Local

Five candidates apply for town board seat

Five candidates apply for town board seat

Five candidates apply for town board seat

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The Town of Highlands has received five applications from local residents seeking to fill the Board of Commissioners seat left vacant by the retirement of longtime Councilman John Dotson at the end of 2025.
Community speaks out on redistricting

Community speaks out on redistricting

Community speaks out on redistricting

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Thirteen speakers showed up for the Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 10 to voice opposition to a proposed new election structure for the board.  Commissioners have been discussing redistricting since their Dec. 9 meeting, reigniting an effort from 2023 to restructure the board.
Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry officers and directors review the proposed budget during their board meeting on Feb. 10 in Cashiers.

Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry officers and directors review the proposed budget during their board meeting on Feb. 10 in Cashiers.

Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry holds annual meeting

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, Inc., in Jackson County, held its annual meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Officers and the Board of Directors discussed the budget, reports, amendment of bylaws and the appointment of new officers.
The 19th Annual Great Outhouse Races attracted thousands to Sapphire Valley Resort to witness neck-and-neck racing in borderline freezing temperatures.

The 19th Annual Great Outhouse Races attracted thousands to Sapphire Valley Resort to witness neck-and-neck racing in borderline freezing temperatures.

OUT (HOUSE) IN FRONT

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The 19th edition of the Great Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley Resort was held on Saturday, Feb. 7. The unique competition featured custom-built outhouses racing over approximately 40 yards down a two-lane track of packed snow.
The CAT 365 skid steer, which cost $114,000, is Chief Dillard’s favorite piece of new equipment at the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department.

The CAT 365 skid steer, which cost $114,000, is Chief Dillard’s favorite piece of new equipment at the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department.

Cashiers-Glenville Fire Dept. highlights equipment upgrades

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Covering the largest fire district in North Carolina at 135 square miles, the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department carries a substantial responsibility, making equipment upgrades especially crucial.
Residents voice concerns over redistricting plan

Residents voice concerns over redistricting plan

Residents voice concerns over redistricting plan

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The Macon County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday, Feb. 10, to discuss a proposed redistricting plan that would revise the structure of the board and how its members are elected.
Candidates at the commissioners forum (from left) District 2 candidates Nick Lofthouse, David Culpepper, Dylan Castle and Kellie Burns; Republican Party Chair Patti Trick at the microphone; and District 1 candidates John Shearl, Joey Wilson and Don Willis.

Candidates at the commissioners forum (from left) District 2 candidates Nick Lofthouse, David Culpepper, Dylan Castle and Kellie Burns; Republican Party Chair Patti Trick at the microphone; and District 1 candidates John Shearl, Joey Wilson and Don Willis.

County commissioner candidates speak at forum

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
This is part one of coverage from the forum with county commissioner candidates held Feb. 7. Part two will be published Feb. 19.
Bryson Grading and Paving began demolition at the Highlands Playhouse on Friday, Jan. 29. The playhouse, built in 1934, served as a movie house, community theatre and playhouse.

Bryson Grading and Paving began demolition at the Highlands Playhouse on Friday, Jan. 29. The playhouse, built in 1934, served as a movie house, community theatre and playhouse.

A HEARTFELT GOODBYE

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Highlands Playhouse, a 1934-built auditorium that hosted plays, films and other performances for over 70 years, underwent demolition starting Thursday, Jan. 29.
Hilco Transport, Inc. crews sort through the wreckage at the crash site off U.S. 64 on Thursday, Jan. 29.

Hilco Transport, Inc. crews sort through the wreckage at the crash site off U.S. 64 on Thursday, Jan. 29.

Accident closes U.S. 64

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
At approximately 3:35 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, Cashiers-Glenville Fire and Rescue responded to an accident on U.S. 64 between Highlands and Cashiers, where a Hilco Transportation Inc. propane truck struck a guardrail and toppled over the ledge. The driver suffered only minor injuries.
Pisgah Legal offering free tax services

Pisgah Legal offering free tax services

Pisgah Legal offering free tax services

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Western North Carolina residents working to recover from Hurricane Helene or facing rising costs can schedule free tax appointments with Pisgah Legal Services, beginning Feb. 2.