Local

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.
The Highlands Rec Center was covered with candidate signs during early voting and on Election Day.

The Highlands Rec Center was covered with candidate signs during early voting and on Election Day.

Election 2022: County boards take shape

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 10, 2022
As the results rolled into the Macon County Board of Elections Office on Tuesday night, the future of two local boards began to take shape.
Jim Tate is stepping down from the Macon County Board of Commissioners after 11 years of service.

Jim Tate is stepping down from the Macon County Board of Commissioners after 11 years of service.

Tate stepping down from county board after 11 years

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 3, 2022
For over a decade the Macon County Commissioners District 1 seat has been occupied by Jim Tate. Following three successful terms, Tate decided not to run for re-election in 2022. He will ultimately be replaced by either Jerry Moore (Una.) or John Shearl (Rep.) following the general election on Nov.
Mayor Patrick Taylor welcomed Tom Neal as his guest speaker for the final "Coffee with the Mayor" program of 2022.

Mayor Patrick Taylor welcomed Tom Neal as his guest speaker for the final "Coffee with the Mayor" program of 2022.

Hospital the focus of "Coffee with the Mayor"

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 3, 2022
The final “Community Coffee with the Mayor” program of 2022 featured a look at Highlands Cashiers Hospital through the eyes of HCH Chief Executive Officer Tom Neal.
A number of capital projects were on the table during a joint meeting between the county board of commissioners and school board.

A number of capital projects were on the table during a joint meeting between the county board of commissioners and school board.

Commissioners, school board discuss capital projects

News Staff
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Following a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education last week, the schematic designs for a new Franklin High School and stadium will be submitted to local and state review agencies.
Members of the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands placed the first donated coats in a drop box at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, Oct. 28.

Members of the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands placed the first donated coats in a drop box at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, Oct. 28.

Mountaintop Rotary kicks off coat drive

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 3, 2022
With winter temperatures on the horizon, the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands is accepting donations for its annual Winter Coat Drive, which officially launched on Nov. 1.
Students at Highlands School practice a number for an upcoming production of Fame Jr. at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets to the show are free, but need to be reserved ahead of Nov. 3.

Students at Highlands School practice a number for an upcoming production of Fame Jr. at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets to the show are free, but need to be reserved ahead of Nov. 3.

Students take center stage

News Staff
Thursday, October 27, 2022
The Highlands Performing Arts Center has partnered with Highlands School to provide instructional opportunities and hands-on experience related to all facets of theater to students through a Youth Theater Program.