As of Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Internet access
Internet access was restored for part of the county by Monday evening. For those still without internet service, free public WiFi is available at the following locations:
• Town of Franklin – throughout the Main Street area. The town reported more than 3,000 people used the service on Monday. To ensure connectivity for everyone, they ask that people not use the service for nonessential uses such as gaming and watching shows or movies.
• Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd.
• Otto Community Building, 60 Firehouse Rd.
Over the weekend the Verizon store on Dowdle Mountain Road provided much-needed internet access with a password posted on the door since the business was closed.
FEMA assistance
FEMA gave Macon and other WNC counties a Major Disaster Declaration, meaning if you had private property damage due to Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.
Convenience Centers
The Highlands Road convenience center was closed to the public due to a downed powerline and pole on Monday, but reopened to the public on Tuesday. The Buck Creek center opened Monday. As of Tuesday, neither station had power, so the compactors are not working. Macon County Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl said they have open-top containers in place.
“There could be some interruption of service due to lingering communication issues that could delay getting full containers switched out. Otherwise, we will be open,” Stahl said Tuesday. “If we do have to close, an attendant will be on site during operating hours to advice the public.”
The Scaly Mountain site is open for half days for now, Stahl added. At the Highlands transfer station, Stahl called it “hit and miss” since trucks can’t take Highway 106 up there.
“We’re turning away big loads for now from contractors, with the possible exception of brush,” Stahl said. “We’re trying to keep as much capacity for ma and pop.”
Storm debris should be taken to the landfill on Lakeside Drive in Franklin. Stahl said Highlands debris can be brought to the landfill since trucks cannot travel from Highlands.
Customers will have to pay normal tipping fees. Stahl said people should keep their receipts for potential reimbursement if their waste is storm related.
Yard debris collection
Town of Franklin residents who are cleaning up yard debris within the town limits are allowed one free pick up annually. The next brush pickup week will begin on Oct. 7. The guidelines for brush preparation and schedule for pick up can be found online at franklinnc.com; on the Departments tab, click on Streets Department.
Town Manager Amie Owens said Monday the roads in the town limits are clear and crews are continuing to monitor tree damage and removing any remaining debris from roadways. Later this week, the street sweeper will be used to remove silt/sand debris from certain roadways. Crews are checking storm drains and culverts for blockages.
Transit
Macon County Transit is running all Franklin routes. Highlands, Nantahala and out-of-county trips are not running. Macon County Transit is asking people to reschedule when they are able.
Schools
Ahead of Helene, Macon County Schools had scheduled virtual learning days for Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26 and 27. Schools remained closed through today, Wednesday, Oct. 2. Meal pickup will be available today, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at East Franklin Elementary School, Iotla Valley Elementary School, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and South Macon Elementary School. School is expected to resume on Thursday.
Franklin High School: The PreACT scheduled for Oct. 8 has been moved to Oct. 30. Oct. 8 was originally scheduled as a virtual day, but it will now be a regular school day. The SAT scheduled for Oct. 5 has been moved to Oct. 19. The PSAT scheduled for Oct. 18 will be held as planned.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee school resumed on Monday. The Highlands bus route was canceled due to the Highway 106 closure. Most other bus routes were operating as usual.
Western Carolina University has cancelled classes for the remainder of the week. All non-mandatory offices are closed. Administration, university public safety, dining and residential services will remain operational.
Southwestern Community College is closed through Oct. 4.
Court
The Macon County Court business (and all other WNC county court business) between the dates of Sept. 26 and Oct. 14 shall be deemed timely if filed by the close of business on Oct. 14, according to an N.C. Supreme Court decree.
Local government offices
Macon County and Town of Franklin offices are open with regular hours.
National Forests
As response efforts continue throughout Western North Carolina, all recreation sites will remain closed on the Pisgah and Nantahala until assessments can be safely conducted.
“Our first priority is the safety of our staff and visitors, and conditions on both forests are simply too hazardous for crews to begin clean-up efforts. The public can help us in our efforts to reopen both the Pisgah and Nantahala by staying off both forests until our work is complete. Regardless of whether someone is an experienced hiker, camper or off-roader, forest rangers and emergency services won’t be able to reach them if something were to happen,” stated a release from Public Affairs Officer Adam Rondeau.
Pisgah and Nantahala offices, as well as the Supervisor’s Office in Asheville, will remain closed until further notice.
Cancellations and closings
The fundraiser for Appalachian Animal Rescue Center originally scheduled for Sept. 28 was postponed until Saturday, Oct. 5.
The Bee Club meeting for Oct. 3 is canceled.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues business forum set for Oct. 4 has been cancelled.
Operation Christmas Child kick off events scheduled for this week have been cancelled.
Mountain Findings in Highlands is closed. They will resume operations once power is restored. Drop-offs can be made, but pickups are on hold.