Local

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

Electric vehicle charging stations approved

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.

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.

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.

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.

The hit musical Jersey Boys will kick off the Mountain Theatre Company’s 2023 season, following a sold-out run in 2022.

MTC unveils Mainstage lineup

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, February 9, 2023

A familiar musical, a brand new production, and a cult classic highlight the Mountain Theatre Company’s upcoming 2023 Mainstage Season. Following a sold-out run in 2022, MTC has decided to bring the smash hit Jersey Boys back for a second round of shows beginning in June.

The Town of Highlands is seeking a new town attorney.

Commissioners begin process of hiring attorney

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, February 9, 2023

The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners got the ball rolling toward hiring a new town attorney on Friday afternoon. The board convened for a specially called meeting to go over the hiring process for the attorney position. Former town attorney Jay Coward resigned on Jan.

Highlands’ James Earp defends Blue Ridge forward Ethan Henson during their game on Friday night.

Highlands takes two from Blue Ridge

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Highlands’ depth proved to be the difference in a 59-52 win over archrival Blue Ridge on Friday night. The Highlanders got contributions from 10 different players in the hard-fought contest, thanks in part to there not being a junior varsity game.

Snow Fest, presented by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, filled Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with visitors on Saturday and Sunday.

Snow Fest shines in year two

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Bigger and better. That was the goal of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands NC when planning got underway for the second annual Snow Fest at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. As Saturday and Sunday showed, the festival was a “mission accomplished.

Election workers test equipment during a simulation.

No equipment issues during election simulation

News Staff

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Macon County’s first wholesale election hardware change in nearly two decades passed its big test last week. The election simulation with the HART Verity Touch Writer ballot counters was originally scheduled to take up to three days starting Jan. 25.

Three straight days of below freezing temps caused multiple issues in Highlands immediately after Christmas.

Mayor applauds town staff for weather response

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor hears a lot of criticism. More than he would ever care to hear for sure. Like most elected officials, Taylor is usually good about letting those remarks roll off his back.