Local

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.
A training tent has been set up outside Highlands Cashiers Hospital. The tent is being used for staff exercises related to treating potential COVID-19 patients.

A training tent has been set up outside Highlands Cashiers Hospital. The tent is being used for staff exercises related to treating potential COVID-19 patients.

Training tents go up at HCH

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Visitors to Highlands Cashiers Hospital may notice some additional temporary facilities in place near the emergency department entrance. On Thursday, a large tent was erected in the parking area in front of the hospital.

Scaly Mountain resident pens legal book

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 9, 2020
A Scaly Mountain resident and local attorney has written a book as a guide for the next generation of professionals and the role civility should play in their work.  James Fierberg, an attorney from Scaly Mountain has written a book, “Mentoring Lawyers: Finding Civility.
Churches around the area will host Easter services online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Churches around the area will host Easter services online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Churches keep the faith at Easter

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 9, 2020
With social distancing and stay at home orders in place because of COVID-19, local churches are having to get creative when it comes to reaching its parishioners each Sunday.
The Highlands board of commissioners closed public restrooms and other public facilities on Tuesday.

The Highlands board of commissioners closed public restrooms and other public facilities on Tuesday.

Town board approves additional emergency regulations

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The Highlands Board of Commissioners passed additional restrictions aimed at stopping the public from congregating and promoting social distancing on Tuesday night.
Highlands Police Department officer Tim Broughton stops drivers at a checkpoint along US 64 on Friday. The state of North Carolina is now under a “Stay at home” order and both Macon County and the Town of Highlands are urging residents to comply.

Highlands Police Department officer Tim Broughton stops drivers at a checkpoint along US 64 on Friday. The state of North Carolina is now under a “Stay at home” order and both Macon County and the Town of Highlands are urging residents to comply.

Stay at home

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 2, 2020
State, county and local government entities have been hard at work over the past week passing legislation aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. On Monday, a statewide “Stay at home” order issued by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper went into effect.
Architectural drawings of the proposed new Highlands fire station.

Architectural drawings of the proposed new Highlands fire station.

Finance committee moves forward on fire station

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The Highlands Finance Committee had much to say during its Tuesday morning meeting about how to deal with life over the next few months and the impact of the coronavirus locally.