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Chief Ryan Gearhart introduces the proposed fire tax to town commissioners, current and retired firefighters, and other residents at Highlands Community Building.

Chief Ryan Gearhart introduces the proposed fire tax to town commissioners, current and retired firefighters, and other residents at Highlands Community Building.

Chief Gearhart presents proposed fire tax increase at info session

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Highlands Fire and Rescue’s Chief Ryan Gearhart presented a proposed fire tax increase for the Highlands Fire district at a public information session on Tuesday, March 31.  The fire department’s current budget is $1,915,500, and the current fire tax rate, which generates $1,155,073 at 99.
Commissioner Josh Young, superintendent Josh Lynch and MCS finance officer Laney Ledford speak after a liaison meeting. | Photo courtesy of Shelby Powell/The Franklin Press

Commissioner Josh Young, superintendent Josh Lynch and MCS finance officer Laney Ledford speak after a liaison meeting. | Photo courtesy of Shelby Powell/The Franklin Press

Plans restarting for Highlands soccer field

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Though sidelined in the last budget cycle, the Highlands soccer field project is gaining renewed attention as Macon County school board members and commissioners discussed the project in a liaison meeting on April 7.
Anglers fish for trout along the riverbank of a hatchery-supported stream in Western North Carolina. | Photo by C2 Photography/VisitNC.com

Anglers fish for trout along the riverbank of a hatchery-supported stream in Western North Carolina. | Photo by C2 Photography/VisitNC.com

Angling for a Good Time

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Following a month-long closure, hatchery-supported trout waters reopened across Western North Carolina at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, drawing anglers back to locations like the Nantahala River in Macon County and Greens Creek and Savannah Creek in Jackson County.
Mick Mayer poses with a full dumpster following the conclusion of the 2025 Plateau Pickup. | Photo courtesy of Highlands Chamber

Mick Mayer poses with a full dumpster following the conclusion of the 2025 Plateau Pickup. | Photo courtesy of Highlands Chamber

KEEPING THE PLATEAU CLEAN

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
As the Plateau population continues to grow, so does the amount of litter across the region. The Highlands Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Plateau Pickup on Saturday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to combat this issue.
The Highlander under new ownership

The Highlander under new ownership

The Highlander under new ownership

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Paxton Media Group (PMG) has acquired nine community newspapers in the Murphy and Franklin regions of western North Carolina and north Georgia from Community Newspapers, Inc. (CNI), based in Athens, Georgia.
The digital exhibition “Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina,” opened in March.

The digital exhibition “Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina,” opened in March.

Cashiers Historical Society unveils new digital exhibit

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The Cashiers Historical Society has launched “Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina,” a digital exhibition that opened in March 2026.
The Highlands Biological Station workshop series will include programs featuring amphibian diversity and biogeography.

The Highlands Biological Station workshop series will include programs featuring amphibian diversity and biogeography.

A Season of Learning

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
There are places where learning happens quietly—under the shade of hemlocks, along the edge of a bog, in the careful unfolding of a fern. At Highlands Biological Station, education is not confined to a classroom. It is lived, held in the hand, and carried home.
Visitor Center host Heather Dalton and Amanda Bradley work at the newly added farm tables in front of original artwork and photographs. | Photos by Mitch Stone/Staff

Visitor Center host Heather Dalton and Amanda Bradley work at the newly added farm tables in front of original artwork and photographs. | Photos by Mitch Stone/Staff

A NEW LOOK & FRESH WELCOME

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
After about 14 months of planning and construction, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce showcased its newly-renovated Cashiers Area Chamber and Visitors Center to the public during its March 19 open house.