Local

Volunteers with the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau COVID-19 Vaccination Initiative gathered for a photo following a weekend vaccination clinic.

Volunteers with the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau COVID-19 Vaccination Initiative gathered for a photo following a weekend vaccination clinic.

Vaccination effort rolls on

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 18, 2021
A pair of weekend COVID-19 vaccination clinics wrapped up with 1,000 doses of vaccine being delivered as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau COVID-19 Vaccination Initiative continued its work fighting the coronavirus.
Dollar General opened Saturday on Cherrywood Drive in Highlands.

Dollar General opened Saturday on Cherrywood Drive in Highlands.

Dollar General open for business

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 18, 2021
A new chapter in Highlands’ retail sector began on Saturday when Dollar General opened its doors at 28 Cherrywood Drive. The new location, approximately halfway  between Highlands and Cashiers, is the first major retail chain to move into the Highlands market.
Highlands Lane Tingen (1) and Brent Sleight (3) defend the inbounds against Blue Ridge.

Highlands Lane Tingen (1) and Brent Sleight (3) defend the inbounds against Blue Ridge.

Highlands sweeps Blue Ridge

News Staff
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Highlands rolled to a 78-68 victory over the Blue Ridge Early College Bobcats on Friday night as the Bobcats failed to find answers for the Highlanders drives to the inside and unwavering defense throughout the night.
Macon County Sheriffs Office deputies made two arrests related to child pornography following an investigation that lasted several months.

Macon County Sheriffs Office deputies made two arrests related to child pornography following an investigation that lasted several months.

Arrests made in two child porn cases

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 18, 2021
An investigation by four law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of two Macon County men on charges related to the possession of child pornography.
Macon County Sheriffs Office deputies made two arrests related to child pornography following an investigation that lasted several months.

Macon County Sheriffs Office deputies made two arrests related to child pornography following an investigation that lasted several months.

Arrests made in two child porn cases

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 18, 2021
An investigation by four law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of two Macon County men on charges related to the possession of child pornography.
Highlands guard Jeffrey Olvera (5) knocks the ball away from Nantahala guard Zac Taylor during their game in Highlands on Monday night. The Highlanders earned a 72-39 victory.

Highlands guard Jeffrey Olvera (5) knocks the ball away from Nantahala guard Zac Taylor during their game in Highlands on Monday night. The Highlanders earned a 72-39 victory.

Highlanders cruise past Hawks

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Highlands wasted no time in putting to rest Nantahala’s thoughts of an upset on the hardwood Monday night. After giving up a basket in the opening minute, the Highlanders ripped off a 13-2 run and never looked back in a 72-39 victory over the Hawks in Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference play.
Macon County schools remain in Plan B, but superintendent Chris Baldwin believes a move to Plan A may come soon.

Macon County schools remain in Plan B, but superintendent Chris Baldwin believes a move to Plan A may come soon.

Schools sticking with Plan B until state regulations change

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Macon County Public Schools are bracing for potential changes to the in-person classroom structure following a directive by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper that would mandate all districts statewide open for in-person instruction.
The Bear Shadow music festival is pulling its "Base Camp" from Horse Cove.

The Bear Shadow music festival is pulling its "Base Camp" from Horse Cove.

Bear Shadow changing venues

News Staff
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Following opposition from property owners in Horse Cove, the Bear Shadow Music Festival is once again on the move.
Macon County has reported 26 total COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began.

Macon County has reported 26 total COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began.

Macon County records four additional COVID-19 deaths

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Macon County Public Health reported two additional deaths related to COVID-19 on Monday and Tuesday respectively. According to MCPH records, the COVID-19 death toll stands at 26 in Macon County.
American Legion Post 370 commander Ed McCloskey and Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor present a declaration designating Feb. 3 as “Four Chaplains Memorial Day” in Highlands.

American Legion Post 370 commander Ed McCloskey and Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor present a declaration designating Feb. 3 as “Four Chaplains Memorial Day” in Highlands.

Four chaplains remembered

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Members of Highlands American Legion Post 370 gathered at the Veteran’s Plaza on Wednesday morning to remember four heroic men who gave their lives to save the lives of fellow soldiers. Mayor Patrick Taylor opened the ceremony by reading a declaration designating Feb.