Local

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
(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.

(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

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

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

WINTER STORM FERN

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’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

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

Applications open for town board vacancy

Applications open for town board vacancy

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.