The N.C. Department of Labor provides labor law posters free of charge to the public, but that has never stopped private poster companies from trying to make a buck off businesses by threatening them with huge fines. Be aware that poster companies have recently added email messages and phone calls to their toolbox of tricks.

“This is my annual reminder to ignore the ridiculous solicitations,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “Your tax dollars have already purchased your business a poster, so save your money and call NCDOL for your free set.”

Classes start three weeks earlier to end first semester before Christmas

At a meeting of the state board of education last Thursday, a calendar waiver for Macon County Schools was approved that integrates two, week-long periods for catch-up or enrichment of students in various subjects. The alternative calendar for the 2011/12 school year, which was approved by the county school board at a February meeting, begins classes on Aug. 4, three weeks earlier than last year's calendar and the Aug. 25 start date proscribed by North Carolina law.

A small, lazy fishing village on the northeastern coast of Japan, Rikuzentakata was the kind of town memorialized in the sentimental “enka” pop songs of the postwar 60s and 70s. The graceful cedar trees which lined the harbor helped to shield the town from the cool sea breezes that constantly blew in from the Pacific Ocean. Behind the trees, a 20-foot high concrete embankment with gigantic flood gates spanned the bay-shore and gave the citizens of Rikuzentakata assurance of protection in the event of a tsunami, the ocean waves frequently triggered by earthquakes.

Before moving to Franklin and reporting for Macon County News, I lived in Japan for almost eight years. During that time, I had the privilege of visiting Rikuzentakata on numerous occasions.

Facilities expansion continuing as Airport Authority seeks financing

As the Macon County Airport continues to develop the extension of its runway, the Airport Authority is now looking to increase its water supply. Obtaining the additional water supply is something Authority officials said they have been seeking since 2008.

At a recent meeting of the Airport Authority, Chairman Milles Gregory said that the current well water supply the Airport has is inadequate, and asked County Commissioner Bob Kuppers whether the county could extend its water supply from the Riverbend community, along Hwy. 28 North, to the airport property.