Local

A temporary recycling and convenience center has been set up on Hale Ridge Road in Scaly Mountain while work is done to redesign and remodel the full time convenience center. The work is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

A temporary recycling and convenience center has been set up on Hale Ridge Road in Scaly Mountain while work is done to redesign and remodel the full time convenience center. The work is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

Convenience center revamp begins

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Visitors to the Scaly Mountain convenience center are stopping a little short these days.
Macon County had 296 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday.

Macon County had 296 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday.

HCH officials discuss COVID-19 during teleforum

Dan Brown
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Highlands Cashiers Hospital CEO Tom Neal provided an update to the community on COVID-19 and the hospital’s plans to resume services during a recent tele-forum.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper extended phase two of his “Safer at Home” executive order on June 25 and made face coverings mandatory in businesses and public places where social distancing isn’t possible until July 17.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper extended phase two of his “Safer at Home” executive order on June 25 and made face coverings mandatory in businesses and public places where social distancing isn’t possible until July 17.

Masks made mandatory

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, July 2, 2020
While the number of COVID-19 active cases and recoveries continue to increase in Macon County, a new mandate from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has made face coverings mandatory in all businesses and public places where social distancing is not possible until July 17.
There will not be any fireworks in Highlands on Independence Day, but there will be a full slate of socially-distanced community events.

There will not be any fireworks in Highlands on Independence Day, but there will be a full slate of socially-distanced community events.

Fourth of July celebration evolves

Dan Brown
Thursday, July 2, 2020
The social distancing restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 coronavirus have forced the cancellation of many traditional Fourth of July events.
The Town of Highlands started a new budget year on Wednesday.

The Town of Highlands started a new budget year on Wednesday.

Town approves scaled back budget

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, July 2, 2020
During the Highlands Board of Commissioners’ June meeting, the board approved an operating budget of $20,159,080 for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The budget comes with no ad valorem property tax increase over year prior.
The Farm at Old Edwards may soon be inside town limits following the approval of an annexation proposal by the Highlands planning board.

The Farm at Old Edwards may soon be inside town limits following the approval of an annexation proposal by the Highlands planning board.

Old Edwards asks for annexation at The Farm

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, July 2, 2020
The Highlands planning board approved a motion that brings The Farm at Old Edwards one step closer to being voluntarily annexed during the board’s June meeting.
Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland is presented with her new badge by town manager Josh Ward following a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland is presented with her new badge by town manager Josh Ward following a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

Former detective Holland chosen to take over as Highlands Police Chief

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Andrea Holland stood at the front of the Highlands Community Building and put her hand on the Bible. With her family, friends, fellow law enforcement officers and judicial officials in attendance, Holland recited the oath of office for her new role as Highlands Police Chief on Thursday.
Several events, including the Mountaintop Arts and Crafts Show, got the go-ahead to use Kelsey-Hutchinson Park this fall.

Several events, including the Mountaintop Arts and Crafts Show, got the go-ahead to use Kelsey-Hutchinson Park this fall.

Fall events receive town approval

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 25, 2020
While the number of community events cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, there is some hope on the horizon that a handful of fall events will be able to take place.
COVID-19 recoveries have begun to outpace new cases in Macon County.

COVID-19 recoveries have begun to outpace new cases in Macon County.

COVID-19 recoveries begin to outpace new cases

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 25, 2020
While the number of total COVID-19 coronavirus cases continues to rise in Macon County, there was some good news on Tuesday. According to information provided by the Macon County Public Health department, the number of active cases in the county decreased from the day prior.