Local

The NC Department of Transportation reopened NC106 on Dec. 24 following nine weeks of work by local contractors.

The NC Department of Transportation reopened NC106 on Dec. 24 following nine weeks of work by local contractors.

NC106 reopens to motorists

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, January 2, 2025
While it didn’t reach the level of a Christmas miracle, motorists in Highlands and surrounding communities were treated to a pleasant surprise on Christmas Eve when NC106 reopened to vehicle traffic following a nine-week closure.
Participants in the “Wildcraft Wreath Workshop” at Albert Carlton Cashiers Library got a lesson in decorating using renewable resources.

Participants in the “Wildcraft Wreath Workshop” at Albert Carlton Cashiers Library got a lesson in decorating using renewable resources.

Cashiers wreath makers spread holiday cheer

News Staff
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Cashiers residents gathered at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library last week to take part in the “Wildcraft Wreath Workshop,” hosted by Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, which showcased a fun and sustainable way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Green is calling it a career after serving up fine dining dishes on Main Street in Highlands for more than 30 years.

Chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Green is calling it a career after serving up fine dining dishes on Main Street in Highlands for more than 30 years.

Wolfgang's: The end of an era

News Staff
Thursday, December 26, 2024
After 30 years of serving fine dining dishes to Highlands, Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro is closing. New Year’s Eve 2024 will be their final day of business.
Macon County School Board members Jim Breedlove and Hilary Wilkes listen to a presentation regarding an issue with the heating system at Highlands School.

Macon County School Board members Jim Breedlove and Hilary Wilkes listen to a presentation regarding an issue with the heating system at Highlands School.

Highlands School mistake deemed "unacceptable"

News Staff
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Recent tensions and finger-pointing between Macon County Schools officials and Highlands School construction officials regarding project specifics have led to blunt questions and demands to fix those issues.
Jamie Davis (center), a Sylva native, is the new director of the Jackson County Department on Aging.

Jamie Davis (center), a Sylva native, is the new director of the Jackson County Department on Aging.

Davis takes over Jackson County Department on Aging

News Staff
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Jamie Davis is the new director of the Jackson County Department on Aging, a path that took him from strumming six-strings in Nashville, Tenn., to supporting senior citizens in Jackson County.    Twenty-one years ago, the Jackson County native graduated college in Boone, N.C.
The Mountain Theatre Company is staging “Home for the Holidays” at the Highlands Performing Arts Center through Dec. 22.

The Mountain Theatre Company is staging “Home for the Holidays” at the Highlands Performing Arts Center through Dec. 22.

MTC opens more interactive "Home for the Holidays"

News Staff
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The third Mountain Theatre Company “Home for the Holidays” production might be its most interactive yet, according to choreographer Erin Knowles. “This show can probably appeal to more audience than before,” she said. “It’s almost immersive. We have snow falling on your heads in the crowd.
The Highlands town board meeting in December was marked by discussion of the Bear Shadow music festival's future.

The Highlands town board meeting in December was marked by discussion of the Bear Shadow music festival's future.

Town board delays decision on Bear Shadow music fest

News Staff
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The last Highlands Town Board of Commissioners meeting of the year on Friday, Dec. 12 was a busy one. The board heard objections to a proposed music festival in town, talked issues with the Chamber of Commerce lease, and heard a myriad updates on local town issues with traffic and speeding.
The new Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad building on US64 East opened on Saturday morning.

The new Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad building on US64 East opened on Saturday morning.

Grand opening for Rescue Squad

News Staff
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad is expanding with the opening of a new building, located at 208 US64 East, and fully equipped to serve the community more quickly and efficiently.
The Highlands Cashiers Land Trust is in the process of conserving 100 acres in Cashiers.

The Highlands Cashiers Land Trust is in the process of conserving 100 acres in Cashiers.

Land Trust to conserve 100 acres in Cashiers

News Staff
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is under contract on 100 acres of raw and pristine land in Cashiers. Fully surrounded by the US Forest Service, this property is visible from Whiteside Mountain and protects streams in the Chattooga watershed.
David Bock and Jack Austin with Highlands Festivals Inc. presented a check for $10,000 to Friends of Founders Park President Hank Ross on Monday.

David Bock and Jack Austin with Highlands Festivals Inc. presented a check for $10,000 to Friends of Founders Park President Hank Ross on Monday.

Food and Wine makes 2024 donation

News Staff
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Highlands Festivals, Inc., the producer of both the Highlands Food and Wine Festival and Bear Shadow music festival, presented its annual charitable donation to Friends of Founders Park on Monday, Dec. 9.