Local

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.
Plant for the Plateau is hoping to supply local food banks with fresh produce.

Plant for the Plateau is hoping to supply local food banks with fresh produce.

Plant for the Plateau hopes to fill a need

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 25, 2020
During times of social distancing and sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, members of the community are coming together to help put food on the tables of those in need.
The stage at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is an in-demand venue as organizations look to planning future events.

The stage at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is an in-demand venue as organizations look to planning future events.

Organizations ask permission to use park for large gatherings

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 18, 2020
With limits in place regarding the number of people who can attend events under “phase two” of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plan for the state’s economy, local organizations are reworking plans for future fundraisers and ticketed events.
The Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation plans to bring a primary care practice to the Highlands-Cashiers area..

The Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation plans to bring a primary care practice to the Highlands-Cashiers area..

HCHF to increase primary care access

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is planning to expand access to primary care for Highlands-Cashiers plateau residents.
Macon County has completed nearly 3,000 COVID-19 tests and has had 231 positive cases as of Tuesday..

Macon County has completed nearly 3,000 COVID-19 tests and has had 231 positive cases as of Tuesday..

COVID-19 cases continue to increase

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The number of active COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Macon County continues to grow as the number of citizens tested nears 2,700. According to information provided by Macon County Public Health officials on Tuesday, there have been 231 cases of COVID-19 in Macon County.
Highlands' search for a new police chief is progressing and interviews are being conducted.

Highlands' search for a new police chief is progressing and interviews are being conducted.

Highlands police chief search continues

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The search for Highlands’ new police chief continues during a summer that includes the COVID-19 pandemic, social demonstrations calling for equal justice and an economy struggling to recover.