Local

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.
The Highlands Nature Center’s “Spring Sightings” series is part of the online offerings being introduced in 2020.

The Highlands Nature Center’s “Spring Sightings” series is part of the online offerings being introduced in 2020.

Nature Center transitions to online learning

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 16, 2020
The Highlands Nature Center may not be physically open, but they continue to provide the community with environmental content and resources that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Gov. Roy Cooper added regulations for essential businesses operating during COVID-19.

Gov. Roy Cooper added regulations for essential businesses operating during COVID-19.

Cooper adds new COVID-19 regulations

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Changes to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic took effect on April 9.
Micah and Annabelle Ham-Ye are taking part in e-learning from home and will be remotely attending school until June.

Micah and Annabelle Ham-Ye are taking part in e-learning from home and will be remotely attending school until June.

From Shanghai to Highlands

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 9, 2020
It has been an interesting year for Highlands native Melanie Ham-Ye and her family. Ham-Ye who lives in Shanghai, China, for 10 months of the year with her husband Michael, and two kids Annabelle, 15, and Micah, 12, came home to the U.S.
A COVID-19 patient from Macon County has died according to information provided by Macon County Public Health.

A COVID-19 patient from Macon County has died according to information provided by Macon County Public Health.

Macon County records first COVID-19 death

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Macon County’s first resident diagnosed with COVID-19 coronavirus has died according to Macon County Public Health officials. On Monday morning, public health director Carmine Rocco noted that the county had recorded its first death as result of the virus.