Local

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort’s annual outhouse races have become a popular Jackson County winter attraction.

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort’s annual outhouse races have become a popular Jackson County winter attraction.

Outhouses set to hit the slopes

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Sapphire Valley Ski Resort’s 18th annual Great Outhouse Race is almost here to roll out with another fun and high-energy experience for the community. This year’s race is set to take place on Saturday Feb. 15 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Check-in for racers begins at 1:30 p.m.
JCYC accompanist Bryan Heller gives chorus member Riley Breedlove a preview of a song he will sing when rehearsals begin in March.

JCYC accompanist Bryan Heller gives chorus member Riley Breedlove a preview of a song he will sing when rehearsals begin in March.

Jackson County Youth Chorus accepting singers

News Staff
Thursday, February 6, 2025
The Cashiers Valley Community Chorus is bringing a new musical opportunity to the youth as they are preparing for the introduction of the newly-formed Jackson County Youth Chorus. Rehearsals are set to begin on March 5 at 4:15 p.m. at the Cashiers United Methodist Church.
Swimmers flocked to the new Jackson County Aquatic Center for the grand opening event last week in Cullowhee.

Swimmers flocked to the new Jackson County Aquatic Center for the grand opening event last week in Cullowhee.

Aquatics center makes a splash

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 6, 2025
With a massive splash, the Jackson County Aquatic Center opened to the public last week as swimmers young and old flocked to Cullowhee to get their feet wet in the new state-of-the-art pool facility.
Highlands’ Brian Jarquin defends Blue Ridge’s Dakota Kinsey (1) during their game on Tuesday night.

Highlands’ Brian Jarquin defends Blue Ridge’s Dakota Kinsey (1) during their game on Tuesday night.

Hardwood Showdown

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Highlands and Blue Ridge renewed their historic rivalry on the basketball floor Tuesday night at “The Ridge.” The Highlanders exited with a pair of victories. In the girl’s game, the Bobcats got off to a fast start when McKenzie Woods opened the showdown with a 3-point basket.
The Bear Shadow music festival, one of the biggest events each spring in Highlands, has been canceled for 2025.

The Bear Shadow music festival, one of the biggest events each spring in Highlands, has been canceled for 2025.

Bear Shadow canceled for 2025, future unclear

News Staff
Thursday, January 30, 2025
After a successful four-year run, the Bear Shadow music festival has been canceled for 2025.

HCHF continues Helene relief

News Staff
Thursday, January 23, 2025
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects on Western North Carolina, the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation has committed over $230,000 in grants to support essential organizations within the community.
The Highlands board of commissioners are close to finalizing a lease extension with the Chamber of Commerce.

The Highlands board of commissioners are close to finalizing a lease extension with the Chamber of Commerce.

Highlands commissioners discuss lease, public notifications

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 23, 2025
The Highlands Board of Commissioners enjoyed a relatively light agenda for its January meeting last week. The first topic of discussion was one that has been in the board’s foreground for roughly a year – a lease for the Chamber of Commerce office and visitor’s center.