Local

An advocate for eliminating short term rental units in residential zones carries a homemade sign outside a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 25.

An advocate for eliminating short term rental units in residential zones carries a homemade sign outside a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 25.

STR issue continues to divide

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, September 1, 2022
The Highlands board of commissioners got down to business on Tuesday night and took a long look at several possible provisions to potentially be included in a revision of the town’s unified development ordinance dealing with short term rental units. Following a public hearing on Thursday, Aug.
A public hearing related to a potential regulations on short term rentals packed the community building on Thursday.

A public hearing related to a potential regulations on short term rentals packed the community building on Thursday.

STR Public Hearing draws big crowd

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Members of the public got their final opportunity to weigh-in on proposed changes to the Highlands Unified Development Ordinance related to short term rentals on Thursday night. The standing-room-only crowd represented both sides of the aisle, both pro and anti-STR.
Mountain Motoring 2022 will feature two driving tours and a car show.

Mountain Motoring 2022 will feature two driving tours and a car show.

Mountain Motoring on tap Sept. 9-11

News Staff
Thursday, September 1, 2022
The Highlands Motoring Festival team will be holding their Fall Mountain Motoring event from Sept. 9–11 to raise money for the organization’s three charity beneficiaries. The event was first created in 2020 when the Motoring Festival was canceled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mountaintop Rotary Art and Craft show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

The Mountaintop Rotary Art and Craft show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Rotary Art and Craft Show on tap

News Staff
Thursday, August 25, 2022
A summer tradition in Highlands for 17 years, the Mountaintop Rotary Art and Craft Show is the premier show in the area. This weekend’s show will also be the organization’s largest.
T.J Smith is hoping to get more young people interested in skating during “Come Skate Day” on Saturday.

T.J Smith is hoping to get more young people interested in skating during “Come Skate Day” on Saturday.

Skating showcase set for Saturday

News Staff
Thursday, August 25, 2022
The International Friendship Center of Highlands will host their first ever “Come Skate Day” at the Highlands Skate Park on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Revaluation stats show property values in the Town of Highlands have risen by 57 percent since 2018.

Revaluation stats show property values in the Town of Highlands have risen by 57 percent since 2018.

Revaluation stats show rapid growth in property values

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 25, 2022
It should come as no surprise that property values are on the rise in Highlands. With an impending countywide property tax revaluation on the horizon, the value increase will leave some property owners paying more when their tax bill arrives each year.
Lady Highlanders Ezra Branham (24) and Ashlynn Wilson (21) go up for a block against Murphy on Thursday night.

Lady Highlanders Ezra Branham (24) and Ashlynn Wilson (21) go up for a block against Murphy on Thursday night.

Highlands volleyball back in action

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Highlands jumped into the deep end of the volleyball season right off the bat on Thursday night when 1-A powerhouse Murphy paid a visit. The Highlanders did their best to keep pace, but the Bulldogs proved to be too much in a 25-20, 25-11, 25-14 defeat.
Rotarian Jim Oesterle (right) directs a runner which way to turn during the Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5k.

Rotarian Jim Oesterle (right) directs a runner which way to turn during the Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5k.

Running through the Twilight

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 18, 2022
More than 200 runners descended on Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders park on Saturday for the annual Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5k.
Award winning artist Pat Fiorello spent three days teaching the intricacies of oil painting at The Bascom in Highlands from Aug. 10-12.

Award winning artist Pat Fiorello spent three days teaching the intricacies of oil painting at The Bascom in Highlands from Aug. 10-12.

Fiorello offers painting master class

News Staff
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Award winning fine artist, instructor, and author Pat Fiorello held a three day oil painting class at the Bascom: Center for the Visuals Art from Aug. 10 – 12. The class covered the basics of paint with oil paint and was targeted specifically for adults.
A public hearing regarding a proposed STR ordinance will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 25

A public hearing regarding a proposed STR ordinance will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 25

Town lays out public hearing format for Aug. 25

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The Highlands Board of Commissioners has outlined the format for an upcoming public hearing related to the regulation of short-term rental units in residentially zoned areas. The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Highlands Community Building on 4th Street.