Local

The Life Force 6 medical ambulance helicopter that crashed along Middle Burningtown Road on Thursday night.

The Life Force 6 medical ambulance helicopter that crashed along Middle Burningtown Road on Thursday night.

Four survive medical helicopter crash

News Staff
Thursday, March 16, 2023
The first of multiple calls reporting a possible helicopter crash started coming into the Macon County 911 Center shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday. At 7:02 p.m. a woman called 911 and said her children had been outside and came running inside saying “Mama a helicopter just crashed.
The newly opened Highlands Fire and Rescue Station on Franklin Road will soon be staffed 24/7 by full-time firefighters.

The newly opened Highlands Fire and Rescue Station on Franklin Road will soon be staffed 24/7 by full-time firefighters.

Full-time fire coverage advances

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Highlands took another step toward 24/7 fire department coverage on Thursday when the town board of commissioners approved the hiring of six new paid firefighter positions during the board’s annual budget retreat.
A large crowd assembled for public comment at the Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday.

A large crowd assembled for public comment at the Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday.

Highlanders speak out in support of school project

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 16, 2023
A large crowd of Highlands residents made their way to Franklin to voice their displeasure regarding a recent joint decision between the Macon County Board of Education and Macon County Board of Commissioners to cancel an expansion project at Highlands School.
Members of the public got their first look at plans for the Blue Ridge Community Connector during a presentation at the Highlands Rec Center.

Members of the public got their first look at plans for the Blue Ridge Community Connector during a presentation at the Highlands Rec Center.

Blue Ridge Community Connector moves froward with public input

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Dozens of representatives from outdoor recreation organizations, government agencies, businesses and member of the general public converged at Highlands Rec Center on Wednesday to get a look at plans for a proposed outdoor feature.
Macon County's property revaluation for 2023 has been a much-debated topic since tax bills were mailed to property owners.

Macon County's property revaluation for 2023 has been a much-debated topic since tax bills were mailed to property owners.

Macon County property owners appeal revaluation

News Staff
Thursday, March 9, 2023
More than 350 revaluation appeals have been filed with the Macon County Tax Office as a growing number of property owners aim to contest the newly assessed value of their land. During the Feb.
A plan to add Pre-K classrooms in Highlands has been shut down by Macon County officials.

A plan to add Pre-K classrooms in Highlands has been shut down by Macon County officials.

County, MCS shut down Highlands Pre-K project

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 2, 2023
In a pair of actions that one school board member said shows that the needs of the Highlands community do not matter, the Macon County Board of Commissioners and the Macon County Board of Education both voted to stop the Highlands School Pre-K project. The unanimous commissioners’ vote on Feb.
Rising food costs and an unprecedented increase in demand have put a strain on the inventory at the Highlands Food Pantry.

Rising food costs and an unprecedented increase in demand have put a strain on the inventory at the Highlands Food Pantry.

Highlands Food Pantry dealing with rising costs, increased demand

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 2, 2023
An explosion of new clients, coupled with rising food costs and diminished supply has created what T.J. Smith calls a “perfect storm” for the Highlands Food Pantry. The rise in food pantry users has been staggering over the past 12 months.
The terms of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce lease with the Town of Highlands are still in question.

The terms of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce lease with the Town of Highlands are still in question.

Chamber lease still in limbo

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 2, 2023
An ongoing debate about how much the Highlands Chamber of Commerce pays the Town of Highlands in rent for the Chamber’s current office on Main Street hit another snag during the Feb. 16 commissioners meeting.
The first show of the PAC’s season will be Friday, March 24 when Rhythm of the Dance – the National Dance Company of Ireland takes the stage.

The first show of the PAC’s season will be Friday, March 24 when Rhythm of the Dance – the National Dance Company of Ireland takes the stage.

PAC performance season set

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 23, 2023
The Highlands Performing Arts Center is starting the 2023 Concert Season early this year thanks to the unique opportunity to bring in a world-renowned dance company. The first concert of the PAC’s season will be on Friday, March 24 with Rhythm of the Dance – the National Dance Company of Ireland.