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Rendering of the Highlands House hotel project, which was approved for construction on the site of the old Bank of America building by the Highlands Zoning Board of Adjustors at their Nov. 12 meeting.

Rendering of the Highlands House hotel project, which was approved for construction on the site of the old Bank of America building by the Highlands Zoning Board of Adjustors at their Nov. 12 meeting.

Zoning Board approves Hotel

News Staff
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
The Highlands Zoning Board of Adjustors convened on Nov. 12 to discuss and eventually approve the special use permit application by Ross Hotel Partners.
The Wallflowers headlined the 2025 Highlands Food and Wine Main Event.

The Wallflowers headlined the 2025 Highlands Food and Wine Main Event.

A CELEBRATION OF FLAVOR & SOUND

News Staff
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
The 2025 Highlands Food and Wine Festival wrapped up on Nov. 16, leaving attendees craving both delicious bites and memorable melodies.
Cristi Riley, Jamie Creola, Lisa Daily, and Colleen Kerrigan participate in the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Empower Hour at Silver Eagle Gallery | Photo by Highlands Chamber of Commerce

Cristi Riley, Jamie Creola, Lisa Daily, and Colleen Kerrigan participate in the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Empower Hour at Silver Eagle Gallery | Photo by Highlands Chamber of Commerce

Empower Hour

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosted the second edition of Empower Hour on Thursday, Nov.6 at Silver Eagle Gallery on Main Street. Led by Executive Director Johanna Fein, the event connected women in business in an empowering setting.
Students from Blue Ridge Early College, Highlands School, and Summit Charter School participate in the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau’s Junior Leadership of the Plateau event.

Students from Blue Ridge Early College, Highlands School, and Summit Charter School participate in the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau’s Junior Leadership of the Plateau event.

INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau hosted students from Blue Ridge Early College, Highlands School, and Summit Charter School for two incredible learning experiences. On Wednesday, Oct.
From left: Mayor Patrick Taylor, Jim Tate, Eric Pierson, Amy Patterson

From left: Mayor Patrick Taylor, Jim Tate, Eric Pierson, Amy Patterson

Mayor and board members re-elected

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
 Highlands residents have re-elected Mayor Pat Taylor during the town’s 2025 elections. Joining him are returning board members Eric Pierson and Amy Patterson, while Jim Tate has been elected to fill the seat left by Brian Stiehler.
Officer Ashley Moore and Chief Andrea Holland join the Halloween festivities as part of the department’s community outreach. | Highlands Chamber of Commerce

Officer Ashley Moore and Chief Andrea Holland join the Halloween festivities as part of the department’s community outreach. | Highlands Chamber of Commerce

TRICK OR TREAT, HIGHLANDS

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The crisp autumn air was filled with laughter and excitement as families gathered in downtown Highlands for the annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat event. This beloved tradition has become a highlight of the community calendar. On the evening of Oct.
Jackson Co. leaders conduct emergency shelter training

Jackson Co. leaders conduct emergency shelter training

Jackson Co. leaders conduct emergency shelter training

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
When a disaster occurs and residents can’t go home or they need to evacuate, having a shelter where the public can go is critical.  Jackson County leaders and area partners recently trained in establishing and setting up a shelter to be ready if that day of disaster arrives.
Planning board approves permit for Highlands hotel

Planning board approves permit for Highlands hotel

Planning board approves permit for Highlands hotel

News Staff
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
On Monday, Oct 27, the Highlands Planning Board unanimously approved a special use permit application from Ross Hotel Partners to build a new hotel at 424 Pine Street, the former site of the Bank of America Building.
Josh Bryson

Josh Bryson

Bryson to lead Highlander team

News Staff
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
He grew up reading The Highlander. His photo graced the pages more than once as he attended Highlands School, went trick-or-treating on Main Street, and played sports at the rec center. He’s a fifth-generation member of the Bryson family on the Plateau.