move into the Northwest and Intermountain West/Northern Rockies early and will aid in producing rain and higher elevation snow from the Coast into parts of the Northern Rockies. Heavy snow will be possible for some of the higher elevations of the Cascades, Sierras, Sawtooths, the Mogollon Rim and Central Rockies. A plume of moisture will stream into California bringing another round of heavy rainfall to portions of central California. Rain and higher elevation snow will develop over parts of Central/Southern California.

As the upper-level low moves eastward, circulation around the low will aid in streaming moisture into Eastern Texas that will move northward to the Middle Mississippi Valley by Monday. Showers and thunderstorms will begin to develop over parts of the Western Gulf Coast and will expand northward into the central U.S. this afternoon. Some of the storms over eastern Texas may become severe this afternoon.


GOFUNDME ESTABLISHED FOR FAMILY WHO LOST HOME IN FIRE

A family with three children, two girls, ages 14 and 8, and a boy, age 4, has lost their home due to a fire. A GOFUNDME has been established to assist the family with clothing and other needs while they are homeless. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-5-loses-all-in-house-fire to find out more.


LOCAL OVERVIEW

A warm surface high pressure system will move into the area through early next week, with strong upper ridging bringing temperatures close to record highs. A cold front with minimal moisture will move through the area by midweek, with a dry end to the work week to follow. The next frontal system will substantial rain/thunder chances will arrive next weekend.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK



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Sunday

Areas of fog early. Mostly cloudy with decreasing clouds becoming mostly sunny by late afternoon. Highs near the upper 60s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the northwest.

Sunday Night

Patchy fog early. Mostly clear with lows near the mid 30s and calm winds.




Washington's Birthday

Mostly sunny with highs near the lower 70s. Calm winds early, shifting to come from the south by 8 or 9 am.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s and calm winds.




Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid to upper 60s. A slight chance of rain showers after 3 pm.


Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s. 30% chance of rain, mainly after 11 pm.




HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected.

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 or photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.


FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB MEETING AT LIBRARY

February 20
Franklin Bird Club meeting. “Cherokee Bird Legends and Myths” by Barbara Duncan. 7:00 pm at the Macon County Public Library.

February 21 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the FHS Fine Arts Building
Youth Night Out Teen Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships.
Presented as a partnership of Angel Medical Center, Macon County Public Health, REACH of Macon County and Discover Church.




MARDI GRAS DINNER TO BENEFIT REACH OF MACON COUNTY

A Mardi Gras Dinner to benefit REACH of Macon County will be held at Root + Barrel Kitchen on Main Street on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm.
Reserved tickets are $75 and open seating is $60.
More information is on the flyer posted here.





Weather Extremes Almanac for February 19, 2017



North Carolina

High Temperature 84ºF in Fayetteville, Cumberland County in 1956
Low Temperature -19ºF on Mount Mitchell, Yancey County in 2015
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 2.92 inches in Morehead City, Carteret County in 1960
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 15.0 inches i on Mount Mitchell, Yancey County in 2015

Macon County

High Temperature 72ºF in Franklin in 1890
Low Temperature -6ºF in Highlands in 2015
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 2.10 inches in Nantahala in 1940
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 5.0 inches in Franklin in 1979


Astronomy


Twilight Begins: 6:49 am
Sunrise: 7:15 am
Sunset 6:20 pm
Twilight Ends: 6:46 pm
Day Length: 11 hours 57 minutes
Sunrise to Sunset: 11 hours 5 minutes



Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 42% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated
Moonrise 1:43 am
Moonset 12:26 pm



Observing the Skies

Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 8:30 pm tonight



Venus and Mars are the bright evening planets.

VENUS
Rises 8:40 am
Sets 9:26 pm
Brightness -4.5 Magnitude
Distance 0.411 AU
Constellation: Pisces

MARS
Rises 9:17 am
Sets 9:53 pm
Brightness 1.3 Magnitude
Distance: 1.975 AU
Constellation: Pisces



Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




MERCURY
Rises 6:53 am
Sets 5:14 pm
Brightness -0.4 Magnitude
Distance 1.362 AU
Constellation: Capricornus

SATURN 

Rises 3:24 am
Sets 1:10 pm
Brightness 1.4 Magnitude
Distance: 10.427 AU
Constellation: Ophiuchus

JUPITER
Rises 10:20 pm
Sets 9:40 am
Brightness -2.1 Magnitude
Distance: 4.787 AU
Constellation: Virgo




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine



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

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space

Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

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





CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any
local news outlets.

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

Published at 4:29 am on Feb 19, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


Be kind to one another.


Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, 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

NC KIDS Digital Library Press Release

Contact: Karen Wallace
Phone: (828) 524-3600
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



North Carolina Launches new eBook Sharing Service Specifically for Children
New library consortium enables sharing of Children’s eBooks, audiobooks and video across the state

Children across the state now have access to free eBooks and eAudiobooks through a new program. Designed for kids in pre-K through 4th grade, NC Kids Digital Library includes more than 3,700 eBooks, audiobooks, videos and Read-Alongs. The program is available through Fontana Regional Library locations in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties, as well as at 85 regional, county and municipal libraries across the state. These materials are instantly available for every child with a library card and internet access via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The program is the first of its kind statewide eBook consortium specifically for children. It was created by the North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) together with OverDrive digital reading platform and the state of North Carolina.

OverDrive’s collection development team chooses the books for the collection, which will continue to grow over time and feature new titles, and selections are reviewed and approved by a committee appointed by the NCPLDA Executive Board. Many eBooks list the reading level and text difficulty to help parents find the right book for their child’s reading ability.

“This content will align with summer reading camps across the state as well as the state’s 3rd grade reading initiative and will provide a significant boost to the many library-school partnerships already in existence," said Ruth Ann Copley, Director of Libraries at Davidson County Public Library System.

Karen Wallace, director of Fontana Regional Library, says, “This initiative has made a valuable resource available to all children in the state. It adds significantly to the total number of eBooks and eAudiobooks for our youngest patrons here in Western North Carolina. As a library, we are thrilled to have more opportunities to connect children with books and the love of reading.”

In Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties, any child or adult with a Fontana Regional Library card can access the NC Kids Digital Library.

NC Kids Digital Library is sponsored by NCPLDA and the NC General Assembly with assistance from the State Library of NC, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. Copley, together with Jennifer Sackett, Vice-President of NCPLDA and Library Director of Lincoln County Library, worked with Representative Pat McElraft to secure funding for this project. In July of last year, the 2016 Appropriations Act was signed into law for fiscal year 2016-2017, which included a funding provision for $200,000 for the State Library to work with NCPLDA to create a statewide consortium for all public library cardholders.

For more information, please contact your local Fontana Regional Library location in Macon, Jackson, or Swain County or visit www.fontanalib.org.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, February 18, 2017

Weather Advisories and Warnings Across the USA
NATIONAL OUTLOOK

...Heavy rain and flooding persists across California...

...Snow possible for the Northeast this weekend...

Intense rainfall rates and strong wind gusts have significantly affected portions of California since Friday. Various impacts observed so far with this Pacific storm system have included rapid runoff leading to rising creeks/streams, cars swept away in rushing flood waters, downed trees, mudslides/debris flows and sinkholes. Much of the state has flood watches and flood warnings in effect, especially for southern California, and will persist this weekend. Nearly continuous onshore flow is forecast through the weekend-- keeping California and portions of the Pacific Northwest in a very active, anomalously wet pattern. Mountain snow is forecast for Sierra Nevada range and for elevations above 5500ft in central Nevada-- winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect for these areas.

Warm, moist air moving northward from the Gulf will help generate showers and thunderstorms across portions of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi valley and the Gulf Coast. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted portions of north-central Texas favorable for strong, possibly severe, thunderstorm development on Sunday. Refer to the SPC webpage for additional information about the potential for severe weather.

The higher elevations of New England could have snow, or a rain/snow mix, today as a front moves through the area. Light snow may linger into Sunday after the front has passed. For the central and eastern states, mild and dry conditions are expected this weekend.



GOFUNDME ESTABLISHED FOR FAMILY WHO LOST HOME IN FIRE

A family with three children, two girls, ages 14 and 8, and a boy, age 4, has lost their home due to a fire. A GOFUNDME has been established to assist the family with clothing and other needs while they are homeless. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-5-loses-all-in-house-fire to find out more.


LOCAL NEWS



Firefighters from the Otto Fire Department, Station 5 from Rabun County, North Carolina Forest Service and United States Forest Service stopped a forest fire at 6 to 7 acres in size, that, according to NC Forest Service personnel, had the potential to grow to 300 to 500 aces. More on this on this at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/long-ridge-fire.html

LOCAL OVERVIEW

A weak upper low is expected to arrive in the region tonight then move off the east coast Sunday. The full effects of a strong upper ridge moves in to start the week with much above normal temperatures. Another period of light rainfall is possible mid week as a weak upper trough moves through the region. A cold front approaches at the end of the week with possible showers and thunderstorms.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




Saturday

Cloudy with highs near 60. Calm winds shifting to come from the southwest in the afternoon. 40% chance of rain, mainly after 9 am with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected. This on and off drizzle event should be over between 5 pm and midnight.

Saturday Night

Patchy fog after midnight. Mostly cloudy with lows near 40 and variable light winds.




Sunday

Mostly cloudy, with skies becoming mostly clear by the late afternoon. Highs near the mid to upper 60s and winds out of the northwest.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear with lows near 40 and calm winds.




Washington's Birthday

Mostly sunny with highs near 70.


Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near 40.




HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected.

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 or photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.


FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB MEETING AT LIBRARY

February 20
Franklin Bird Club meeting. “Cherokee Bird Legends and Myths” by Barbara Duncan. 7:00 pm at the Macon County Public Library.

February 21 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the FHS Fine Arts Building
Youth Night Out Teen Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships.
Presented as a partnership of Angel Medical Center, Macon County Public Health, REACH of Macon County and Discover Church.




MARDI GRAS DINNER TO BENEFIT REACH OF MACON COUNTY

A Mardi Gras Dinner to benefit REACH of Macon County will be held at Root + Barrel Kitchen on Main Street on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm.
Reserved tickets are $75 and open seating is $60.
More information is on the flyer posted here.





Weather Extremes Almanac for February 18, 2017



North Carolina

High Temperature 86ºF in Greenevers, Duplin County in 1927
Low Temperature -18ºF in Brevard, Transylvania County in 1958
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 4.00 inches in Fayetteville, Cumberland County in 1879
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 19.8 inches in Greenevers, Duplin County in 1896

Macon County

High Temperature 73ºF in Franklin in 1890
Low Temperature -6ºF in Highlands in 1900
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 2.59 inches in Highlands in 1940
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 11.0 inches in Highlands in 1979


Astronomy


Twilight Begins: 6:50 am
Sunrise: 7:16 am
Sunset 6:19 pm
Twilight Ends: 6:45 pm
Day Length: 11 hours 55 minutes
Sunrise to Sunset: 11 hours 3 minutes



Moon Phase: Last Quarter at 2:33 pm
Moonrise 12:50 am
Moonset 11:47 am



Observing the Skies

Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 8:30 pm tonight



Venus and Mars are the bright evening planets.

VENUS
Rises 8:44 am
Sets 9:28 pm
Brightness -4.5 Magnitude
Distance 0.418 AU
Constellation: Pisces

MARS
Rises 9:19 am
Sets 9:53 pm
Brightness 1.3 Magnitude
Distance: 1.968 AU
Constellation: Pisces



Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




MERCURY
Rises 6:51 am
Sets 5:10 pm
Brightness -0.4 Magnitude
Distance 1.358 AU
Constellation: Capricornus

SATURN 

Rises 3:28 am
Sets 1:13 pm
Brightness 1.4 Magnitude
Distance: 10.443 AU
Constellation: Ophiuchus

JUPITER
Rises 10:24 pm
Sets 9:44 am
Brightness -2.1 Magnitude
Distance: 4.800 AU
Constellation: Virgo




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine



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

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space

Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

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





CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any
local news outlets.

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

Published at 5:08 am on Feb 18, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


Be kind to one another.


Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, 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