Local

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.
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners hears from Chief Holland about concerns with the subjectivity of the nuisance ordinance during the workshop.

The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners hears from Chief Holland about concerns with the subjectivity of the nuisance ordinance during the workshop.

Town Board reviews Bill Futral rezoning and festival requests, committees

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners met for its monthly Workshop on March 19 to discuss the noise ordinance and parking regulations aimed at preventing traffic obstruction, before holding its regular board meeting to review several requests, including those from Bill Futral and the...
Volunteers Janet Howell and Ruth Russ help operate the Bazaar Barn on May 22, 2025. | Photo by COGS Bazaar Barn

Volunteers Janet Howell and Ruth Russ help operate the Bazaar Barn on May 22, 2025. | Photo by COGS Bazaar Barn

Church of Good Shepherd provides support through Bazaar Barn, scholarships

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The Church of the Good Shepherd of Cashiers’ Bazaar Barn will open its 2026 grant application cycle on April 1, furthering its support of local nonprofits through outreach grants funded by sales of upscale, donated furniture, art and household items.
Visit highlandsperformingarts.com to purchase tickets for events at the PAC.

Visit highlandsperformingarts.com to purchase tickets for events at the PAC.

Third-party ticket sellers cause headaches for PAC, patrons

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
For the Highlands Performing Arts Center (PAC), a new and frustrating challenge has emerged: Third-party ticket resellers are targeting patrons, inflating prices and breaking the trust the community venue has built over years.
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners interviews Bill Grubb during the March 12 special meeting, asking questions about the Unified Development Ordinance and his vision for a multigenerational strategy.

The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners interviews Bill Grubb during the March 12 special meeting, asking questions about the Unified Development Ordinance and his vision for a multigenerational strategy.

Grubb appointed to town board

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners interviewed five candidates for a vacant seat during its special meeting Thursday, March 12, after former Commissioner John Dotson stepped down with two years remaining in his term.
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners reviews outgoing Public Works Director Lamar Nix’s capital needs requests during the Board’s retreat on March 11.

The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners reviews outgoing Public Works Director Lamar Nix’s capital needs requests during the Board’s retreat on March 11.

Highlands Board hears capital needs requests during retreat

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners convened for a retreat on Wednesday, March 11 to review capital needs requests from town departments ahead of its April 9 budget workshop.