Local

Blue Ridge forward Isabella Moody (12) looks for a passing lane as Highlands defender Olivia Corbin (22) closes the gap on Monday afternoon.

Blue Ridge forward Isabella Moody (12) looks for a passing lane as Highlands defender Olivia Corbin (22) closes the gap on Monday afternoon.

Highlanders take down Bobcats

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Highlands didn’t need to rely on the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. The Highlanders got off to a hot start and never looked back in a 9-1 win over rival Blue Ridge on Monday afternoon.
Highlands and Blue Ridge will remain in the same conference and welcome Summit Charter School following the 2025 NCHSAA realignment.

Highlands and Blue Ridge will remain in the same conference and welcome Summit Charter School following the 2025 NCHSAA realignment.

Local sports teams sticking together after realignment

Ryan Hanchett
Monday, March 17, 2025
The three high schools in Highlands and Cashiers will all be conference mates next fall after the final realignment proposal form the NC High School Athletic Association was approved last week.
Cashiers Marketplace has withdrawn its development plans that would require a special use permit in Cashiers.

Cashiers Marketplace has withdrawn its development plans that would require a special use permit in Cashiers.

Cashiers Marketplace amends development plans

News Staff
Monday, March 17, 2025
Plans for the Cashiers Marketplace development will be pivoting, as its application for a special use permit in regard to building a mixed-use development in Cashiers has been withdrawn.
Members of Cashiers Cares gathered on the stage at The Village Green prior to a grant award ceremony last week.

Members of Cashiers Cares gathered on the stage at The Village Green prior to a grant award ceremony last week.

Cashiers Cares hands out community grants

News Staff
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Cashiers Cares Held its 16th annual check distribution to 10 local nonprofits, whose representatives attended the event held at Lewis Hall in the Village Green, for their services to the Southern Jackson County population.
Jeff Weller of Summit Architecture discussed his profession with Highlands School students during career day.

Jeff Weller of Summit Architecture discussed his profession with Highlands School students during career day.

Finding a future career field

News Staff
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Highlands School kicked off its first Career Day last week as hard working members of the community gathered to show off their jobs to its students while also  introducing the opportunities that’s in store for their futures.
Highlands Jordyn Borino (12) and Aislynn Wyatt-Luck (2) defend the lane against CPLA’s Melody Johnson (4) and Shanya McRae (30).

Highlands Jordyn Borino (12) and Aislynn Wyatt-Luck (2) defend the lane against CPLA’s Melody Johnson (4) and Shanya McRae (30).

Highlands opens state playoff run with win over CPLA

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 27, 2025
A balanced scoring attack and some stout second-half defense propelled Highlands to a 44-20 win over College Prep and Leadership Academy on Tuesday night in the opening round of the NC High School Athletic Association 1-A state playoffs.
Highlands Cashiers Hospital donated a wall of nonperishable food items to local food banks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Hospital CEO Ton Neal highlighted some of the hospital’s continuing initiatives for the Highlands Board of Commissioners on Thursday night.

Highlands Cashiers Hospital donated a wall of nonperishable food items to local food banks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Hospital CEO Ton Neal highlighted some of the hospital’s continuing initiatives for the Highlands Board of Commissioners on Thursday night.

Town board hears hospital update

News Staff
Thursday, February 27, 2025
The Highlands Board of Commissioners gathered at the community building to go over some of the latest initiatives that have been developing in the area on Thursday, beginning with an update regarding the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.
A wild turkey that had become a community mascot after Hurricane Helene has been relocated to Holly Forest.

A wild turkey that had become a community mascot after Hurricane Helene has been relocated to Holly Forest.

Beloved Sapphire turkey relocated

News Staff
Thursday, February 20, 2025
It was only a few months ago, around the time of Hurricane Helene, where residents were enamored by the frequent visitation of an individual turkey, who often could be seen at Sapphire Valley Resort. To some, she was Tammy, and to others, Sally.
Highlands’ junior varsity boys basketball team took home the championship trophy at the Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference tournament.

Highlands’ junior varsity boys basketball team took home the championship trophy at the Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference tournament.

Tournament time underway

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference basketball tournament got underway on Tuesday night with five local teams in action. Highlands junior varsity boys kicked off the festivities with a 14-point win over Hiwassee Dam in the JV championship game.

Highlands Chamber director McHan set to retire

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce will undergo a changing of the guard later this year when executive director Kaye McHan calls it a career. McHan informed the Chamber board of her impending retirement, effective June 30, last week.