Local

Highlands Fire and Rescue Chief Ryan Gearhart gave a tour of the new fire station to members of the town board and town staff on Thursday night.

Highlands Fire and Rescue Chief Ryan Gearhart gave a tour of the new fire station to members of the town board and town staff on Thursday night.

Commissioners get first look at new fire station

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
The Highlands Board of Commissioners got its first look at the town’s newest addition on Thursday night when Highlands Fire Chief Ryan Gearhart threw open the doors at the new fire station on Franklin Road.
Unmarked curb ramps and a lack of truncated domes at intersections were two items mentioned in the Highlands ADA Transition Plan.

Unmarked curb ramps and a lack of truncated domes at intersections were two items mentioned in the Highlands ADA Transition Plan.

Town reviewing ADA Transition Plan

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Highlands has come a long way in terms of handicapped accessibility over the past several years, but as the board of commissioners learned on Thursday, there is still a ways to go.
Santa Claus’ holiday digs are all set for his arrival during the “Light up the Park and Main” even on Saturday, Nov. 26.

Santa Claus’ holiday digs are all set for his arrival during the “Light up the Park and Main” even on Saturday, Nov. 26.

Highlands Chamber prepares to Light up the Park

News Staff
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC will hold their annual “Light up the Park and Main” Christmas lighting on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in preparation for the Christmas season.
Allison Tate joined her husband commissioner Jim Tate to adjourn the board’s November meeting, his last.

Allison Tate joined her husband commissioner Jim Tate to adjourn the board’s November meeting, his last.

Tate presides over final meeting

News Staff
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Jim Tate, chairman of Macon County Board Commissioners, said goodbye during the regular board meeting on Nov. 8. Tate has served as chairman of the board for the past eight years of his 11-year tenure. He opted not to run for re-election.
Despite being hampered by wet weather on Thursday and Friday, the 2022 Highlands Food and Wine Festival drew huge crowds.

Despite being hampered by wet weather on Thursday and Friday, the 2022 Highlands Food and Wine Festival drew huge crowds.

Food and Wine shines

News Staff
Thursday, November 17, 2022
The 2022 Highlands Food and Wine Festival proved yet again to be a huge success despite Hurricane Nicole bringing several inches of rain to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau throughout the weekend.
A project to add Pre-K classrooms at Highlands School moved forward following a 3-2 vote by Macon County Commissioners.

A project to add Pre-K classrooms at Highlands School moved forward following a 3-2 vote by Macon County Commissioners.

School project takes step forward

News Staff
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Following a 3-2 vote, Macon County Board of Commissioners approved funding for the architectural services contract with LS3P Associates for the Highlands School project during their Nov. 8 meeting. On Oct.
Skaters will begin making round on the Highlands ice rink on Thursday when the facility opens for the 2022-23 season.

Skaters will begin making round on the Highlands ice rink on Thursday when the facility opens for the 2022-23 season.

Ice rink ready to welcome skaters

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 17, 2022
If you were excited to wake up this week and see thermometers stuck in the 20’s, you are probably in the minority of Highlands residents and visitors. One man who was thrilled to see freezing temperatures was Highlands Parks and Recreation Director Lester Norris.
The Mountain Theatre Company is staging “A Wrinkle in Time” as part of the Theatre for Young Audiences program, which began Nov. 4.

The Mountain Theatre Company is staging “A Wrinkle in Time” as part of the Theatre for Young Audiences program, which began Nov. 4.

MTC youth program underway

News Staff
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Mountain Theatre Company at the Highlands Playhouse has officially begun their new Theatre for Young Audiences program with the opening performance of “A Wrinkle in Time” on Friday, Nov. 4.
The 2023 Bear Shadow music festival will welcome Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit to Winfield Farm on Sunday, April 30.

The 2023 Bear Shadow music festival will welcome Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit to Winfield Farm on Sunday, April 30.

Bear Shadow unveils 2023 headliners

News Staff
Thursday, November 10, 2022
The lineup for the 3rd annual Bear Shadow spring music festival will be jam-packed with today’s hottest stars in the Americana music scene.
The town board made two ordinance changes in October.

The town board made two ordinance changes in October.

Town Board approves ordinance revisions

News Staff
Thursday, November 10, 2022
The Highlands Board of Commissioners voted on two proposals from the town’s Land Use Committee on amendments to the code of ordinances regarding grubbing and burning as well as noise levels at their October meeting.