An individual brought in a package of unidentified chemicals that was emitting a foul odor throughout the building. Out of an abundance of caution, the building was closed, and all visitors and staff were sent home.

Macon County Emergency Management was called to the scene, who called in the Regional Hazardous Response team based in Asheville to identify the substance and verify that the building was safe to re-enter. The chemicals were identified as insecticides and was able to re-open on a limited scale the same day. Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin Fire Department were on the scene as a part of the investigative team and to ensure the safety of others.

Macon County Human Services has received the all-clear and will re-open during normal business hours on Wednesday, Dec. 30.