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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.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Outlook

High pressure, clear skies, and above normal temperatures will dominate the local weather pattern through the upcoming weekend. The next frontal system may impact the area later this weekend.

News Brief

The Macon County Fire Marshal's Office has sent out a press release regarding a structure fire on Marion Thomas Road that occurred early Sunday morning.

Press Release
Macon County Fire Marshal's Office
December 23, 2019
Jimmy Teem, Fire Marshal

Fire caused significant damage to a residence at 115 Marion Thomas Road in Otto early Sunday morning. Otto Fire and Rescue responded to the residence around 3 A.M. The fire is believed to have originated near a wood stove. Three occupants were home at the time but no injuries were reported. Otto was assisted by Clarks Chapel and West Macon Fire Departments.

Macon Media covered the response to the fire on Facebook. [LINK]

Area fire departments and the fire marshal have responded to another fire at the same location early this morning. Macon Media coverage of the new fire is on Facebook. [LINK]

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

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

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

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

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not anticipated today.

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WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Areas of fog in the morning. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s. Calm winds.

Christmas Eve

Patchy fog overnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s. Calm winds.

Christmas Day

Patchy fog in the morning. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s. Calm winds.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40. Calm winds.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-40s.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Areas of fog in the morning. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s. Light and variable winds.

Christmas Eve

Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Calm winds.

Christmas Day

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s. Calm winds.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40. Calm winds.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-40s.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 50s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning shifting to come out of the southeast in the afternoon.

Christmas Eve

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Christmas Day

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Calm winds.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40. Calm winds increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 50s.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 40s.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Patchy fog in the morning. Otherwise, sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 60s. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph becoming calm by midmorning.

Christmas Eve

Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows around 40. Calm winds.

Christmas Day

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 60s. Calm winds.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40. Calm winds.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 60s.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-40s.

Published at 4:00am on December 24, 2019

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, December 2019

Outlook

The coastal low-pressure system and associated rain will push offshore Tuesday leaving high pressure, clear skies and above normal temperatures in its wake. The next frontal system may impact the area later this weekend.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media 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 can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Weather Hazards

Gusty easterly winds will persist today. The higher ridges could see gusts above 40 mph at times.

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly before 3pm. Patchy fog before 1pm. Highs near 55. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph becoming calm before midnight. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with highs in the upper 60s. Calm winds.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Christmas Day

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly before 4pm. Patchy fog before 1pm. Highs in the mid-50s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 7pm. Patchy fog between 9pm and 11pm. Otherwise, cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with lows in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northeast 3 to 7 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with highs in the upper 60s. Light winds out of the north.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Calm winds.

Christmas Day

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly before 4pm. Patchy fog. Highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Winds out of the northeast 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 8pm. Patchy fog before 11pm. Otherwise, cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with lows around 45. Winds out of the northeast 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 50s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Christmas Day

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly before 1pm. Patchy fog before 1pm. High near 52. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of rain before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with highs in the mid-60s. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph becoming calm by midmorning.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Calm winds.

Christmas Day

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 60s.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40.

Published at 5:00am on December 23, 2019

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, December 22, 2019

12/22/2019 05:21:00 AM Daily Weather Briefing , December 2019 Weather 0 comments

Outlook

Low pressure developing over the Gulf of Mexico today will cross northern Florida and southern Georgia tonight into early Monday, then track east of the South Carolina coast by late Monday. This will bring widespread rain to much of the region before the rainfall gradually tapers off from the west Monday night. Warm high pressure will build in behind the departing low starting Tuesday and dominate our weather on through at least Friday. Temperatures on Christmas Day is expected to be in the 60s.

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Weather Hazards

Gusty easterly winds will develop today and persist through Monday. The winds may gust to between 30 and 40 mph starting tonight, and ridgetop locations could see gusts above 40 mph at times.

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly after 1pm. Highs near 50. Light winds out of the northeast. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

Rain. Lows around 40. Winds out of the northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Monday

Rain, mainly before 1pm. Highs in the mid-to-upper 50s. Winds out of the northeast around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 40s. Light winds out of the northeast.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with highs near 70. Calm winds.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly after noon. Highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Rain. Lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible.

Monday

Rain, mainly before 1pm. Highs in the mid-50s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northeast 3 to 6 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s. Light winds out of the northeast wind.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the lower 40s.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly after noon. Highs near 40. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Lows around 40. Winds out of the northeast 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Monday

Rain, mainly before 3pm. High near 46. Winds out of the northeast 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the northeast 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 50s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Rain, mainly after 1pm. Highs in the mid-40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the east 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Rain. Lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible.

Monday

Rain likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. Winds out of the east 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday Night

A 20 percent chance of rain before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s. Light winds out of the northeast.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 40.

Published at 5:21am on December 22, 2019

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, December 21, 2019

12/21/2019 04:11:00 AM Daily Weather Briefing , December 2019 Weather 0 comments

Outlook

High pressure will remain along the East Coast today, then begin to shift east, as an area of low pressure develops in the Gulf of Mexico tonight through Sunday. The low will track east across northern Florida Sunday night, and off the Georgia coast on Monday, bringing some precipitation to the forecast area for Sunday through Monday. Dry and warm high pressure builds in behind the departing low for the middle of next week.

Winter Begins Today

Winter officially begins today at 11:19am.

This is the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day of the year. What happens at the winter solstice? Why is the solstice important? Enjoy solstice facts and folklore from The Old Farmer’s Almanac. [LINK]

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not anticipated today.

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. Calm winds.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday

Rain likely before noon, then showers likely between noon and 4pm, then rain likely after 4pm. Cloudy, with highs near 50. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Rain likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday

A 50 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with highs near 60.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. Calm winds.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with lows around 40. Calm winds. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday

Rain likely before noon, then showers likely between noon and 4pm, then rain likely after 4pm. Cloudy, with highs near 50. Winds out of the northeast 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Rain likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday

A 50 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with highs near 60.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Light and variable winds.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Calm winds increasing to come out of the northeast around 5 mph before midnight. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday

Rain likely, mainly between 10am and noon, then showers likely after noon. Cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Rain likely, mainly before 2am. Cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the northeast 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday

A chance of rain before 5pm, then a chance of showers after 5pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 50s. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds.

Tonight

Cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s. Calm winds.

Sunday

Rain likely, mainly after noon. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds increasing to come out of the east 5 to 10 mph by midmorning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Rain. Lows around 40. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday

Rain likely, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-50s. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 40.

Published at 4:12am on December 21, 2019

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, December 20, 2019

12/20/2019 03:58:00 AM Daily Weather Briefing , December 2019 Weather 0 comments

Outlook

High pressure will remain over the region through Saturday. A low-pressure system will then develop over the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend and could bring precipitation to the forecast area on Sunday and Monday. Dry and very warm conditions develop for the middle of next week.

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Weather Hazards

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs near 55. Calm winds.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30. Calm winds.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Light winds out of the southeast.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Sunday

A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50.

Sunday Night

A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Light and variable winds.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Calm winds.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Light winds out of the southeast.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds increasing to come out of the northeast around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday

Rain likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night

A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northeast around 6 mph in the morning shifting to come out of the south in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 40. Calm winds increasing to come out of the east around 5 mph by midmorning.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 35. Winds out of the northeast 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night

Rain likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30. Calm winds.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds increasing to come out of the southeast around 5 mph by noon.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds increasing to come out of the east around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday

A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s.

Sunday Night

A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s.

Published at 4:00am on December 20, 2019

Edited at 5:14am to update hazardous weather segment.

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, December 19, 2019

12/19/2019 04:01:00 AM 2020 elections , Daily Weather Briefing , December 2019 Weather , Impeachment Hearings 0 comments

Outlook

High pressure will remain atop the region through Saturday. A low-pressure system will develop over the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend and could bring precipitation to the forecast area on Sunday and Monday. Dry and very warm conditions develop for the middle of next week.

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.

To claim your guest pass, and to learn more about Franklin Health & Fitness, click here: franklinhealthandfitness.com

News Brief

Fundraiser for Family Who Lost House in Fire
A community effort to raise funds for a family who lost their home in a structure is underway. Those who are interested can contribute via GoFundMe. [LINK]

Coverage of the response to the fire. [LINK]

President Trump Impeached by US House

While Macon Media rarely covers national news, we would be remiss if we did not provide some coverage of the recent impeachment of the President. Our style is to provide as complete coverage as possible, providing video (where possible) of entire proceedings in order to avoid the inevitable bias that comes from cherry-picking quotes or what items in the process to report upon. What the news media reports are just as important as what they omit. Here is an attempt to do provide as complete coverage as possible without choosing sides by inclusion or omission.

Full video of the public portion of the impeachment hearings can be seen on C-SPAN. [PROCEEDINGS LINK]

[LINK TO C-SPAN COVERAGE OF CLOSING ARGUMENTS]

CNN VIDEO OF CLOSING ARGUMENTS

For those of you who can't stream video, a thorough article (with lots of links so you can read the source material) of the process can be found on Wikipedia. [LINK]

Congressman Mark Meadows voted against both articles of impeachment.

Article I [LINK]
Article II [LINK]

Meadows will be retiring at the end of his present term and Jim Davis of Macon County will be filing today to run for the 11th Congressional District seat.

Visitor Limitations Are Now In Place at Mission Health Hospitals

•Due to increased flu activity in North Carolina, Mission Health has implemented visitor limitations for all Mission Health hospitals, effective December 16, 2019.

•We encourage visitors younger than 12 and anyone who does not feel well to call patients rather than visit them in the hospital. Visitors can call the main number (828) 213-1111 and be directed to the patient.

•You can help prevent the spread of influenza by practicing frequent hand hygiene, wearing a face mask, staying home if you are sick and by getting an annual influenza vaccine. Wash your hands before and after visiting the hospital and use the hand sanitizing stations that are placed at hospital entrances and throughout the buildings.

This precaution is being implemented at Mission Hospital in Asheville and its sister hospitals in Western North Carolina, including: CarePartners in Asheville, Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion, Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, Angel Medical Center in Franklin and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands.

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Weather Hazards

A wind advisory for the county will expire at 7am and rain will be moving out this morning and early afternoon. After that, no hazardous weather is expected today.

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the lower 50s. Calm winds.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Calm winds.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Light and variable winds.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Calm winds.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy, with highs in the lower 50s.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. Light and variable winds.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Calm winds.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 35.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs near 40. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-to-upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming light and variable before midnight.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs near 45. Light and variable winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30. Winds out of the east 3 to 5 mph.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the lower 40s.

Saturday Night

A chance of rain before 1am, then a chance of rain and snow between 1am and 2am, then a chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs near 50. Light winds out of the southeast.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Light winds out of the southeast.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 35.

Published at 3:55am on December 19, 2019

Plan Ahead for Expected Heavy Traffic Through the Holidays

12/18/2019 12:09:00 PM NCDOT , Press Release 0 comments

PRESS RELEASE
NCDOT
DECEMBER 18, 2019
RALEIGH – Construction work that would require lane closures along major highways will be suspended by the N.C. Department of Transportation from Friday, Dec. 20 to Thursday, Jan. 2 to accommodate travelers for Christmas and New Year’s Day.

There will be some locations where the type of project or construction conditions make it unsafe to open all lanes on interstates, U.S. and major N.C. highways. That includes where a bridge is being replaced, or where lanes are blocked off with concrete barriers so drivers must still be alert for any lane closure signs.

With traditional heavy traffic expected over the nearly two-week period, travelers need to plan ahead. Before starting their trip, drivers can check DriveNC.gov to see if there are any issues with their preferred route. Once underway, a passenger in the vehicle can check the same site for updates or call 511 for the information between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1.

Ideally, drivers can leave early to get a head start and be on the road at non-peak hours. The weekends before Christmas and New Year’s Day, as well as Dec. 24, will see the heaviest traffic congestion periods for most of the state, especially on interstates such as I-95, I-77, I-85, I-40 and I-26. Drivers should anticipate needing extra time to reach their destination and consider using an alternative route if possible.

Because of the expected heavy volume, drivers need to avoid distracted driving situations such as texting or using a cellphone so they are paying close attention to the road. And all occupants of a vehicle must be wearing a seat belt.

Expect a heavy law enforcement presence on the roadways, as the Governor’s Highway Safety Program annual Holiday “Booze It & Lose It” campaign is already under way. Through January 5, law enforcement agencies in all 100 North Carolina counties will conduct enhanced patrols to assist travelers, catch drunk drivers and enforce other traffic laws.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, December 18, 2019

12/18/2019 05:00:00 AM Daily Weather Briefing , December 2019 Weather 0 comments

Outlook

High pressure builds into the region today and lingers through Friday. A low-pressure system will develop over the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend and could bring precipitation to the forecast area on Saturday and Sunday. Dry and very warm conditions develop for the middle of next week.

Visitor Limitations Are Now In Place at Mission Health Hospitals

•Due to increased flu activity in North Carolina, Mission Health has implemented visitor limitations for all Mission Health hospitals, effective December 16, 2019.

•We encourage visitors younger than 12 and anyone who does not feel well to call patients rather than visit them in the hospital. Visitors can call the main number (828) 213-1111 and be directed to the patient.

•You can help prevent the spread of influenza by practicing frequent hand hygiene, wearing a face mask, staying home if you are sick and by getting an annual influenza vaccine. Wash your hands before and after visiting the hospital and use the hand sanitizing stations that are placed at hospital entrances and throughout the buildings.

This precaution is being implemented at Mission Hospital in Asheville and its sister hospitals in Western North Carolina, including CarePartners in Asheville, Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion, Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, Angel Medical Center in Franklin and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands.

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Weather Hazards

A wind advisory for the county will expire at 7am and rain will be moving out this morning and early afternoon. After that, no hazardous weather is expected today.

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 25. Calm winds.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. Light and variable winds.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-to-upper 20s. Calm winds.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. Light and variable winds.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs near 35. Winds out of the northwest 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the north 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph shifting to come out of the south in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Light and variable winds increasing to come out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph by midmorning.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs in the upper 30s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Light and variable winds.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing.

Published at 5:00am on December 18, 2019

Senior Center Celebrates 90+ Birthdays

12/17/2019 01:55:00 PM Press Release , Senior Center 0 comments

PRESS RELEASE
MACON COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES CENTER

The Crawford Senior Services Center recently recognized all participants who celebrated a 90+ birthday in 2019. Shown here are (seated l to r) Lucille Green, Olga Bell, and Dorothy Crawford. Standing (l to r) are Nancy Brandon, Molly Gibney, Leroy Miller, Betty Dieckmann, George Moses, Joanna Morris and Pat Kendall.

For information on services at the Crawford Senior Services Center, please call (828) 349-2058.

###
Published at 1:55pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, December 17, 2019

12/17/2019 04:11:00 AM Daily Weather Briefing , December 2019 Weather 0 comments

Outlook

A cold front with widespread showers and a few thunderstorms will cross the area today. High pressure will bring a return to near or below normal temperatures and dry conditions for the middle part of the week. Active weather may return for the weekend.

Overnight Lightning Strikes Damage One House, Destroy Another in Cullasaja

At least two houses were struck by lighting during overnight storms, with one home off Bethel Church Road suffering interior electrical damage. Another home on Nickajack Road caught fire after being struck. Firefighters arrived to find the home fully involved in fire. Cullasja Gorge, Clarks Chapel, Franklin, Mountain Valley, and Cowee Fire Departments responded to the call.

Visitor Limitations Are Now In Place at Mission Health Hospitals

•Due to increased flu activity in North Carolina, Mission Health has implemented visitor limitations for all Mission Health hospitals, effective today, December 16, 2019.

•We encourage visitors younger than 12 and anyone who does not feel well to call patients rather than visit them in the hospital. Visitors can call the main number (828) 213-1111 and be directed to the patient.

•You can help prevent the spread of influenza by practicing frequent hand hygiene, wearing a face mask, staying home if you are sick and by getting an annual influenza vaccine. Wash your hands before and after visiting the hospital and use the hand sanitizing stations that are placed at hospital entrances and throughout the buildings.

This precaution is being implemented at Mission Hospital in Asheville and its sister hospitals in Western North Carolina, including CarePartners in Asheville, Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion, Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, Angel Medical Center in Franklin and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands.

THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.

WEATHER SPONSOR

Weather Hazards

A wind advisory for the county will expire at 7am and rain will be moving out this morning and early afternoon. After that, no hazardous weather is expected today.

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Showers, mainly before 11am. Patchy fog before noon. Temperatures falling from the mid-50s at 6am to the mid-40s by 6pm. South southwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm before midnight.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs in the lower 50s.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s.

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

Showers, mainly before noon. Patchy fog before noon. Temperatures falling from the mid-50s at 6am to the mid-40s by 6pm. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning shifting to come out of the northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the north 3 to 7 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs near 50.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Showers before 1pm, then a slight chance of rain. Patchy fog before 1pm. Temperatures falling from the mid-50s at 6am to near 40 during by 6pm. Winds out of the southwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning shifting to come out of the northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 30s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs near 40.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s.

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

Showers, mainly before 11am. Patchy fog before 2pm. Temperatures falling from the mid-50s at 6am to around 40 by 6pm. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning shifting to come out of the northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with highs near 40. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the north 3 to 7 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs in the upper 40s.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s.

Published at 4:11am on December 17, 2019

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