Local

Select Bank, headquartered in Dunn, North Carolina, has agreed to purchase the Entegra Bank branch on Carolina Way.

Select Bank, headquartered in Dunn, North Carolina, has agreed to purchase the Entegra Bank branch on Carolina Way.

Entegra branch sells to Select Bank

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 26, 2019
The Entegra Bank branch on Carolina Way in Highlands will become a Select Bank branch in 2020, according to a release from First Citizens Bank that was made public on Monday.     First Citizens is in the final stages of completing a merger with Entegra Bank.
Children from Highlands enjoyed some arcade games at the Fun Factory in Franklin as part of the Shop with a Cop program.

Children from Highlands enjoyed some arcade games at the Fun Factory in Franklin as part of the Shop with a Cop program.

Making Christmas bright

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 26, 2019
The holidays brings out the inner child in everybody and at no time is that more apparent than when Christmas shopping.
Brian Stiehler shows of his own miniature train town of Highlands in the basement of his home. Stiehler has been a fan of model trains since his childhood.

Brian Stiehler shows of his own miniature train town of Highlands in the basement of his home. Stiehler has been a fan of model trains since his childhood.

Stiehler in his own little world

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 26, 2019
There is one fact Highlands resident Brian Stiehler wants to make perfectly clear. This is not a Christmas village. “This has nothing to do with Christmas, though a lot of people think it does,” said the Highlands Commissioner and Golf Course Superintendent at Highlands Country Club.
Jeremy Dooley and Mike Carrier recently released a children’s book, with a portion of the proceeds going to area charities.

Jeremy Dooley and Mike Carrier recently released a children’s book, with a portion of the proceeds going to area charities.

Adventures lead to book

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 26, 2019
A couple Highlands characters wrote a book. It’s a children’s book and a good book at that.
The Highlands ice rink has seen 510 skaters already in December.

The Highlands ice rink has seen 510 skaters already in December.

Ice rink remains a big winter draw

Dan Brown
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
The Highlands ice rink has been enjoying some decent weather to start the 2019-20 season in comparison to previous years. In fact, the weather has probably been too decent, according to Parks and Recreation Director Lester Norris.
The Highlands pool complex will be renovated following a donation from the Williams Foundation to the Town of Highlands.

The Highlands pool complex will be renovated following a donation from the Williams Foundation to the Town of Highlands.

Donation will lead to public pool renovations

Dan Brown
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Thanks to a donation of more than $232,000 from local philanthropist Art Williams, the Highlands Swimming Pool will get a face lift.
Members of American Legion Post 370 wait their turn to place memorial wreaths in honor of each branch of the United States military.

Members of American Legion Post 370 wait their turn to place memorial wreaths in honor of each branch of the United States military.

Wreaths Across America

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
A whipping wind pushed the ceremonial portion of the Wreaths Across America event indoors on Saturday afternoon in Highlands.
John “Buz” Dotson, Brian Stiehler and Marc Hehn, with the family Bible held by his wife Betsy, are sworn in as commissioners during the Dec. 12 meeting.

John “Buz” Dotson, Brian Stiehler and Marc Hehn, with the family Bible held by his wife Betsy, are sworn in as commissioners during the Dec. 12 meeting.

Town board members take office

Dan Brown
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Political newcomer Marc Hehn was sworn in as a Highlands town commissioner during the Board of Commissioners’ Thursday, Dec. 12 meeting, joining re-elected incumbents Brian Stiehler and John ‘Buz’ Dotson on the board. The commissioners were sworn in by Vic Perry, the Macon County Clerk of Court.
Highlands Biological Station Executive Director Jim Costa and Highlands Chamber of Commerce board chair Hilary Wilkes discuss upcoming initiatives during a community partners event at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts on Monday night.

Highlands Biological Station Executive Director Jim Costa and Highlands Chamber of Commerce board chair Hilary Wilkes discuss upcoming initiatives during a community partners event at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts on Monday night.

Building a nonprofit network

News Staff
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
In a season earmarked for celebration, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts celebrated the area’s local nonprofit organizations during an afternoon networking get-together in the main gallery on Monday.