Local

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.
Highlands School seniors are being honored with a display along the track on 5th Street.

Highlands School seniors are being honored with a display along the track on 5th Street.

Wondering what comes next

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Since the COVID-19 coronavirus shut down schools on March 13, questions to Highlands School and Macon County Schools officials are answered with the same reply – “I don’t know” and it’s not for a lack of trying.
Highlands police officers are no longer manning checkpoints, but are continuing to enforce rules related to COVID-19.

Highlands police officers are no longer manning checkpoints, but are continuing to enforce rules related to COVID-19.

Police continue State of Emergency enforcement

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Just because motorists no longer see Highlands Police Department officers manning traffic checkpoints coming into town on US 64, NC roads 106 and 28, doesn’t mean they’re not out there making sure the town’s shelter in place directive is enforced.
The Town of Highlands will no longer cover the cost of utilities at the Performing Arts Center.

The Town of Highlands will no longer cover the cost of utilities at the Performing Arts Center.

Town ends PAC's free utilities

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The Highlands Performing Arts Center will have to factor some additional operating costs into its budget following the Highlands town board meeting on Thursday night. During the meeting, the procedure of allowing the PAC to have use of no-cost utilities was brought up for discussion.
A crew worked to replace a stretch of sidewalk along South 4th Street this week. Capital improvements for the 2020-21 fiscal year have been reduced from previous estimates in the latest version of the Town of Highlands preliminary budget.

A crew worked to replace a stretch of sidewalk along South 4th Street this week. Capital improvements for the 2020-21 fiscal year have been reduced from previous estimates in the latest version of the Town of Highlands preliminary budget.

Town tightens pending budget

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Facing uncertain financial impacts as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, the Town of Highlands tightened its collective purse strings on Thursday afternoon.
The Highlands Playhouse has cancelled its summer performance lineup for 2020.

The Highlands Playhouse has cancelled its summer performance lineup for 2020.

Playhouse cancels performance season

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 16, 2020
The show will not go on at Highlands Playhouse this summer. Managing Director Lance Matzke announced on Sunday that the playhouse has cancelled its 2020 performance season.