Local

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.
The town board of commissioners approved a plan to install 5 EV charging stations in Highlands.

The town board of commissioners approved a plan to install 5 EV charging stations in Highlands.

Electric vehicle charging stations approved

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Drivers of electric vehicles will soon have a few places to top off their battery thanks to an initiative taken on by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and approved by the town board of commissioners.
Bella Wilson (34) surveys the Hiwassee Dam defense during their game on Tuesday night.

Bella Wilson (34) surveys the Hiwassee Dam defense during their game on Tuesday night.

Highlanders advance in state playoffs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Timing was everything for Highlands in Tuesday night’s playoff victory over archrival Hiwassee Dam. Playing for the fourth time this season, the Lady Highlanders knew there would be no secrets on the hardwood.
Students and staff of the Highlands Community Child Development Center and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation hosted an open house to show off the new classrooms opened inside the church.

Students and staff of the Highlands Community Child Development Center and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation hosted an open house to show off the new classrooms opened inside the church.

Childcare expansion opens

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 16, 2023
A new era began at the Highlands Community Child Development Center and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation on Tuesday. The organizations welcomed members of the public for an open house to see the new childcare classrooms in the first floor of the church.
Kaye McHan presents Mountaintop Rotary Club President Michael Lanzilotta with a check for $12,150 to support the club’s annual arts and crafts shows.

Kaye McHan presents Mountaintop Rotary Club President Michael Lanzilotta with a check for $12,150 to support the club’s annual arts and crafts shows.

Chamber makes grant presentations

News Staff
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Visit Highlands, NC recently distributed its latest round of grants and a sponsorship – $72,150 total to support three local, nonprofit organizations. Each year, Visit Highlands, NC supports local nonprofit organizations through its Tourism Grant and Sponsorship programs.