Local

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.
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.