Local

Sandra Valero, housekeeping supervisor with Old Edwards Inn separates single-use plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles for recycling.

Sandra Valero, housekeeping supervisor with Old Edwards Inn separates single-use plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles for recycling.

OEI setting new recycling standard

Dan Brown
Thursday, February 27, 2020
The management, staff and even the guests of Old Edwards Inn each want to do their part in the war against plastic, with the hotel opting to buckle down on its recycling efforts. Old Edwards Hospitality Group President Richard Delany said the movement was initiated by the hotel’s guests.
Early voting ends Saturday ahead of the Tuesday, March 3 primary election.

Early voting ends Saturday ahead of the Tuesday, March 3 primary election.

Early voting ends Saturday, primary Tuesday

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Despite national attention ahead of the Super Tuesday primary elections on Tuesday, March 3, one-stop early voting numbers in Macon County are lagging slightly behind 2016 totals.
Highlands claimed the Little Smoky Mountain Conference tournament title.

Highlands claimed the Little Smoky Mountain Conference tournament title.

Highlands wins both basketball conference tournament titles

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Highlands’ coaches Jacob Page and Brett Lamb were at work a little late on Friday. Making room in the school’s trophy case is considered an extracurricular activity. Both Highlands varsity teams claimed Little Smoky Mountain Conference tournament championships on Feb. 19.
Eckerd Living Center at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, an 80-bed assisted living center, has earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Staff members include Carolyn Vitale, Robin Leitch, Laura Zoellner, Brooke Stewart, Brittney Herbert, Brandi Field, Myrna Green, Rachel Smith, Kristy BIllingsley, Natasha Williamson, Ariadna Mendoza, Jenya Wolf and Alison George.

Eckerd Living Center at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, an 80-bed assisted living center, has earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Staff members include Carolyn Vitale, Robin Leitch, Laura Zoellner, Brooke Stewart, Brittney Herbert, Brandi Field, Myrna Green, Rachel Smith, Kristy BIllingsley, Natasha Williamson, Ariadna Mendoza, Jenya Wolf and Alison George.

Eckerd Living Center earns five star rating

Dan Brown
Thursday, February 20, 2020
The Eckerd Living Center at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital recently earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Architectural drawings of the new fire station to be built on Franklin Road.

Architectural drawings of the new fire station to be built on Franklin Road.

Firm chosen to build new fire station

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 20, 2020
The Town of Highlands public safety committee unanimously approved D.R. Reynolds Company Inc. to serve as the construction manager for the town’s new fire station.
The USFS is seeking public comment on prescribed burning and tree clearing proposals.

The USFS is seeking public comment on prescribed burning and tree clearing proposals.

Comments sought regarding prescribed burns

Dan Brown
Thursday, February 20, 2020
The Nantahala Ranger District is reaching out to the public seeking comments on a pair of forest management proposals.  The first proposal seeks to conduct prescribed burning on 28 permanent wildlife openings totaling approximately 47 acres located in Macon and Jackson counties.
Highlands' Brent Sleight defends an inbounds pass against Blue Ridge.

Highlands' Brent Sleight defends an inbounds pass against Blue Ridge.

Highlands ends regular season with sweep of Blue Ridge

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 20, 2020
A slow start, a furious comeback and a blowout victory in the span of little more than an hour helped Highlands end its regular season on a positive note Friday night against Blue Ridge.
The 14th annual outhouse races will be held at Sapphire Valley Resort on Saturday, Feb. 15.

The 14th annual outhouse races will be held at Sapphire Valley Resort on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Outhouse races benefit plateau

Dan Brown
Thursday, February 13, 2020
There might not be much snow on the ground now, but on Feb. 15, at 3 p.m., the 14th Annual Outraces Races at Sapphire Valley Resort will have plenty of powder.
Early voting for the 2020 primary election begins Thursday, Feb. 13.

Early voting for the 2020 primary election begins Thursday, Feb. 13.

One-stop early voting begins today

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 13, 2020
One-stop early voting gets underway for the 2020 primary election today, with a high number of races and candidates on the ballot. Early voting is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning on Thursday, Feb. 13. The last day of one-stop early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.
Highlands Nature Center education specialist Paige Engelbrektsson gets ready for a Knee-High Naturalist class.

Highlands Nature Center education specialist Paige Engelbrektsson gets ready for a Knee-High Naturalist class.

Winter programs keep Nature Center buzzing

Dan Brown
Thursday, February 13, 2020
It’s hard to imagine snow canceling a “Snow Moon” event on Saturday, but that’s exactly what happened at the Highlands Nature Center this past weekend.