Local

A greenway flanks the Tuckasegee River.

A greenway flanks the Tuckasegee River.

Jackson County greenway poised for major expansion

News Staff
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
For years, walkers, joggers and cyclists have packed the Jackson County Greenway’s single mile of paved trail, a short stretch that extends along the Tuckaseigee River with a large footbridge crossing at Locust Creek to its intersection with Monteith Gap Road.
Highlands on the Half-Shell is a fundraiser for the Highlands Biological Foundation. | Photo by Colleen Kerrigan

Highlands on the Half-Shell is a fundraiser for the Highlands Biological Foundation. | Photo by Colleen Kerrigan

Highlands on the Half-Shell

News Staff
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Marissa Nieddu Highlands Biological Foundation  One of Highlands’ most beloved fall traditions is just around the corner. Tickets for the Highlands Biological Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Highlands on the Half-Shell, are now on sale.  The annual celebration returns Sunday, Oct.5 from 4 p.m.

Tate files for seat on Town Board

News Staff
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Highlands Board of Commissioners discussed board vacancies in light of the July 31 resignation of commissioner Brian Stiehler during their meeting last week.
Commissioners OK new outdoor recreation policy

Commissioners OK new outdoor recreation policy

Commissioners OK new outdoor recreation policy

News Staff
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Alcohol consumption could be allowed during the town’s Fourth of July celebration next year in Kelsey-Huthinson Founders Park following a vote Aug. 21  by Highlands commissioners.
Jainara Gallardo, Evelyn Guslin, Mary Simpson and Pao Zafra spent Saturday afternoon browsing through the many booths scattered across Kelsey Hutchinson Park in Highlands.

Jainara Gallardo, Evelyn Guslin, Mary Simpson and Pao Zafra spent Saturday afternoon browsing through the many booths scattered across Kelsey Hutchinson Park in Highlands.

Saturday in the Park

News Staff
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Another successful arts and crafts show is in the books. Catherine Connolly, past president of Mountaintop Rotary and one of the show’s organizers, said the Arts & Crafts Show has grown to become the club’s largest fundraiser.
Drew English will present The Dahlia Dialogue on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Drew English will present The Dahlia Dialogue on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Dazzling Dahlias

News Staff
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts will host the 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival from Sept. 4–6.
The Sky Valley Garden Club will host “An Enchanted Evening” on Sept. 16.

The Sky Valley Garden Club will host “An Enchanted Evening” on Sept. 16.

‘An Enchanted Event’

News Staff
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Sky Valley Garden Club will host “An Enchanted Evening” of Dahlias by the Lake for its annual scholarship fundraiser on Sept. 16. The event will be held on the patio at the Sky Valley Country Club from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a beautiful evening with live music, appetizers and drinks.
Kyle Bryner, winner of this season’s “BBQ Brawl” talks with Todd Faircloth, executive director of the Foxfire Museum, at the July 27 watch party for the Food Network broadcast.

Kyle Bryner, winner of this season’s “BBQ Brawl” talks with Todd Faircloth, executive director of the Foxfire Museum, at the July 27 watch party for the Food Network broadcast.

Mountain King crowned

News Staff
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Rabun County’s “Mountain Man” became king of the mountain as he edged out two of the nation’s top chefs for the coveted “Master of ‘Cue” on season six of the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl.