Local

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Neal picked to lead Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

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

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

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.