Local

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.
Fire department officials are asking property owners not to burn anything outdoors due to dry conditions.

Fire department officials are asking property owners not to burn anything outdoors due to dry conditions.

Fire officials: Do not burn outside

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, October 27, 2022
The message from local fire department officials is clear – Do not burn outside. Despite scattered showers in the early hours of Wednesday morning, conditions remain extremely dry across most of Western North Carolina.
Members of Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Highlands” group learn more about Highlands history during the 2022 program.

Members of Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Highlands” group learn more about Highlands history during the 2022 program.

Calling all community leaders

News Staff
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Leadership Highlands, a Highlands Chamber of Commerce community engagement program, is now accepting applications for its 2023 class. The educational program is for emerging and existing leaders in the Highlands community, offering them an opportunity to enhance their civic knowledge and network.
Ethan Fortner and his team of mules clear downed logs from Doc Wilson’s property in Highlands.

Ethan Fortner and his team of mules clear downed logs from Doc Wilson’s property in Highlands.

Remembering the "Old ways"

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, October 20, 2022
There is still something to be said for the “Old ways” of doing things. Perhaps that’s what made Doc Wilson’s ears perk up when he heard about Ethan Fortner’s ability to clear land using a team of mules.
Mountain Theatre Company was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from Visit Highlands, NC.

Mountain Theatre Company was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from Visit Highlands, NC.

MTC awarded tourism grant

News Staff
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Visit Highlands, NC has awarded its latest nonprofit grant – $20,000 to Mountain Theatre Company to support its year-round productions. Each year, Visit Highlands, NC supports local nonprofit organizations through its Tourism Grant Program and sponsorships.