Local

Neal picked to lead Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
After a four-month search, representatives from Mission Health have named Tom Neal as the new chief executive officer and chief nursing officer at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.     Neal was hired in November and officially started in his new role last week.     “(Neal’s) first day was actually Dec.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were the highlight of the Highlands Christmas Parade, which was held along Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were the highlight of the Highlands Christmas Parade, which was held along Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Parade brings out revelers

Dan Brown
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Santa Claus knows there is nothing like perfect weather to make for a perfect parade.
The Entegra Bank branch on Carolina Way in Highlands will be divested as part the company’s impending merger with First Citizens Bank.

The Entegra Bank branch on Carolina Way in Highlands will be divested as part the company’s impending merger with First Citizens Bank.

Entegra branch to be sold

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
The merger of Entegra Bank and First Citizens Bank will make way for a new banking brand in Highlands.     On Monday, Dec. 2 the U.S. Department of Justice made a letter of agreement with First Citizens Bank public.
Highlands Literacy Council students and staff work on Christmas cards to pass out to residents at the Eckerd Assisted Living Center.

Highlands Literacy Council students and staff work on Christmas cards to pass out to residents at the Eckerd Assisted Living Center.

Spreading Christmas cheer

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Just because the kids will be out of school over the last couple weeks of 2019, doesn’t mean the Highlands Literacy Council won’t be busy. The HLC, neatly ensconced in their new digs in Highlands Plaza, has several ongoing programs continuing through Christmas break.
NC Attorney General Josh Stein gives mayor Patrick Taylor the 2019 Dogwood Award.

NC Attorney General Josh Stein gives mayor Patrick Taylor the 2019 Dogwood Award.

Taylor honored by NCAG

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 5, 2019
    North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein recognized the work of two Macon County mayors, including Highlands’ Patrick Taylor, on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Local News

Local News

Economic status unchaged for Macon

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 5, 2019
The North Carolina Department of Commerce unveiled its 2020 economic development tier designations on Monday and for the second consecutive year the news was positive for Macon County and Western North Carolina as a region.
Highlands Chamber of Commerce board chair Hillary Wilkes presented the Robert B. Dupree Community Service Award to representatives of the Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation during the 2019 Chamber Awards Banquet.

Highlands Chamber of Commerce board chair Hillary Wilkes presented the Robert B. Dupree Community Service Award to representatives of the Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation during the 2019 Chamber Awards Banquet.

Chamber hands out yearly hardware

News Staff
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Every November, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce celebrates the successes of the business community with the annual Autumn Ovation. This year’s event was hosted by Old Edwards at the new Woodfire Bistro and Bar, Four65.
The Loafer’s Bench outside of the former Stone Lantern property still serves as a popular resting place for visitors to Highlands, even after the business closed its doors earlier this year. Ralph deVille, Jim Bud Rogers (left) and Mike Thompson (right) built the bench more than 40 years ago.

The Loafer’s Bench outside of the former Stone Lantern property still serves as a popular resting place for visitors to Highlands, even after the business closed its doors earlier this year. Ralph deVille, Jim Bud Rogers (left) and Mike Thompson (right) built the bench more than 40 years ago.

Loafer’s Bench lives on

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 5, 2019
The Loafer’s Bench is as enduring a landmark in Highlands as Sunset Rock, and will probably be a fixture along Main Street for as long as the mountain overlooking town. “Until the Apocalypse,” said Jim-Bud Rogers, who helped build it.
Highlands Cable Group network engineer Rick Yinger connects fiber lines to a port system in the Holt Knob neighborhood.

Highlands Cable Group network engineer Rick Yinger connects fiber lines to a port system in the Holt Knob neighborhood.

Highlands Cable Group rolls out new service to Holt Knob

Dan Brown
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Fast and reliable internet service options can be hard to come by on the periphery of Highlands. While the Town of Highlands fiber network buildout continues, Highlands Cable Group is introducing a new technology to areas that were previously underserved.