Local

Photo/Ned Neidhardt - Ned Neidhardt posted this picture on the Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook page saying his brother, Neil (in shorts), was the hiker rescued last week. “So grateful for the valiant efforts of all the search and rescue crews that worked throughout the night to find my brother.”

Photo/Ned Neidhardt - Ned Neidhardt posted this picture on the Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook page saying his brother, Neil (in shorts), was the hiker rescued last week. “So grateful for the valiant efforts of all the search and rescue crews that worked throughout the night to find my brother.”

Lost hiker found on Whiteside Mountain

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Mia Overton editor@thefranklinpress.com   A search for a missing hiker last week had a good ending when the man was able to walk out with rescuers. The Glenville Cashiers Rescue Squad was called out at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 for a hiker who was overdue to return at Whiteside Mountain.
Photo by Bill Davis - Students at Blue Ridge School listen as Captain Brandon Green, president of Jackson County Fire & Life Safety, and a firefighter with the Savannah Fire Department, talks about fire safety.

Photo by Bill Davis - Students at Blue Ridge School listen as Captain Brandon Green, president of Jackson County Fire & Life Safety, and a firefighter with the Savannah Fire Department, talks about fire safety.

A LESSON ON SAFETY

(not verified)
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other local first responders with Jackson County Fire & Life Safety visited eight Jackson County schools, public and private, over a two-week period, helping young students understand the importance of fire safety and how to make good choices.
The new addition to the conserved area begins at the base of Rock Mountain.

The new addition to the conserved area begins at the base of Rock Mountain.

High Hampton donates conservation easement to HCLT

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The permanent protection of 47.97 acres of ecologically significant land has been donated to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT)  by High Hampton.
More than 100 artisan vendors will be spread out along The Village Green this weekend during the annual Leaf Festival.

More than 100 artisan vendors will be spread out along The Village Green this weekend during the annual Leaf Festival.

Village Green Leaf Festival begins Oct. 10

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Thousands of “leaf peepers” travel through the Cashiers area every October to enjoy the wonderful hues of red, orange, and yellow that signify the beginning of the fall season. To celebrate this season, The Village Green holds the annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival.
Commissioners unopposed in November election

Commissioners unopposed in November election

No contest: Commissioners unopposed in November election

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Seats on the Highlands Board of Commissioners will be uncontested in the upcoming Nov. 4 general election.  Incumbents Amy Patterson and Eric Pierson are seeking reelection to their current seats on the board.
The Fall Pottery Show is the highlight of The Bascom’s fall programming.

The Fall Pottery Show is the highlight of The Bascom’s fall programming.

Get fired up!

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts invites the community to experience the 14th Annual Fall Pottery Show on Oct. 10–11, at the Dave Drake Barn. This highly anticipated, two-day event has become a signature highlight of The Bascom’s fall programming.
Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Assistant Shelter Manager Jodi Henkel, Shelter Manager Kaitlyn Villarreal, family, and CHHS shelter dogs Clyde and Jackie prepare for the Blessing of the Animals.

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Assistant Shelter Manager Jodi Henkel, Shelter Manager Kaitlyn Villarreal, family, and CHHS shelter dogs Clyde and Jackie prepare for the Blessing of the Animals.

Blessing the animals

News Staff
Thursday, October 9, 2025
It was a gorgeous Saturday morning on Oct. 4  for the 2025 Cashiers Blessing of the Animals with CHHS shelter pets as well as those who already have forever homes receiving their blessing in the spirit of Saint Francis.
Author David Baldacci signs a copy of his newest book “Strangers in Time” for Becky Harris of Highlands. Baldacci was the guest speaker for the Literacy and Learning Center’s annual “Celebration of Education” fundraiser on Sept. 30. The event included a talk with the author Thursday afternoon at the Performing Arts Center and a VIP Patron Dinner that evening at Old Edwards Club.

Author David Baldacci signs a copy of his newest book “Strangers in Time” for Becky Harris of Highlands. Baldacci was the guest speaker for the Literacy and Learning Center’s annual “Celebration of Education” fundraiser on Sept. 30. The event included a talk with the author Thursday afternoon at the Performing Arts Center and a VIP Patron Dinner that evening at Old Edwards Club.

SUPPORT FOR LITERACY

News Staff
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Author David Baldacci touched on a range of topics – some serious, some humorous – during his talk the afternoon of Sept. 30 as part of the Literacy and Learning Center’s “Celebration of Education” fundraiser. The annual event featured Baldacci’s presentation at 2 p.m.
The Highlands Historical Society previewed a ‘Family Story’ told by sisters Geri James Crowe and Wilma James Gordon.

The Highlands Historical Society previewed a ‘Family Story’ told by sisters Geri James Crowe and Wilma James Gordon.

Deep Roots

News Staff
Friday, October 3, 2025
Roots run deep in Highlands and the ties that bind people together do so despite the years and distance between them.
Contractors are preparing to shore up the road at Bridal Veil Falls.

Contractors are preparing to shore up the road at Bridal Veil Falls.

ROAD CLOSURES BEGIN ON U.S. 64

News Staff
Friday, October 3, 2025
Overnight road closures are underway on U.S. 64 between Highlands and Cashiers and they started Thursday night.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation will be replacing cross pipes on US 64 North from Buck Creek to the Jackson County line. The road will be closed from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.