Local

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.
Harris Lake will soon be home to 900 trout as part of a secondary stocking program carried out by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Harris Lake will soon be home to 900 trout as part of a secondary stocking program carried out by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Trout being added to Harris Lake

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Anglers looking to reel in a trout for supper may soon be giving up their familiar spots in area streams for a more urban location. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has agreed to stock 900 trout in Harris Lake in Highlands during the winter months to ease overcrowding in area hatcheries.
Highlands Motoring Festival organizer Steve Mehder did his best to fit a giant $15,000 check for three nonprofits into the mailbox.

Highlands Motoring Festival organizer Steve Mehder did his best to fit a giant $15,000 check for three nonprofits into the mailbox.

Motoring Festival makes donation

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Like so many events in 2020, the Highlands Motoring Festival had to change up its format in order to proceed. Fortunately for the nonprofit organizations that benefit from the four-day event for automotive enthusiasts, the changes didn’t stop the giving.  On Dec.
Face coverings were a requirement during the Highlands School graduation in August. The ceremony was held outside to accommodate social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Face coverings were a requirement during the Highlands School graduation in August. The ceremony was held outside to accommodate social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking back at 2020

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 31, 2020
There has never been a year quite like 2020, and with 2021 fast approaching the time is right to look back at the biggest stories of the past 12 months.
Mission Health has limited visitation at all of its facilities due to COVID-19 rates.

Mission Health has limited visitation at all of its facilities due to COVID-19 rates.

Mission Health limits visitation as COVID-19 numbers soar

News Staff
Thursday, December 31, 2020
To protect patients and staff Mission Health elevated its visitor restrictions to Level 3 at all locations, including Angel Medical Center, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, CareParters, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Mission Hospital McDowell and Transylvania Regional Hospital as of 8 p.m. on Tuesday.