Local

Campgrounds on National Forest land are closed until further notice.

Campgrounds, parks close due to virus

Thursday, March 26, 2020

The U.S. Forest Service has closed all campgrounds on National Forest land in North Carolina effective immediately. The closure, announced on Monday, will remain in place until further notice. Van Hook Glade campground near Highlands is included in the closed facilities.

Striker Caitlin Tingen scored one goal in the Lady Highlanders’ 7-1 win over Summit Charter School.

HMS downs Summit 7-1 on soccer field

Dan Brown

Thursday, March 19, 2020

About a minute before Highlands girls middle school soccer coach Caleb Brown sent his team onto the field to face the visiting Summit Charter School Lady Bears, he went over specific team assignments for each position – defenders, midfielders and strikers.

The Town of Highlands has closed Town Hall and the Rec Center to the public until further notice.

Coronavirus hits home

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Macon County Public Health confirmed the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus in Macon County on Monday. In a written statement, MCPH officials noted that the patient has been quarantined and is doing well in isolation.

The Macon County EDC is keeping a watchful eye on the local economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

EDC preps for economic impact of COVID-19

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Following reports of empty store shelves for items like hand sanitizer, toilet paper and antibacterial soap, the attention of the Macon County Economic Development Commission turned to a popular topic on Thursday night – Coronavirus.

Schools are instructing students using online lessons while facilities are closed due to coronavirus.

Schools close due to COVID-19, remote learning begins

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Macon County Public Schools are in uncharted waters. School administrators are doing their best to keep the ship steadily sailing in the right direction. On Saturday, North Carolina Gov.

Highlands School rolled out the welcome mats for its next class of students during kindergarten registration day on Wednesday, March 11.

Highlands School welcomes class of 2033

Dan Brown

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Highlands School Principal Brian Jetter welcomed the incoming Class of 2033 through the school’s front doors as Kindergarten registration began for the 2020-21 school year. “Every year we lose one class and every year we pick up a new class,” Jetter said of registration day.

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors will headline the first ever spring music festival in Highlands.

Headliner named for music fest

Dan Brown

Thursday, March 12, 2020

A music festival is coming to Highlands this spring. Tickets went on sale Monday morning. Highlands Festivals Inc., the organization that produces Highlands Food and Wine, announced on Friday, a special spring concert to be held at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday, May 9.

Highlands commissioners discussed a long list of 2020-21 budget items during their March 5 retreat.

Commissioners learn about upcoming budget priorities

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, March 12, 2020

A long list of potential projects was laid on the table by Town of Highlands department heads during the board of commissioners’ annual budget retreat on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church. It will be up to the board which projects get funded in the town’s operating budget for 2020-21.

Highlands coach Jacob Page talks to his team during a timeout.

Highlands basketball seasons point to bright future

Dan Brown

Thursday, March 12, 2020

The March 3, 50-46 loss to Alleghany in the Sweet Sixteen of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A tournament couldn’t have been tougher for the Highlands girls basketball team. Or hurt more.

Mayor Patrick Taylor discusses the town budget during his community coffee program at Hudson Library on Friday.

Mayor's coffee focusses on budget

Dan Brown

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Mayor Patrick Taylor said during the year’s first Coffee with the Mayor gathering, how he’d like to see Highlands get aggressive with its paving plans. “We have town roads and streets that are in need of paving,” he said.