Local

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Officers will be on the lakes and waterways this weekend enforcing Operation Dry Water.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Officers will be on the lakes and waterways this weekend enforcing Operation Dry Water.

Operation Dry Water is underway

In efforts to ensure a safer July 4 holiday experience on the water, the N.C.
The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library will remain in the Fontana system for at least the next year before it transitions to a Jackson County facility.

The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library will remain in the Fontana system for at least the next year before it transitions to a Jackson County facility.

Jackson Co. votes to leave regional library system

This is one for the books  — literally. Following a series of discussions, Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system last week, which in turn has led to much speculation and concern.
A glass blowing demonstration with the Green Energy Park during Community Day 2024.

A glass blowing demonstration with the Green Energy Park during Community Day 2024.

A gathering of artists

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts will host its annual Community Day on Saturday, July 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Faviola Olvera, Leonal Gonzales and Leslie Manning lead a discussion on the complexities of immigration.

Faviola Olvera, Leonal Gonzales and Leslie Manning lead a discussion on the complexities of immigration.

A community conversation

Immigration Attorney Leonel Gonzalez and Faviola Olvera of the Community Care Clinic talked about the complexities of immigration in the United States, which is currently home to 45 million immigrants.
Highlands will see another Independence Day filled with food, fun activities and spectacular fireworks.

Highlands will see another Independence Day filled with food, fun activities and spectacular fireworks.

Celebrating Independence

Independence Day is kicking off with an onslaught of activities and offerings to the community on the Plateau. Highlands will see the return of its annual fireworks show, slated to begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Preceding this will be a series of offerings that will begin at 9 a.m.
Bryan Heller will present his original piano composition and videography at 6 p.m., June 26.

Bryan Heller will present his original piano composition and videography at 6 p.m., June 26.

Heller to perform at Cashiers Community Library

The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library welcomes local pianist, composer, and videographer Bryan Heller on Thursday, June 26 at 6 p.m. as he presents “The Four Seasons,” a program of original compositions and videography centered on the changing seasons throughout our local area.
The ghost of Henry Sloan, portrayed by Harry McDonald, welcomes guests on the tour.

The ghost of Henry Sloan, portrayed by Harry McDonald, welcomes guests on the tour.

Historical Society hosts homes tour

On June 21, the Highlands Historical Society celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the founding of Highlands by hosting a tour of three of the most historic homes in Highlands tucked high in the clouds above.
Jackson County to leave library system

Jackson County to leave library system

Jackson County to leave library system

At a special called meeting on June 24 Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to leave the Fontana Regional Library system and passed an increased budget with a last-minute tax tweak.
The Dover Quartet will perform on July 29 and 30 as part of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.

The Dover Quartet will perform on July 29 and 30 as part of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

  The   regular season of the 43rd edition of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival which assembles world renowned classical musicians, takes place from July 6 to Aug. 11.
Many took part in the AWAKE child abuse prevention puppet shows held at elementary schools this year. (From L to R) Molly Boughman – senior mental health therapist, Celeste Young – forensic interviewer, Margarita Martinez-Lopez – bilingual victim advocate, Kristen Berry – senior forensic interviewer, Stephanie Cedillo – bilingual victim advocate, and Hannah Trammel – forensic interviewer.

Many took part in the AWAKE child abuse prevention puppet shows held at elementary schools this year. (From L to R) Molly Boughman – senior mental health therapist, Celeste Young – forensic interviewer, Margarita Martinez-Lopez – bilingual victim advocate, Kristen Berry – senior forensic interviewer, Stephanie Cedillo – bilingual victim advocate, and Hannah Trammel – forensic interviewer.

AWAKE spearheads advocacy for child abuse victims

Standing on its mission to help children who have experienced abuse, AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center has expanded its reach in the area.  “Our mission is to coordinate and advocate services for abused children,” Executive Director Crystal Jones said.