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Members of First Presbyterian Church marched down Main Street in Highlands as part of the annual Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service on Sunday. The event concluded at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with a blessing of the tartans.

Members of First Presbyterian Church marched down Main Street in Highlands as part of the annual Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service on Sunday. The event concluded at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with a blessing of the tartans.

First Presbyterian Church honors rich Scottish heritage

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Each year, First Presbyterian Church commemorates the denomination’s Scottish heritage with a Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service, in which participants carry banners representing their clan’s tartan and receive the Church’s blessing.

NCHSAA alters sports timeline

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 20, 2020
The 2020-21 high school sports calendar has officially been turned upside down. Hopefully, the ship will right itself in 2021, but for right now, sports seasons have altered, shifting all sports including football, to next spring.
Highlands goalkeeper Ethan Tate stops a shot during the 2019 soccer season. The Highlanders’ 2020 season is in doubt due to COVID-19.

Highlands goalkeeper Ethan Tate stops a shot during the 2019 soccer season. The Highlanders’ 2020 season is in doubt due to COVID-19.

Fall sports remain in limbo

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 13, 2020
The phrase “I don’t know” has become a common answer from area high school athletic directors and coaches to the question, “When are we going to play?” posed by students, parents and fans.  Now, thanks to an extension of “phase two” of the state’s reopening plan by Gov.
The first day of school in Macon County is Monday, Aug. 17.

The first day of school in Macon County is Monday, Aug. 17.

School reopening plan continues to evolve

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Shooting at a constantly moving target has proved both difficult and frustrating for Macon County Schools staff. With less than a week until the first bell rings on Monday, Aug.
Macon County Public Health officials confirmed on Monday that a fourth person has died from COVID-19 in the county.

Macon County Public Health officials confirmed on Monday that a fourth person has died from COVID-19 in the county.

MCPH reports fourth COVID-19 death

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 13, 2020
A fourth person has died from complications associated with COVID-19 in Macon County. According to Macon County Public Health officials, the patient died on Monday. The patient was over the age of 65 and had an underlying health condition at the time of their death.
Senior class speaker Matt Campbell, of Highlands, addressed the crowd during Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s commencement.

Senior class speaker Matt Campbell, of Highlands, addressed the crowd during Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s commencement.

Highlands students shine at RGNS graduation

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Graduates from the Rabun Gap class of 2020 walked across the stage Sunday in a socially distanced outdoor ceremony.  Members of the Class of 2020 hail from across the nation and globe, representing 20 countries and eight U.S. states.  The Rev. David C.
Neil Zirconia's concert in Highlands, scheduled for Sept. 5, has been cancelled.

Neil Zirconia's concert in Highlands, scheduled for Sept. 5, has been cancelled.

Highlands PAC cancels fall concert series

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 13, 2020
The Highlands Performing Arts center has canceled its series of September concerts due to restrictions from the COVID-19 coronavirus. The notice on its website stated the situation succinctly and bluntly with little fanfare other than the marquee scroll across the center of the screen.
The Highlands School class of 2020 tossed their caps along the track, instead of inside the gymnasium, during Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

The Highlands School class of 2020 tossed their caps along the track, instead of inside the gymnasium, during Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

Class of 2020 celebrates the end of unique senior year

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 6, 2020
It may have come two months later than expected, but the Highlands School class of 2020 finally got their chance to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas on Saturday morning. The outdoor graduation ceremony featured all of the traditional activities, albeit from a safe social distance.
MCPH officials have identified a COVID-19 cluster at the Drake Cottage.

MCPH officials have identified a COVID-19 cluster at the Drake Cottage.

MCPH identifies another COVID-19 cluster

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Macon County Public Health has identified another cluster of COVID-19 cases, this time among the staff and residents of Drake Cottage in Franklin. MCPH officials confirmed that four individuals have tested positive for the virus as of Monday.
Highlands School will welcome students in "Plan B" on Aug. 17.

Highlands School will welcome students in "Plan B" on Aug. 17.

Schools to reopen on Aug. 17

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 6, 2020
The plan to reopen schools in Macon County, including Highlands School, came into focus on July 30 when the Macon County Board of Education solidified its plan to start the school year on Aug. 17 under the state’s “Plan B.” For Highlands, that means a complex schedule early in the school year.