Local

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.
“Drawn to the Plateau” is a youth art collaboration between the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau and The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts. | Courtesy of Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau

“Drawn to the Plateau” is a youth art collaboration between the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau and The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts. | Courtesy of Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau

BGCP, The Bascom partner to launch youth exhibition

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau hosted its first art show, "Drawn to the Plateau," a one-night-only youth exhibition presented in partnership with The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts and sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council's Grassroots Art Program Grant.
Highlands Food & Wine concludes 10-year run

Highlands Food & Wine concludes 10-year run

Highlands Food & Wine concludes 10-year run

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
After 10 years of culinary distinction, world-class music and community celebration, Highlands Food & Wine will conclude its historic run and will not return in 2026.
Highlands Town Board Candidates

Highlands Town Board Candidates

Board candidates discuss top issues

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on March 12 at 3 p.m. to interview five candidates for an open seat: Daryl Griswold, Bill Grubb, Marc Hehn, Jan Pittman and Margot Teed. The public meeting may conclude with an appointment. At its Feb.
The Macon County Board of Elections members and Board of Elections Supervisor Melanie Thibault (standing) during Early Voting counting on March 3. Board members are (from left) Chair John Vanhook, Gary Dills, Kathy Tinsley, Paul Niskanen and Lynne Garrison. | Photo by Mia Overton/Staff

The Macon County Board of Elections members and Board of Elections Supervisor Melanie Thibault (standing) during Early Voting counting on March 3. Board members are (from left) Chair John Vanhook, Gary Dills, Kathy Tinsley, Paul Niskanen and Lynne Garrison. | Photo by Mia Overton/Staff

ELECTION DAY ON THE PLATEAU

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Voters in Macon and Jackson counties cast ballots during early voting and on March 3 to select party nominees for key local and statewide offices. Several closely watched races have set the stage for the Nov. 3 general election. Results are unofficial until the March 13 canvass.