Local

Carson and Allison Tolbert, of Fort Lauderdale, FL came to Glenville and Sawyer’s Tree Farm because they wanted the Christmas experience, and left with an assortment of wreaths.

Carson and Allison Tolbert, of Fort Lauderdale, FL came to Glenville and Sawyer’s Tree Farm because they wanted the Christmas experience, and left with an assortment of wreaths.

Christmas tree farms seeing record sales

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 3, 2020
The 2020 Christmas tree “choose and cut” season got off to a wild start as Moss Tree Farms in the Norton community of Southern Jackson County sold out of its 2020 allotment of Fraser fir trees in just one week.
Despite the best efforts of multiple fire departments from two states, fire claimed a residence at 2797 Clear Creek Road in Highlands on Nov. 17.

Despite the best efforts of multiple fire departments from two states, fire claimed a residence at 2797 Clear Creek Road in Highlands on Nov. 17.

Blaze totals Clear Creek home

Ryan Hanchett
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Fire tore through a home on Clear Creek Road just outside of Highlands on Tuesday, Nov. 17. According to Macon County 911 computer aided dispatch reports, a passerby on a mobile phone dialed 911 just after 9 p.m. The called reported a structure fire at 2797 Clear Creek Road.
Local volunteer Matt Eberts, Mary Ann Cresswell with the Highlands Emergency Council and Richard Delaney with Old Edwards Hospitality Group were the three award winners honored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce last week.

Local volunteer Matt Eberts, Mary Ann Cresswell with the Highlands Emergency Council and Richard Delaney with Old Edwards Hospitality Group were the three award winners honored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce last week.

Chamber hands out hardware

Dan Brown
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce honored some of its own with their annual community service awards presented during the November Business After Hours gathering at the Highlands Mountain House.
The Town of Highlands has entered contract negotiations with Hotwire to operate the town's fiber network.

The Town of Highlands has entered contract negotiations with Hotwire to operate the town's fiber network.

Commissioners choose Hotwire as network operator

Ryan Hanchett
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
A much-anticipated decision came with little fanfare on Thursday night when the Highlands Board of Commissioners selected Hotwire to serve as the town’s broadband network operator.
Highlands battled Blue Ridge in defeat on Wednesday and easily overmatched Hiwassee Dam on Friday.

Highlands battled Blue Ridge in defeat on Wednesday and easily overmatched Hiwassee Dam on Friday.

Highlanders split two volleyball matches to open season

Dan Brown
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
With mandatory masks, about two dozen fans in the stands and social distancing protocols enforced, high school sports ushered in a new era of competition during the week before Thanksgiving.
The Highlands Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 via Facebook live. The annual Christmas parade is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 featuring a drive-thru format.

The Highlands Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 via Facebook live. The annual Christmas parade is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 featuring a drive-thru format.

New-look Christmas events on tap

Ryan Hanchett
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Highlands’ Christmas events will go on in 2020, albeit with a very different format than in previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Festivities begin on Saturday, Nov.
The 2020 Highlands School varsity volleyball team opened its season on Wednesday night.

The 2020 Highlands School varsity volleyball team opened its season on Wednesday night.

Highlanders prep for first serve

Dan Brown
Thursday, November 19, 2020
It is only fitting that the Highlands Lady Highlanders volleyball team serve up the 2020-21 season against their most fierce rivals. Highlands’ defense of the Little Smoky Mountain Conference championship started Wednesday night against Blue Ridge Early College.
Macon County had 65 active COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Macon County had 65 active COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

COVID-19 cases continue to increase

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Macon County’s COVID-19 numbers continue to increase, according to the most recent data reported by the public health department. As of Tuesday, Macon County had 65 active positive COVID-19 cases, up from 40 active cases one week prior.
Local author Angela Lewis Jenkins is working on a book about what it was like to grow up in Highlands, as told by folks who experienced it.

Local author Angela Lewis Jenkins is working on a book about what it was like to grow up in Highlands, as told by folks who experienced it.

Hearing Highlands stories

Dan Brown
Thursday, November 19, 2020
There is a new book coming out next spring, penned by a local author that will tell the story of what it was like growing up in Highlands by those who lived it.
The Macon County School Board bid farewell to Stephanie McCall and Fred Goldsmith on Monday night.

The Macon County School Board bid farewell to Stephanie McCall and Fred Goldsmith on Monday night.

School board says goodbye to two members

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 19, 2020
The Macon County Board of Education knew it would be saying goodbye to one current member on Monday night. It turned out that the board had to bid adieu to two. Highlands representative Stephanie McCall chose not to run for a third term on the board, thus when Hillary Wilkes won election on Nov.