Local

Highlands Cashiers Hospital CEO Tom Neal helped the the Mountain Garden Club assemble vases with fresh cut flowers for the HCH nursing staff.

Highlands Cashiers Hospital CEO Tom Neal helped the the Mountain Garden Club assemble vases with fresh cut flowers for the HCH nursing staff.

Mountain Garden Club brightens spirits for nurses during COVID-19

Dan Brown
Thursday, May 14, 2020
The ladies of the Mountain Garden Club didn’t let a little thing called a coronavirus stand in the way showing their appreciation for nurses at the Highlands Cashiers Hospital.
Work was underway at several businesses in Highlands on Wednesday morning. Retail shops will be allowed to reopen as of 5 p.m. on May 8.

Work was underway at several businesses in Highlands on Wednesday morning. Retail shops will be allowed to reopen as of 5 p.m. on May 8.

Preparing for phase one

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, May 7, 2020
In a move to begin restarting the local economy, the Highlands Board of Commissioners made several changes to the town’s state of emergency declaration related to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic on Friday, May 1.
HHS girls basketball coach Jacob Page talks to his team during the first round of the NCSHAA 1-A playoffs in March.

HHS girls basketball coach Jacob Page talks to his team during the first round of the NCSHAA 1-A playoffs in March.

Page steps down as HHS girls coach

Dan Brown
Thursday, May 7, 2020
The Highlands girls basketball team is searching for a new coach. Two years into his stint leading the Lady Highlanders basketball program, coach Jacob Page has resigned to accept a coaching position in Georgia.
Highlands Hurricanes swimming is on hold until the Rec Center pool reopens.

Highlands Hurricanes swimming is on hold until the Rec Center pool reopens.

Parks and Rec summer programs still up in the air

Dan Brown
Thursday, May 7, 2020
There is nothing the Highlands Park and Recreation Department can do about its summer programming right now except wait and see.  “It all depends on what the governor decides to do on May 8,” said Highlands Park and Recreation Director Lester Norris on Monday.
The 2020 Highlands Motoring Festival has been cancelled, but a new “Mountain Motoring” event has been scheduled for Sept. 11-13.

The 2020 Highlands Motoring Festival has been cancelled, but a new “Mountain Motoring” event has been scheduled for Sept. 11-13.

Motoring Festival cancelled

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Highlands residents will have to wait a little longer to hear the roar of classic car engines in 2020. The Highlands Motoring Festival, originally scheduled for June 11-14, has been canceled. An alternate format has been scheduled for Sept. 11-13.
Residents and staff members of the Eckerd Living Center at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital lined up outside the facility on Tuesday for a parade of well-wishers, many of whom waved and offered personal messages from their vehicles in order to maintain social distance.

Residents and staff members of the Eckerd Living Center at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital lined up outside the facility on Tuesday for a parade of well-wishers, many of whom waved and offered personal messages from their vehicles in order to maintain social distance.

Hospital officials remove tent, unveil policy changes

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 30, 2020
The COVID-19 triage tent that was erected in front of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital on April 2 was taken down on Monday having not housed any patients.
Home sales have been down compared to the spring of 2019, but the numbers point to bounceback potential for Highlands.

Home sales have been down compared to the spring of 2019, but the numbers point to bounceback potential for Highlands.

Real Estate market pushes forward

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 30, 2020
The local real estate market has taken a hit due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, but it’s not as bad as people might think.  With N.C.
The Three Potters is one of three new exhibits featured in The Bascom’s virtual tours.

The Three Potters is one of three new exhibits featured in The Bascom’s virtual tours.

The Bascom goes virtual

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 30, 2020
When governments shut down U.S. businesses and told consumers to stay home due to COVID-19, local businesses got creative and figured out a way to remain in front of their customers.
Highlands' 2020 water and sewer master plan was recently completed.

Highlands' 2020 water and sewer master plan was recently completed.

Town puts together water master plan

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 30, 2020
The Highlands Public Works Department presented its master plan to the board of commissioners during its April 16 meeting. The master planning document is required by the state to be eligible for future state revolving loan projects and grants, Public Works Director Lamar Nix said.