Well, weather for most of us was a complete bust — so depending on if you like snow or not — you are happy or sad this morning. It did get freakishly cold overnight — taking down the last of the Christmas decorations yesterday, we had the windows open and even got a little too hot — then by around 4 am we woke to the longest, loudest rolling thunder I have ever experienced. This morning walking the pups, it was chilly. I don’t think this weather is something you ever really get used to — but honestly I hope I never stop being surprised by Mother Nature! 

You may notice some changes to the Southern Scoop Facebook page — our logo proudly says “Brought to you by Evan Harrell Realty.”  This is one of several exciting new partnerships we have in 2022!! Because of new advertisers like this and the continued support of longstanding advertisers, such as Kelly Penland with Bald Head Realty — which sponsors this newsletter, and individual monthly patrons— The Southern Scoop is currently in a position to not only be sustainable in 2022 — but to continue to grow!! I am able to focus more time and energy on The Southern Scoop and I am forever grateful to you all for that! 

Speaking of — I wanted you all to be the FIRST to know — I am touring Franklin’s new Chick-Fil-A this week and will be able to release the GRAND OPENING INFORMATION! So stay tuned! If you remember — when I first broke the news about Chick-Fil-A, there were many people who doubted it — so much so that I issued a challenge that if it didn’t happen, I would buy anyone lunch who accepted my bet — but if it was built, that person would have to buy me Chick-Fil-A — I just hate no one took me up on my offer! I would be eating pretty well for quite a while! 

Demolition on the old Walmart is set to begin this week. I want to be clear that the Ingles that will be constructed there will REPLACE the current Ingles in the Holly Springs Shopping Center. So this will not be an additional Ingles, instead it will essentially be an upgrade to the existing one. 

For folks in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties — I know the winter weather caused some confusion today, but remember that schools will be back in session beginning TOMORROW (TUESDAY). Not all schools start tomorrow — for example, Franklin Area schools (NOT HIGHLANDS OR NANTAHALA) do not start until Wednesday. Be careful on the roads and be mindful that bus riders may need a day or two to get back into the swing of things. So prepare to show a little bit of Grace in the mornings and afternoons if your commute involves bus traffic. 

I hope each of you have an incredible week and an absolutely magical 2022!