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“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.
The Highlands Board of Commissioners debated whether workshops or committee meetings would be more effective during their Feb. 19 meeting.

The Highlands Board of Commissioners debated whether workshops or committee meetings would be more effective during their Feb. 19 meeting.

Town Board reviews appointment procedure, workshops

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Highlands Town Board of Commissioners convened on Thursday, Feb. 19 for its monthly meeting, where it reviewed appointment procedures, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s lease, workshops, outdoor recreation policy amendments and Mayor and Town Manager reports.
MC Planning Board reduced to five members

MC Planning Board reduced to five members

MC Planning Board reduced to five members

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted to cut the county planning board from 11 to five members in an effort to make conducting business easier.
WNCAP Development Director Bellamy Crawford partnered with La Rumba Restaurant Latino in Asheville to host Dining Out For Life in 2025.

WNCAP Development Director Bellamy Crawford partnered with La Rumba Restaurant Latino in Asheville to host Dining Out For Life in 2025.

Dining Out For Life looks to expand

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Western North Carolina AIDS Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is working to expand Dining Out For Life — a nationwide fundraiser for HIV prevention and care — into the Highlands and Cashiers areas.
Mary Adair Trumbley and Dr. John Baumrucker were named 2026 Mardi Gras King and Queen at R.E.A.C.H.’s Mardi Gras fundraiser on Feb. 17.

Mary Adair Trumbley and Dr. John Baumrucker were named 2026 Mardi Gras King and Queen at R.E.A.C.H.’s Mardi Gras fundraiser on Feb. 17.

Mardi Gras, Mountain Style

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
R.E.A.C.H. of Macon County raised more than $48,000 at its annual Mardi Gras fundraiser, held to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Volunteering at The Literacy & Learning Center is easy and makes a vital impact on the community. | Photo by The Literacy and Learning Center

Volunteering at The Literacy & Learning Center is easy and makes a vital impact on the community. | Photo by The Literacy and Learning Center

Help a young child learn to read: no special skills required

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
You don’t need a teaching degree or a professional background to change a child’s life; if you can read, you can help a student succeed. Volunteering at The Literacy & Learning Center is easy.
Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad used thermal imaging to locate the two climbers, which can be seen as the bright figures positioned on the dark, cold strip of ice. | Photo by Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad

Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad used thermal imaging to locate the two climbers, which can be seen as the bright figures positioned on the dark, cold strip of ice. | Photo by Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad

RESCUE ON WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
At approximately 2:03 p.m. on Feb. 14, the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad responded to a call involving a report of an injured ice climber that had fallen 80 feet. The reported area of the incident was the “Starshine” ice flow on the flank of Devils Court House and Whiteside Mountain.