Notice

I am working on the template of this blog today in order to chase down some problems that have developed with my template and widgets.

Macon County Commissioners

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

Franklin Town Board of Aldermen

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

Macon County School Board

Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County School Board.

Photoblog

Photos from my photoblog.

nullspace for future use

nullspace for future use

About

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, March 28, 2018





STRUCTURE FIRE DONATIONS

On March 19th, Steve Tippett's home caught fire and friends have established a GoFundMe to help.
LINK >> https://www.gofundme.com/tippett-family-house-fire


LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cool wedge of high pressure over the region will erode late tonight into early Wednesday and allow temperatures to rebound to above normal for Wednesday and Thursday. Moisture will then increase ahead of an approaching cold front, which is expected to move through the region late Thursday into early Friday.


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:



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 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 81°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 14°F in Franklin in 1982
Greatest Rainfall 2.64 inches in Highlands in 1898
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 2.3 inches in Highlands in 1893

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

The images below represent the daily forecast at 8 am for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Click on any of them to enlarge.




Macon Media is experimenting with the three-day outlook to give a more tailored outlook for different areas of the county and will be experimenting with locations and formats. Feel free to give feedback at fb.com/MaconMediaNews

----------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs near 70. (!) Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast shifting to come out of the southwest in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 50s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the east.

THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs near the upper 60s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest. 60% chance of rain, mainly after noon.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows near 50. Winds out of the southwest. 80% chance of rain.

FRIDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the mid-60s. 60% chance of rain, mainly before 7 am.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near the upper 30s.

-----------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s and winds starting out light and variable in the morning, then 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest in the afternoon. 60% chance of rain, mainly after noon. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 50s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the east.

THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest. 60% chance of rain, mainly after noon. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows near the lower 50s and winds out of the west. 80% chance of rain.

FRIDAY

Partly sunny with highs near the mid-60s and winds out of the west. 60% chance of rain, mainly before 8 am.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 40. Some locations will dip into the upper 30s.

---------------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs near 60. Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the southwest, gusting to 25 mph

TONIGHT

Patchy fog expected to develop, mainly after 3 am. Mostly cloudy with lows near 50 and winds 5 to 15 mph out of the southwest, gusting up to 25 mph.

THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 60 and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest, gusting up to 20 mph. 70% chance of rain, mainly after noon.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the west. 80% chance of rain.

FRIDAY

Partly sunny with highs near the mid-50s. 60% chance of rain, mainly before 10 am.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s.

--------------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 60s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog is expected to develop after 3 am. Mostly cloudy with lows near 50 and winds around 10 mph our of the south.

THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 60s and winds around 10 mph out of the southwest. 70% chance of rain, mainly after 10 am with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s and winds out of the southwest. 80% chance of rain.

FRIDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the mid-50s. Rain should be over by 8 am or so.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the mid-30s.

----------------------------------------


GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
11:42 am to 2:52 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)
2:52 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!

From Bully to Buddy, A Community Forum

Bullying affects us all in different ways. Let’s work this out together.
Sincere invitations to the bully, the bullied and those in between — all ages — all genders
Featuring: interaction, role playing, dialogue, discovery and direction (and some fun!)

This forum will be taking place on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 PM - 8 PM
pin in Tartan Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street, Franklin, NC

Join the event page on Facebook to find out more and to receive updates. [LINK]


CARPENTER for SHERIFF


MEET and GREETS!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! They are now planned!!!
To all that wish to attend:

Highlands Library on March 24th 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.


Series of Dementia Workshops Coming in March and April

A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia is underway in Macon County with the support of area churches, the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging, Macon County Public Library, Angel Medical, Macon County Senior Services, and Macon County DSS.

Hickory Knoll United Methodist Church has partnered with a growing list of area churches throughout Macon County to host a workshop series, ‘Dementia Friends NC’ beginning on Tuesdays, March 20, 2018. Designed to help build awareness about dementia and identify ways local citizens can help people who are living with it in our community, the four-session workshop series is being made possible through a Missional Engagement Team Grant of the Smoky Mountain District of The United Methodist Church.

The 90-minute sessions will take place on four consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 20, 2018, with both afternoon and evening sessions offered, as well as choice of venue.  All 2:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the John & Dorothy Crawford Senior Center.   All 7:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the Macon County Public Library.


ALL WORKSHOPS WILL BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

More information, including a schedule of meeting locations and times, are on the blog. [LINK]

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.




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 7:00 a.m.
Sunrise 7:26 a.m.
Sun transit 1:39 p.m.
Sunset 7:52 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:17 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 5:48 a.m.
Moonrise 5:01 p.m.
Moon transit 11:49 p.m.
Moonset 6:29 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on March 28, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 90% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 31, 2018 at 8:37 a.m. (local daylight 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 3:15 am on March 28, 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. 



#RKBA #2A #μολὼνλαβέ

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Macon Calendar for March 27, 2018




MACON CALENDAR

Macon Calendar will be a twice-weekly standalone feature of Macon Media published at 8 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


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!





WALK THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Prepare for Easter by walking to the cross with Christ at Union United Methodist Church at 3768 Georgia Road (on the left going south on 441 just before Prentiss Bridge Subway)


Wednesday – Friday, March 28 – 30, from 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday, March 31, from 10 am to 3 pm

This is a self-guided journey following a printed guide. 
Go at your own pace. Sit and consider what Christ has done for you at each step.


Call 828-421-4571 to schedule groups or for more information.



From Bully to Buddy, A Community Forum

Bullying affects us all in different ways. Let’s work this out together.
Sincere invitations to the bully, the bullied and those in between — all ages — all genders
Featuring: interaction, role playing, dialogue, discovery and direction (and some fun!)

This forum will be taking place on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 PM - 8 PM
pin in Tartan Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street, Franklin, NC

Join the event page on Facebook to find out more and to receive updates. [LINK]


CARPENTER for SHERIFF


MEET and GREETS!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! They are now planned!!!
To all that wish to attend:

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.


Series of Dementia Workshops Coming in March and April

A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia is underway in Macon County with the support of area churches, the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging, Macon County Public Library, Angel Medical, Macon County Senior Services, and Macon County DSS.

Hickory Knoll United Methodist Church has partnered with a growing list of area churches throughout Macon County to host a workshop series, ‘Dementia Friends NC’ beginning on Tuesdays, March 20, 2018. Designed to help build awareness about dementia and identify ways local citizens can help people who are living with it in our community, the four-session workshop series is being made possible through a Missional Engagement Team Grant of the Smoky Mountain District of The United Methodist Church.

The 90-minute sessions will take place on four consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 20, 2018, with both afternoon and evening sessions offered, as well as choice of venue.  All 2:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the John & Dorothy Crawford Senior Center.   All 7:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the Macon County Public Library.


ALL WORKSHOPS WILL BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

More information, including a schedule of meeting locations and times, are on the blog. [LINK]

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.




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.





CROWDFUNDING 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 8:00 am on March 27, 2018

#MaconCalendar



Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, March 27, 2018





PARALLEL PARKING ADDED ON NORTH SIDE OF MAIN STREET


The Town of Franklin is experimenting with parallel parking on Main Street on Franklin for the next 90 days or so. Please be patient and be kind if you experience traffic delays in the area.

Click on any of the following photos to enlarge.





Macon Quad took some photos of the new parking pattern from the air. Check them out on Facebook. [LINK]




STRUCTURE FIRE DONATIONS

On March 19th, Steve Tippett's home caught fire and friends have established a GoFundMe to help.
LINK >> https://www.gofundme.com/tippett-family-house-fire


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Cool high pressure will remain in place east of the Appalachians and maintain a strong wedge pattern over the region through the end of today. This will result in well below normal temperatures today with values rebounding back above normal for Wednesday and Thursday. Moisture increases ahead of the next cold front, which is expected to move through the forecast area in the late Thursday to early Friday time frame.


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:



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 27th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2012
Lowest Temperature 4°F in Highlands in 1894
Greatest Rainfall 3.34 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1948
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 4.8 inches in Highlands in 1999

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

The images below represent the daily forecast at 8 am for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Click on any of them to enlarge.




Macon Media is experimenting with the three-day outlook to give a more tailored outlook for different areas of the county and will be experimenting with locations and formats. Feel free to give feedback at fb.com/MaconMediaNews

----------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid-50s and winds out of the southeast. 20% chance of rain, mainly as drizzle in the after noon.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog is expected to develop after midnight. Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s and variable light winds. 20% chance of rain, mainly in the form of drizzle.

WEDNESDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-60s. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast shifting to come out of the southwest by mid-morning.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-50s and winds out of the southwest. 50% chance of rain.

THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs near the upper 60s. 60% chance of rain.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the lower 50s. 70% chance of rain.

-----------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

TODAY

Cloudy with highs in the lower 50s and winds out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog overnight. Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s. 20% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-60s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-50s and winds out of the southwest. 50% chance of rain.

THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s. 60% chance of rain.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the lower 50s. 70% chance of rain.

---------------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s and winds out of the southwest. 40% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch expected.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog expected to develop overnight. Cloudy with lows in the lower 40s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest, gusting up to 20 mph. 20% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Cloudy with highs in the upper 50s. Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the southwest, gusting up to 25 mph. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50 and winds out of the southwest. 50% chance of rain.

THURSDAY

Cloudy with lows near 50 and winds out of the southwest. 60% chance of rain.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows near 50. 80% chance of rain.

--------------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

Cloudy with highs near 50 and winds out of the south. 20% chance of rain.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog is expected to develop overnight. Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s and winds out of the southwest. 20% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs near 60 and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest. 40% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 50s and winds out of the southwest.

THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs in the lower 60s. 70% chance of rain.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows near 50. 80% chance of rain.

----------------------------------------

GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
11:37 am to 2:47 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)
2:52 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!

From Bully to Buddy, A Community Forum

Bullying affects us all in different ways. Let’s work this out together.
Sincere invitations to the bully, the bullied and those in between — all ages — all genders
Featuring: interaction, role playing, dialogue, discovery and direction (and some fun!)

This forum will be taking place on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 PM - 8 PM
pin in Tartan Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street, Franklin, NC

Join the event page on Facebook to find out more and to receive updates. [LINK]


CARPENTER for SHERIFF


MEET and GREETS!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! They are now planned!!!
To all that wish to attend:

Highlands Library on March 24th 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.


Series of Dementia Workshops Coming in March and April

A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia is underway in Macon County with the support of area churches, the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging, Macon County Public Library, Angel Medical, Macon County Senior Services, and Macon County DSS.

Hickory Knoll United Methodist Church has partnered with a growing list of area churches throughout Macon County to host a workshop series, ‘Dementia Friends NC’ beginning on Tuesdays, March 20, 2018. Designed to help build awareness about dementia and identify ways local citizens can help people who are living with it in our community, the four-session workshop series is being made possible through a Missional Engagement Team Grant of the Smoky Mountain District of The United Methodist Church.

The 90-minute sessions will take place on four consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 20, 2018, with both afternoon and evening sessions offered, as well as choice of venue.  All 2:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the John & Dorothy Crawford Senior Center.   All 7:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the Macon County Public Library.


ALL WORKSHOPS WILL BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

More information, including a schedule of meeting locations and times, are on the blog. [LINK]

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.




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 7:02 a.m.
Sunrise 7:27 a.m.
Sun transit 1:39 p.m.
Sunset 7:51 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:16 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 5:03 a.m.
Moonrise 3:55 p.m.
Moon transit 10:55 p.m.
Moonset 5:48 a.m. tmorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on March 27, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 82% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on March 24, 2018 at 11:35 a.m. (local daylight 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 3:25 am on March 27, 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. 

Monday, March 26, 2018

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, March 26, 2018





STRUCTURE FIRE DONATIONS

On March 19th, Steve Tippett's home caught fire and friends have established a GoFundMe to help.
LINK >> https://www.gofundme.com/tippett-family-house-fire


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Low pressure will continue to move farther offshore this evening as strong high pressure builds down the Appalachians and sets up a strong wedge pattern over the Carolinas. This will result in well below normal temperatures through Tuesday with values rebounding back above normal for the mid to late week. Moisture increases ahead of the next cold front which is expected to move through the forecast area in the late Thursday to early Friday time frame.

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:



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 26th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 85°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 9°F in Highlands in 1894
Greatest Rainfall 3.20 inches in Nantahala in 1965
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 7.0 inches in Nantahala in 1971

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

The images below represent the daily forecast at 8 am for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Click on any of them to enlarge.




Macon Media is experimenting with the three-day outlook to give a more tailored outlook for different areas of the county and will be experimenting with locations and formats. Feel free to give feedback at fb.com/MaconMediaNews

----------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 50. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northeast.

TONIGHT

Cloudy with lows near 40. Winds out of the southeast before midnight, then from the southwest.30% chance of rain, mainly after 11 pm. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected

TUESDAY

Cloudy with highs in the lower 50s. Winds out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s. Winds out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid-60s. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-50s. 60% chance of rain, mainly after midnight.

-----------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

TODAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near the upper 40s. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast.

TONIGHT

Cloudy with lows near 40. Winds out of the southeast before midnight, then from the northeast. 40% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

TUESDAY

Cloudy with highs near 50 and winds out of the southeast. 40% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the lower 40s and winds out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY

Cloudy with highs in the lower 60s and wind out of the southeast.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-50s. 60% chance of rain, mainly after midnight.

---------------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 40 and wind chill values in the mid-30s to below freezing at times. Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the east with gusts up to 25 mph.

TONIGHT

Patchy dense fog in the morning. Cloudy with lows in the mid-30s and wind chill values below freezing. Wind 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 50% chance of rain/sleet snow with less than a tenth of an inch expected.

TUESDAY

Patchy dense fog in the morning. Cloudy with highs in the mid-40s. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 40% chance of rain with a rainfall amount of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the lower 40s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY

Cloudy with highs in the upper 50s. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows near 50. 50% chance of rain.

--------------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

Cloudy with highs near 50. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast.

TONIGHT

Cloudy with lows near 40 and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the south.

TUESDAY

Cloudy with highs near 50 and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain, mainly after 9 am with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY

Cloudy with highs in the lower 60s. 40% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the lower 50s. 60% chance of rain, mainly after midnight.

----------------------------------------


GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
11:52 am to 3:07 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)
3:12 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!

From Bully to Buddy, A Community Forum

Bullying affects us all in different ways. Let’s work this out together.
Sincere invitations to the bully, the bullied and those in between — all ages — all genders
Featuring: interaction, role playing, dialogue, discovery and direction (and some fun!)

This forum will be taking place on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 PM - 8 PM
pin in Tartan Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street, Franklin, NC

Join the event page on Facebook to find out more and to receive updates. [LINK]


CARPENTER for SHERIFF


MEET and GREETS!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! They are now planned!!!
To all that wish to attend:

Highlands Library on March 24th 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.


Series of Dementia Workshops Coming in March and April

A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia is underway in Macon County with the support of area churches, the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging, Macon County Public Library, Angel Medical, Macon County Senior Services, and Macon County DSS.

Hickory Knoll United Methodist Church has partnered with a growing list of area churches throughout Macon County to host a workshop series, ‘Dementia Friends NC’ beginning on Tuesdays, March 20, 2018. Designed to help build awareness about dementia and identify ways local citizens can help people who are living with it in our community, the four-session workshop series is being made possible through a Missional Engagement Team Grant of the Smoky Mountain District of The United Methodist Church.

The 90-minute sessions will take place on four consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 20, 2018, with both afternoon and evening sessions offered, as well as choice of venue.  All 2:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the John & Dorothy Crawford Senior Center.   All 7:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the Macon County Public Library.


ALL WORKSHOPS WILL BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

More information, including a schedule of meeting locations and times, are on the blog. [LINK]

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.




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 7:03 a.m.
Sunrise 7:29 a.m.
Sun transit 1:39 p.m.
Sunset 7:50 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:16 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 4:13 a.m.
Moonrise 2:49 p.m.
Moon transit 9:59 p.m.
Moonset 5:03 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on March 26, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 72% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on March 24, 2018 at 11:35 a.m. (local daylight 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 3:30 am on March 26, 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. 

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, March 25, 2018





STRUCTURE FIRE DONATIONS

Last Sunday afternoon, Steve Tippett's home caught fire and friends have established a GoFundMe to help.
LINK >> https://www.gofundme.com/tippett-family-house-fire


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Low pressure to our west will move along a warm front located just south of the forecast area today. This will bring a wintry mix to the northern mountains and cold light rain elsewhere. Well below normal temperatures will persist through Tuesday as strong high pressure builds down the Appalachians. Temperatures warm back to near normal for late week as high pressure moves offshore and moisture increases ahead of the next cold front.


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:



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 25th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 84°F in Highlands in 1929
Lowest Temperature 14°F in Franklin in 1956
Greatest Rainfall 3.14 inches in Highlands in 1901
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 5.5 inches in Highlands in 1971

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

The images below represent the daily forecast at 8 am for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Click on any of them to enlarge.




Macon Media is experimenting with the three-day outlook to give a more tailored outlook for different areas of the county and will be experimenting with locations and formats. Feel free to give feedback at fb.com/MaconMediaNews

----------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog, perhaps lasting until 11 am or so. Mostly cloudy with highs near the lower 50s. Variable light winds. 60% chance of rain with rainfall amount of less than a tenth of an inch expected. Rain should be over before 10 am. Light drizzle is possible throughout the day.

TONIGHT

Cloudy with lows near freezing (most locations should stay above freezing). Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain, mainly before midnight.

MONDAY

Partly sunny with highs near 50 and winds out of the southeast.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid-30s. Winds out of the southeast shifting to come out of the east around 9 pm or so.

TUESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-50s. 20% chance of rain.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-40s.

-----------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog before noon. Cloudy with highs near 50. Calm winds early, then from the southeast in the afternoon. 60% chance of rain, mainly before 7 am. Less than a tenth of an inch of rainfall is expected. Light drizzle is possible throughout the day.

TONIGHT

Cloudy with lows near freezing and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 30% chance of rain, mainly before midnight with a rainfall accumulation of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

MONDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the upper 40s to perhaps 50. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the east.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 30s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the east.

TUESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near the lower 50s. 30% chance of rain, mainly before noon.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 40s. 30% chance of rain.

---------------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog before 3 pm. Cloudy with highs in the mid-40s. Calm winds early, then 5 to 10 mph from the southeast in the afternoon hours. 60% chance of rain, mainly before 7 am. Slight chance of on and off drizzle all day.

TONIGHT

Patchy dense fog overnight. Cloudy with lows in the upper 20s and winds chill in the low to mid-20s. Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the east, gusting up to 20 mph. 20% chance rain/freezing rain before 10 am, then rain afterwards.

MONDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the upper 30s with wind chills making it feel like it is below freezing. Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the east, gusting to 20 mph.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near freezing and winds chill making it feel as cold as the mid-20s overnight. Winds10 to 15 mph out of the southeast, gusting up to 20 mph at times.

TUESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 50. 30% chance of rain, mainly before noon.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 40. 30% chance of rain.

--------------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

Patchy fog before noon. Mostly cloudy with highs near the lower 50s. Variable light winds. 60% chance of rain, mainly before 8 am. A light drizzle is possible off and on through the day. Less than a tenth of an inch of rainfall is expected.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog overnight. Cloudy with lows near freezing with wind chills in the upper 20s at times. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast.

MONDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the mid-40s and winds around 10 mph out of the southeast.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s and wind chills below freezing at times. Winds around 10 mph out of the southeast.

TUESDAY

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 50s and winds around 10 mph out of the southeast.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the lower 40s. 30% chance of rain.

----------------------------------------


GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop
12:02 am to 3:12 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)
3:12 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!

From Bully to Buddy, A Community Forum

Bullying affects us all in different ways. Let’s work this out together.
Sincere invitations to the bully, the bullied and those in between — all ages — all genders
Featuring: interaction, role playing, dialogue, discovery and direction (and some fun!)

This forum will be taking place on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 PM - 8 PM
pin in Tartan Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street, Franklin, NC

Join the event page on Facebook to find out more and to receive updates. [LINK]


CARPENTER for SHERIFF


MEET and GREETS!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! They are now planned!!!
To all that wish to attend:

Highlands Library on March 24th 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.


Series of Dementia Workshops Coming in March and April

A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia is underway in Macon County with the support of area churches, the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging, Macon County Public Library, Angel Medical, Macon County Senior Services, and Macon County DSS.

Hickory Knoll United Methodist Church has partnered with a growing list of area churches throughout Macon County to host a workshop series, ‘Dementia Friends NC’ beginning on Tuesdays, March 20, 2018. Designed to help build awareness about dementia and identify ways local citizens can help people who are living with it in our community, the four-session workshop series is being made possible through a Missional Engagement Team Grant of the Smoky Mountain District of The United Methodist Church.

The 90-minute sessions will take place on four consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 20, 2018, with both afternoon and evening sessions offered, as well as choice of venue.  All 2:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the John & Dorothy Crawford Senior Center.   All 7:00 p.m. sessions will be offered at the Macon County Public Library.


ALL WORKSHOPS WILL BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

More information, including a schedule of meeting locations and times, are on the blog. [LINK]

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.




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 7:05 a.m.
Sunrise 7:30 a.m.
Sun transit 1:39 p.m.
Sunset 7:49 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:15 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 3:18 a.m.
Moonrise 1:45 p.m.
Moon transit 9:01 p.m.
Moonset 4:13 a.m. tomorrow morning


Phase of the Moon on March 25, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 62% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on March 24, 2018 at 11:35 a.m. (local daylight 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 3:30 am on March 25, 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.