Local

A COVID-19 cluster was identified within the Macon County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 1.

A COVID-19 cluster was identified within the Macon County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 1.

COVID-19 cluster identified at MCSO

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, October 8, 2020
The Macon County Public Health Department identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases connected to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 1. A cluster is defined as a group of five or more cases associated with one specific location, event or organization.
A potential employee housing complex will be back on the Town of Highlands board agenda on Oct. 15.

A potential employee housing complex will be back on the Town of Highlands board agenda on Oct. 15.

HCH housing plan under review

Dan Brown
Thursday, October 8, 2020
The future of employee housing on the Highlands Cashiers Hospital campus may hang in the balance of some Highlands Commissioners’ lack of trust in HCA. During its Thursday, Oct.
Andy Chmar, president of the Hudson Library board, and Glenda Bell, president of Mountain Findings, admire the handiwork performed on the Hudson Library’s Main Street entrance that has experienced drainage issues for years.

Andy Chmar, president of the Hudson Library board, and Glenda Bell, president of Mountain Findings, admire the handiwork performed on the Hudson Library’s Main Street entrance that has experienced drainage issues for years.

Drainage issue fixed in front of Hudson Library

Dan Brown
Thursday, October 8, 2020
In what Hudson Library Board President Andy Chmar called, “a total team effort,” the longstanding drainage problem at the library was resolved in August.

Arrest made in Highlands theft case

News Staff
Thursday, October 8, 2020
On Wednesday, Sept. 30 officers with the Highlands Police Department made an arrest of Sierra Jenkins, 29, of Franklin, in connection with a theft of guest property at a Highlands Hotel and Resort  According to a statement from the Highlands Police Department, on Sept.
The Highlands Park and Recreation Department will reconfigure two tennis courts located at the rec center to six new pickleball courts, following approval by the town board.

The Highlands Park and Recreation Department will reconfigure two tennis courts located at the rec center to six new pickleball courts, following approval by the town board.

Additional pickleball courts approved

Dan Brown
Thursday, October 1, 2020
The Highlands Board of Commissioners recently approved the expansion and redesign of two tennis courts into six pickleball courts, doubling its size from the current three outdoor courts at the Highlands Recreation Center.
The Macon County board of education voted to move grades K-5 into "Plan A" as of Oct. 5.

The Macon County board of education voted to move grades K-5 into "Plan A" as of Oct. 5.

School board moves grades K-5 to "Plan A"

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Free COVID-19 testing began at Highlands School on Sept. 15 for any students, faculty or staff member who chose to participate. NC Association of Educators representative John de Ville asked the Macon County Board of Education to expand the program to all schools in the county on Monday night.

Road projects on schedule for 2021

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, October 1, 2020
A number of Highlands road maintenance projects are tentatively on schedule for the spring and summer of 2021, according to Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor. Among the projects to be completed is a full milling and repaving of Main Street from Dillard Road to 5th Street.
The 2020 Cullasaja Women’s Outreach Grants Committee awarded more than $244,000 in grants to 22 local nonprofit agencies this year. Pictured are, back row: Gail Hughes, Dawn Van Fleet, Jean Hyde, Martha Caire, Marianne Lassiter, Emily Adkins, Margaret Lauletta, co-chair Jo Hill and Donna Woltzen. Second row: Nelly Rice, Judith Bobo, Cherry Tyde, Deb Kabinoff, Debbie Thompson, Kay Johnson and co-chair Lindy Colson Harrison. Seated: co-chair Nancy Harrison and Donna Thoele.

The 2020 Cullasaja Women’s Outreach Grants Committee awarded more than $244,000 in grants to 22 local nonprofit agencies this year. Pictured are, back row: Gail Hughes, Dawn Van Fleet, Jean Hyde, Martha Caire, Marianne Lassiter, Emily Adkins, Margaret Lauletta, co-chair Jo Hill and Donna Woltzen. Second row: Nelly Rice, Judith Bobo, Cherry Tyde, Deb Kabinoff, Debbie Thompson, Kay Johnson and co-chair Lindy Colson Harrison. Seated: co-chair Nancy Harrison and Donna Thoele.

CWO gives back to the community

Dan Brown
Thursday, October 1, 2020
  Putting money in the hands of those who need it most, is the motivation behind the Cullasaja Women’s Outreach annual grant award.
Highlands traditionally draws big crowds along Main Street for the annual Halloween celebration. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel the 2020 event.

Highlands traditionally draws big crowds along Main Street for the annual Halloween celebration. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel the 2020 event.

Halloween festivities cancelled

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Wearing a mask may be popular on Oct. 31, but not for the traditional reason. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel Halloween festivities in Highlands.