Local

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District or at-large voting?

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Members  of  the Macon County Planning Board met last week to discuss creating voting districts with fairer representation in county government.The May 7 meeting began with the swearing in of new member Larry Lackey.
Photo courtesy of The Village Green of Cashiers - The Village Green typically hosts The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival each year, featuring 100 artisan vendors who sell handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and other fine arts.

Photo courtesy of The Village Green of Cashiers - The Village Green typically hosts The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival each year, featuring 100 artisan vendors who sell handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and other fine arts.

A year-round hub for concerts and community events

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
The Village Green of Cashiers is a 13.2-acre park located in the heart of Cashiers, serving as a central community space for everyday activities, festivals and events.
Macon County tax administrator Abby Braswell discusses the process for the coming 2027 reappraisal. The process will result in Macon County property values being adjusted to more accurately reflect market price.

Macon County tax administrator Abby Braswell discusses the process for the coming 2027 reappraisal. The process will result in Macon County property values being adjusted to more accurately reflect market price.

2027 revaluation approaches

News Staff
Thursday, April 30, 2026
"Three years after the last property tax reappraisal in 2023, Macon County is preparing for a new valuation which is likely to raise the taxable values of most county properties, county tax administrator Abby Braswell said.
Anna Ferguson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was sworn in as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives during a session in Raleigh, on Tuesday, April 21. She will represent District 119 and serve out the term of the late Rep. Mike Clampitt.

Anna Ferguson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was sworn in as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives during a session in Raleigh, on Tuesday, April 21. She will represent District 119 and serve out the term of the late Rep. Mike Clampitt.

HISTORY MADE IN DISTRICT 119

News Staff
Thursday, April 30, 2026
"Local Republican leaders chose Anna Ferguson, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee (EBCI) and Jackson County resident, to finish the remainder of the late N.C. Rep. Mike Clampitt’s term in the General Assembly.
Sgt. Mark Leamon and law enforcement officers with a Special Olympian. | Photo courtesy of Bill Davis/Jackson County

Sgt. Mark Leamon and law enforcement officers with a Special Olympian. | Photo courtesy of Bill Davis/Jackson County

Torch Run unites Jackson County police, Special Olympics

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Two dozen law enforcement officers from seven different agencies in Jackson County participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to signify the opening of the Special Olympic games in the county on April 19.
Wavra enjoys the scenery on the boat of the eXXpedition voyage from the Galapagos Islands to Easter Island in 2020. | Photo courtesy of Lynsi Wavra

Wavra enjoys the scenery on the boat of the eXXpedition voyage from the Galapagos Islands to Easter Island in 2020. | Photo courtesy of Lynsi Wavra

PROTECTING PLACES, INSPIRING CHANGE

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Whether she’s testing microplastics on Easter Island or working in the field with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Lynsi Wavra has built a career dedicated to preserving the places she calls home.
"Shrek: The Musical" cast members practice at the PAC ahead of their opening weekend beginning April 24. | Photo courtesy of Lee Trevathan

"Shrek: The Musical" cast members practice at the PAC ahead of their opening weekend beginning April 24. | Photo courtesy of Lee Trevathan

Ogre the Top

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Highlands Performing Arts Center’s Educational Theatre will present its third all-community production, Shrek: The Musical, from April 24 to April 26, featuring performers of all ages and a story centered on friendship and selfacceptance.
de Graffenried takes a break to catch a view on a hike to Tugela Falls in Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Dec. 24, 2024. | Photo courtesy of Jeff de Graffenried

de Graffenried takes a break to catch a view on a hike to Tugela Falls in Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Dec. 24, 2024. | Photo courtesy of Jeff de Graffenried

CONSERVATION AT HEART

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Plateau resident Jeff de Graffenried is preparing to traverse one of America’s most challenging hikes, the Continental Divide Trail, spanning 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, to raise funds for the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.
Oak Steakhouse’s Restaurant Week special menu offered mushroom toast, crab chips, 100 oz cab hanger steak and pavlova. | Photo courtesy of Oak Steakhouse

Oak Steakhouse’s Restaurant Week special menu offered mushroom toast, crab chips, 100 oz cab hanger steak and pavlova. | Photo courtesy of Oak Steakhouse

Highlands Restaurant Week debut boosts foot traffic

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The first annual Highlands Restaurant Week, hosted by Stubborn Seeds Hospitality Group and The Laurel Magazine, ran April 6-12, featuring special menus, new dishes, and multi-course experiences at 21 participating venues throughout Highlands.