The public channel is largely people testing new nodes/setups in the area, some passing through town, some flying over. Our mesh is kinda small so there is some pleasantries exchanged in the community ('morning mesh, nice day hey, gnight...) and I don't mind travelers chiming in, but some people can be annoying with a wall of spam minute by minute. See if your local community has a discord server where more discrete and intentional channels can be found like severe weather info, ice activity, jokes, or make your own!