Local

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce did not have a single member business close its doors due to COVID-19 in 2020

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce did not have a single member business close its doors due to COVID-19 in 2020

Highlands businesses weathered pandemic

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Many communities may have seen bleak economic times in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan pointed out on Thursday night, Highlands was not one of them.
Highlands Jeffrey Olvera (5) drives around a screen from Gig Chalker (42) during the first quarter of their game against Hiwassee Dam on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Highlands Jeffrey Olvera (5) drives around a screen from Gig Chalker (42) during the first quarter of their game against Hiwassee Dam on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Highlanders split pair with Hiwassee Dam

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Highlands kept its winning ways rolling in a 46-24 win over Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference rival Hiwassee Dam on Wednesday, Jan. 13. The Highlanders improved to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in league play. Next up on the schedule is a Friday night trip to Nantahala.
Pictured with the most recent Little Free Library installation are Andy Chmar, Hudson Library of Highlands board president, Helene Siegel, Hudson Library trustee, Ricky Siegel, Little Free Library steward, Jenni Edwards, marketing manager for The Literacy and Learning Center and Bonnie Potts, executive director of The Literacy and Learning Center.

Pictured with the most recent Little Free Library installation are Andy Chmar, Hudson Library of Highlands board president, Helene Siegel, Hudson Library trustee, Ricky Siegel, Little Free Library steward, Jenni Edwards, marketing manager for The Literacy and Learning Center and Bonnie Potts, executive director of The Literacy and Learning Center.

Little Free Libraries offer books to all at three new locations

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 14, 2021
The joy of reading appeals to literary enthusiasts young and old. Finding the perfect reading material in Highlands got a little bit easier this month when the Hudson Library board unveiled three new Little Free Libraries.
Macon County moved into Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination program on Wednesday.

Macon County moved into Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination program on Wednesday.

Macon County moves into Phase 1B of vaccination program

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 14, 2021
As Macon County hit a record number of active COVID-19 cases for the third consecutive week, some good news did emerge regarding the availability of coronavirus vaccinations. Macon County Public Health officially moved into Phase 1B of its vaccination program on Wednesday.
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are subject to a new rule regarding public input on management by the US Forest Service.

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are subject to a new rule regarding public input on management by the US Forest Service.

Chattooga Conservancy sues USFS

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 14, 2021
The Chattooga Conservancy and Southern Environmental Law Center filed suit against the US Forest Service on Friday to potentially stop the elimination of safeguards that protect public lands from additional logging, road building and right of way projects.
Repairs to Highlands sewer plant are on schedule following a $100,000 allocation by the town board in December.

Repairs to Highlands sewer plant are on schedule following a $100,000 allocation by the town board in December.

Sewer plant repairs on schedule

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Repairs at the Town of Highlands sewer plant are being made following the allocation of $100,000 by the board of commissioners in December. According to Highlands Public Works Director Lamar Nix, one of the tanks at the sewer plant is offline due to a mechanical malfunction.
Dr. Donald Dewhurst received his COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Ruthie Capaforte at Macon County Public Health on Dec. 31.

Dr. Donald Dewhurst received his COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Ruthie Capaforte at Macon County Public Health on Dec. 31.

COVID-19 cases reach new records

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Tuesday was another record setting day in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as Macon County crossed over the 500 active case mark for the first time. According to Macon County Public Health statistics, there were 541 active cases as of Tuesday, with 153 patients awaiting test results.
The Highlands board of commissioners made two administrative changes to their monthly meetings in December.

The Highlands board of commissioners made two administrative changes to their monthly meetings in December.

Highlands board adds pledge, moment of silence to agenda

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 7, 2021
There will be changes to both the structure and the procedure of the Highlands Board of Commissioners when the board meets on Jan. 21. During the board’s December meeting, the group decided to do away with the rotating position of Mayor Pro Tempore and revert to a voting system.

Highlands girls open with win over Bobcats

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Highlands’ girls basketball team got the season off to a fast start with a 41-32 win over Blue Ridge on Tuesday night. The game was the season opener for both squads and showcased a number of state mandated rule changes due to COVID-19.

Blue Ridge outlasts Highlands boys team

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 7, 2021
In a back and forth contest where points were at a premium, the bank stayed open for Blue Ridge. Three big second half bank shots helped the home team take down Highlands 37-34 on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams.