Local

When you are on your own, we are with you

As the United States faces the worst public health crisis in a generation, we want you to know we are here for you — and with you. Whatever happens, whenever it happens, The Highlander will be there for you.
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors were scheduled to headline the May 9 spring concert in Highlands.

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors were scheduled to headline the May 9 spring concert in Highlands.

Highlands spring music event cancelled

The COVID-19 crisis has shuttered another local event, forcing the cancellation of the Highlands spring concert slated for May 9. Highlands Festivals Inc.
Kilwin's owner Ashley Clark and her mother Tallulah Adams pack baskets for their Easter basket sale this spring.

Kilwin's owner Ashley Clark and her mother Tallulah Adams pack baskets for their Easter basket sale this spring.

Kilwin's trying to bring Easter joy

With the coronavirus scuttling many of the springtime activities in Highlands, from high school sports, daily classes and even church services, Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Fudge wants to put a little bit of normalcy back in Easter this spring.
Highlands siblings Reid and Jordan Carrier lit up the twine for the Highlanders basketball teams this season.

Highlands siblings Reid and Jordan Carrier lit up the twine for the Highlanders basketball teams this season.

Carriers have hoop dreams all year long

Jordan and Reid Carrier are a lot alike in many ways.  They are about the same height. Both look entirely at ease holding a basketball. And neither ever met a shot they didn’t like.
The second primary for U.S. House of Representatives District 11 has been moved back to June 23.

The second primary for U.S. House of Representatives District 11 has been moved back to June 23.

Coronavirus pushes back second primary

The second primary election for District 11 in the US House of Representatives has been pushed back six weeks due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. The NC State Board of Elections made the decision on Friday to push the second primary back from Tuesday, May 12 to Tuesday, June 23.
Lydia Hitchcock with The Pizza Place in Highlands is open for business serving carryout meals to residents.

Lydia Hitchcock with The Pizza Place in Highlands is open for business serving carryout meals to residents.

Cooking up a new strategy

In Highlands, restaurants have closed their doors to dine-in business for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Some eateries have decided instead to open their doors to carry-out customers, offering “grab and go” meals as an option.
Mayor Patrick Taylor and commissioner Amy Patterson practice social distancing during their meeting on Monday.

Mayor Patrick Taylor and commissioner Amy Patterson practice social distancing during their meeting on Monday.

Commissioners close hotels, motels and rentals

Following North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s lead, the Highlands board of commissioners put additional restrictions on what types of businesses may remain open during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak on Monday afternoon.
Tiffany Carr is believed to be residing in a home in the Pinchot Community near Cashiers. Carr is under investigation in Florida for financial misconduct.

Tiffany Carr is believed to be residing in a home in the Pinchot Community near Cashiers. Carr is under investigation in Florida for financial misconduct.

Florida investigation leads to Cashiers

Highlands and Cashiers are making the newspapers all over Florida these days as state legislators pursue a woman they have accused of receiving more than $7.7-million in state and federal funds budgeted for the protection of domestic violence victims in various Florida cities.
Larry Moss, owner of Moss Christmas Tree Farms, shows off the first post-recession crop of Fraser firs. which were planted four years ago and currently stand about five-feet high.

Larry Moss, owner of Moss Christmas Tree Farms, shows off the first post-recession crop of Fraser firs. which were planted four years ago and currently stand about five-feet high.

Tree farm business booms

The 2019 Christmas tree shopping season was a resounding success according to local tree farmers in the area.  “We had a great year,” said Tom Sawyer, owner of Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm in Glenville. “Our sales were up about 10 percent over last year.