Local

Highlands Fire Dept improved its ISO rating during a recent state inspection.

Highlands Fire Dept improved its ISO rating during a recent state inspection.

Highlands Fire Dept improves ISO rating

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Highlands Fire and Rescue has been providing quality fire and emergency services for Highlands residents for years and their efforts are now paying some dividends with lower ISO ratings.
A line of emergency vehicles nearly a mile long escorted Macon County Sheriff’s Office corporal David Head’s body to Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire Department where a celebration of life service was held on Thursday.

A line of emergency vehicles nearly a mile long escorted Macon County Sheriff’s Office corporal David Head’s body to Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire Department where a celebration of life service was held on Thursday.

Honoring Heads' legacy

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 4, 2020
The community turned out in droves to say goodbye to David and Dawn Head on Thursday. Dozens of emergency vehicles from law enforcement agencies, fire departments and EMS services lined up to escort the Heads to the Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

Fireworks officially postponed

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Less than two weeks after receiving permission from the Highlands Board of Commissioners to use Sept. 5 as an alternate date for the annual July Fourth fireworks display, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce officially postponed the fireworks on Monday.
COVID-19 cases jumped from 18 to 90 in a week's time in Macon County according to the Macon County Public Health Department.

COVID-19 cases jumped from 18 to 90 in a week's time in Macon County according to the Macon County Public Health Department.

COVID-19 cases spike as clusters are identified

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Macon County Public Health officials, elected leaders and county department heads gathered on Friday at the Robert C. Carpenter Community building in Franklin to explain a recent spike in local COVID-19 coronavirus cases. As of Tuesday, there have been 90 confirmed cases in Macon County.
Hudson Library in Highlands will reopen by appointment beginning on Tuesday.

Hudson Library in Highlands will reopen by appointment beginning on Tuesday.

Library to reopen by appointment

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 4, 2020
The Hudson Library in Highlands plans to follow other libraries in the Fontana Regional Library network with plans to open on a limited by-appointment basis the week of June 9 in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties.  The Hudson Library will begin accepting appointments by phone on June 2.
Members of Highlands American Legion Post 370 raise a new flag over the Veteran’s Plaza during the annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday.

Members of Highlands American Legion Post 370 raise a new flag over the Veteran’s Plaza during the annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday.

Remembering the fallen

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Most years, there are plenty of handshakes and hugs to go around at the annual Highlands American Legion Post 370 Memorial Day ceremony. On Monday, polite waves and tips of the cap had to suffice. Legion members and local supporters practiced social distancing during the Memorial Day observance.
A prayer circle was held Tuesday night in honor of David and Dawn Head,of Scaly Mountain, who were killed in a traffic accident on Saturday in Clayton, Georgia.

A prayer circle was held Tuesday night in honor of David and Dawn Head,of Scaly Mountain, who were killed in a traffic accident on Saturday in Clayton, Georgia.

Couple killed in GA accident

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, May 28, 2020
A multi-vehicle accident in Georgia claimed the lives of a pair of Scaly Mountain residents on Saturday afternoon. According to Georgia State Highway Patrol reports, the accident occurred near the intersection of US 441 and Old Highway 441 in Clayton just before 4:30 p.m.
Highlands’ restaurants are reopening for dine-in service following the move into phase two of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan to restart the state’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlands’ restaurants are reopening for dine-in service following the move into phase two of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan to restart the state’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dine-in options reopen in phase two

Dan Brown
Thursday, May 28, 2020
With the implementation of NC Governor Roy Cooper’s phase two reopening directive, Highlands restaurants got the green light to move forward.
During the town board of commissioners meeting on May 21 the board approved a proposal to potentially move the firework display to Labor Day weekend on Sept. 5.

During the town board of commissioners meeting on May 21 the board approved a proposal to potentially move the firework display to Labor Day weekend on Sept. 5.

July Fourth events uncertain

Dan Brown
Thursday, May 28, 2020
The Highlands Board of Commissioners, acting on a request by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan, voted to support a possible postponement of the town’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration until Labor Day.