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HPD: Distemper cases on the rise

HPD: Distemper cases on the rise

HPD: Distemper cases on the rise

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The Highlands Police Department continues to respond to calls regarding foxes and raccoons displaying symptoms consistent with Canine Distemper Virus. According to wildlife experts, distemper is currently prevalent throughout Western North Carolina.
Several “Littles” enjoy a night of bowling with Clarissa Emily and other “Bigs” at the BBBS Bowl For Kid’s Sake fundraiser. | Photo by Danielle Hernandez

Several “Littles” enjoy a night of bowling with Clarissa Emily and other “Bigs” at the BBBS Bowl For Kid’s Sake fundraiser. | Photo by Danielle Hernandez

BBBS mentorship programs shape Plateau youth

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, connects children across the region with mentors who provide support and guidance through one-on-one relationships.
Robert Owens of Owens & Co. prepares his signature St. Louis spare ribs at the 2025 Highlands Food and Wine Festival. | Photo by Josh Bryson/Staff

Robert Owens of Owens & Co. prepares his signature St. Louis spare ribs at the 2025 Highlands Food and Wine Festival. | Photo by Josh Bryson/Staff

FOOD & WINE FAREWELL

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The Highlands Food and Wine Festival announced March 4 that it will not return in 2026 after 10 years. The news drew mixed reactions throughout the Town of Highlands. Community leaders and business owners shared mixed reactions to the news.

From after-school assistance to national scholarships

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
For many students, the end of the school day marks a transition from one kind of stress to another. But for Timmy McDowell, a former student of The Literacy & Learning Center’s After-school program, those afternoons provided the foundation for a future he never thought possible.

The Village Green hosts Easter traditions

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The Village Green hosts community events each year that enhance the lifestyle of the Cashiers area for residents and visitors. Easter weekend features events celebrating the hope, renewal and joy of the spring holiday. The Village Green will host the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m.
Summit Charter 3rd graders Patrick Hurley, Ryland Hurley and Demi Rindom show their awards from the annual Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District contest. | Photo courtesy of Jackson Soil and Water Conservation

Summit Charter 3rd graders Patrick Hurley, Ryland Hurley and Demi Rindom show their awards from the annual Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District contest. | Photo courtesy of Jackson Soil and Water Conservation

“We all live in a watershed”

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District held its annual poster, essay, speech and slideshow contests for students in Jackson County. The purpose of the contests is to educate students about issues that affect land and water sources, as well as about conservation.
The first dance of the spring series will be hosted by Macon County Public Library on Thursday, March 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. | Photo by Cricket Woodward

The first dance of the spring series will be hosted by Macon County Public Library on Thursday, March 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. | Photo by Cricket Woodward

Community contra dances return for 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The first dance of the spring series of live-music community events will be hosted by the Macon County Public Library on Thursday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, sharing many of the same movements.
Red-Haired Mary nearly sold out their 2025 concert. The John C. Campbell Folk School will be having them back for another round of Irish music March 16 in the Keith House Community Room.

Red-Haired Mary nearly sold out their 2025 concert. The John C. Campbell Folk School will be having them back for another round of Irish music March 16 in the Keith House Community Room.

St. Paddy’s concert with Red-Haired Mary

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a concert by Irish group Red-Haired Mary on Monday, March 16, at 7 p.m. in the John C. Campbell Folk School Keith House Community Room.