Local

A potential Highlands School expansion project is still the number two ranked project on the school board's list.

A potential Highlands School expansion project is still the number two ranked project on the school board's list.

School board: Highlands project still on priority list

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Macon County Board of Education Chair Jim Breedlove took the bull by the horns on Monday night during the board’s April meeting in an attempt to clear the air about the Highlands School expansion project and where it stands on the school board’s priority list.
A month after cancelling an expansion project at Highlands School, the county board spent $1.35 million to purchase the Higdon estate in Franklin.

A month after cancelling an expansion project at Highlands School, the county board spent $1.35 million to purchase the Higdon estate in Franklin.

County pays $1.35 million for Higdon property

News Staff
Thursday, April 20, 2023
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on April 11 to allocate $1.35 million for the potential purchase of 10+ acres of property, known as the Higdon property, located across the street from Franklin High School. The action includes the 2.54-acre tract at 195 Wayah St.
A near-record number of volunteers gathered at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park for the Plateau Pickup on Saturday morning.

A near-record number of volunteers gathered at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park for the Plateau Pickup on Saturday morning.

Plateau Pickup produces results

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 20, 2023
A near-record number of community volunteers turned out for the 2023 Plateau Pickup on Saturday and the result was a massive amount of litter being pulled from area roadsides.
Highlands’ Caroline Woods (15) and Addie Westendorf celebrate after they connected on a corner kick for Highlands third goal of the first half against Murphy on Tuesday night. Highlands went on to win the game 6-2.

Highlands’ Caroline Woods (15) and Addie Westendorf celebrate after they connected on a corner kick for Highlands third goal of the first half against Murphy on Tuesday night. Highlands went on to win the game 6-2.

Highlanders knock off rival Bulldogs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Highlands got off to its best start of the season and cruised past Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference rival Murphy 6-2 on Tuesday night. The win was pivotal in the conference standings, as it put Highlands alone in second place behind Swain – the league’s only unbeaten team.
Don Leon (left) has opened his latest restaurant on Dillard Road in Highlands.

Don Leon (left) has opened his latest restaurant on Dillard Road in Highlands.

Don Leon's opens new location on Dillard Road

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Don Leon is back on the Highlands food scene. With the opening of his new restaurant on Dillard Road, in the former Magnolia Republic location, Leon has restarted his mission of serving quality food at a palatable price point.
Children donned their Easter best and raced through the Highlands Rec Center gym as part of the “Easter Egg Scramble” on Saturday. Cold temperatures and steady rain forced the annual town Easter Egg Hunt indoors.

Children donned their Easter best and raced through the Highlands Rec Center gym as part of the “Easter Egg Scramble” on Saturday. Cold temperatures and steady rain forced the annual town Easter Egg Hunt indoors.

Rain doesn't stop Easter fun

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Easter ceremonies and events got no favors from Mother Nature on Saturday. Temperatures in the 40’s and cold rain forced adjustments to holiday events. First was the annual Highlands Easter Egg Hunt, originally scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Rec Park lawn.
The Bascom’s Billy Love teaches origami to students at The Literacy and Learning Center as part of the after school program.

The Bascom’s Billy Love teaches origami to students at The Literacy and Learning Center as part of the after school program.

TLC restarts after school programs

News Staff
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Programs were paused when The Literacy & Learning Center’s facility suffered extensive damage due to a frozen and burst pipe during the deep winter freeze in December.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is expanding its Leadership Highlands program to students.

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is expanding its Leadership Highlands program to students.

Chamber to host Leadership Highlands Jr.

News Staff
Thursday, April 6, 2023
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC is launching a free educational program aimed at Highlands School students who will be in grades 10 –12 during the 2023/24 school year. Leadership Highlands Jr.
Highlands held on for a 2-1 victory over Blue Ridge on Wednesday. The Highlanders reached the Spring Break with a 5-3 record, 4-1 in conference.

Highlands held on for a 2-1 victory over Blue Ridge on Wednesday. The Highlanders reached the Spring Break with a 5-3 record, 4-1 in conference.

Highlanders score in each half, top Blue Ridge 2-1

News Staff
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Strong defense on both sides of the field and offsetting late goals propelled the Highlands girls soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the Blue Ridge Bobcats Wednesday night. Coming off a Monday night win over Hayesville, the Bobcats hosted the Highlanders for the first time this season.
Mayor Pat Taylor restarted his Coffee with the Mayor program to discuss upcoming budget issues.

Mayor Pat Taylor restarted his Coffee with the Mayor program to discuss upcoming budget issues.

Coffee with the Mayor answers town budget questions

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor fired up the coffee pot and sat down with members of the community for his first “Coffee with the Mayor” program of 2023 on Friday. The monthly town hall series will continue throughout the summer and fall at Hudson Library with a different sponsor each month.