Local

(From L to R) Demitra Passmore, Diane Dickey, Pat Hedden and Sarah Watson pose with gifts at the HCCDC transition ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 29.

HCCDC announces leadership transition

News Staff

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Highlands Community Child Development Center announced that longtime Executive Director Pat Hedden will be succeeded by Assistant Director Demitra Passmore, with Hedden transitioning into a new role as founding director.

Lake Sequoyah frozen over on Jan. 24 amid freezing temperatures. | Photo courtesy of Angelia Coleman

WINTER STORM FERN

News Staff

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Winter Storm Fern rolled across the Highlands plateau last weekend, prompting town officials to prepare for icy roads, potential power outages, and tree collapses. Although the storm proved milder than expected, the town’s swift response minimized its impact.

Macon County’s current voting districts with the Board of Commissioners made up of one representative each from District 1 and District 3 and three representatives from District 2.

Macon County to hold hearing on redistricting

News Staff

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Continuing a December conversation about redistricting, the Macon County Board of Commissioners voted to hold a public hearing in February on changing how commissioners are elected. During the board’s Dec.

Applications open for town board vacancy

News Staff

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

The Highlands Town Board will fill the seat vacated by the retirement of John Dotson using a nomination ballot, following a discussion at its Jan. 15 meeting. Commissioners chose the nomination ballot process over a traditional board appointment method.

Miss North Carolina Sophia Kellstrom visits with Andy Eidson and Teresa Speed at the Highlands Emergency Council.

Miss North Carolina visits Emergency Council

News Staff

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Miss North Carolina Sophia Kellstrom paid a special visit to the Highlands Emergency Council this week, highlighting her commitment to fighting food insecurity locally and globally.

Serenity Richards ended her position as head librarian at Albert-Carlton Cashiers Community Library on Jan. 22.

Serenity Richards steps down as Albert-Carlton Cashiers Community Library head librarian

News Staff

Friday, January 23, 2026

After 15 years of service, Serenity Richards, head librarian at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, announced her resignation on Tuesday, Jan. 13. She stepped down from the role effective Jan. 22.

Blue Ridge Early College music teacher Eddie Garner, center, rehearses for Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera. | Photo courtesy of WCU

BRINGING LOCAL HISTORY & MUSIC TO LIFE

News Staff

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Opera may not be the first thing that comes to mind in the mountains of Western North Carolina, but that’s about to change with the premiere of “Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera.

Chief Holland and Captain Forrester provided an overview of safety and infrastructure issues at the 2025 Food and Wine Festival during the Jan. 15 Highlands Town Board of Commissioners workshop.

Board discusses commissioner selection, festival challenges

News Staff

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners met Thursday, Jan. 15, for a workshop on the Highlands Food & Wine Festival and its regular monthly meeting. The board discussed the process for selecting a new commissioner, the Duke Energy contract, and the nonprofit emergency support plan.

2026 Leadership Highlands class selected

News Staff

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Members of the 2026 Leadership Highlands class have been selected. According to the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, 14 individuals were selected from a very strong applicant pool to participate in the community leadership development program.

Highlands swatting part of national trend

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

The Highlands Police Department responded to a swatting hoax on the evening of Jan. 7 after Macon County Dispatch received multiple calls reporting threats at several locations throughout the town. Authorities said the calls, which came in around 7 p.m.