Local

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff 121 comments were submitted to Town Clerk Gibby Shaheen.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff 121 comments were submitted to Town Clerk Gibby Shaheen.

Town board listens to comments from public about short-term rentals

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
In a meeting that lasted an hour and 45 minutes, with more than 30 people speaking, the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners got a chance to hear what the public’s thoughts were on the planning board’s recommendations on short-term rentals.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Students at Highlands Community Child Development Center colors a picture.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Students at Highlands Community Child Development Center colors a picture.

Fate of new Pre-K classes at Highlands School now in hands of County Commissioners

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Lack of space, staffing and COVID-19 are just some of the things that formed a perfect storm to bring childcare to a crisis situation across the nation. In Macon County, the need is just as apparent with 87 kids on the waitlist for the two child development centers in Highlands.
The Court had until Feb. 23 to decide whether or not the maps comply with its previous ruling against partisan gerrymandering.

The Court had until Feb. 23 to decide whether or not the maps comply with its previous ruling against partisan gerrymandering.

Redistricting process still ongoing in North Carolina

Highlander Editor
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Earlier this month, a divided North Carolina Supreme Court struck down the state’s new maps for congressional and General Assembly seats in a 4-3 decision. The Court gave the Republican-controlled legislature until Thursday, Feb.
Photo by Michael O’Hearn/Crossroads Chronicle The new headquarters, located at 558 Frank Allen Road., will open sometime between March and April of this year and sit on a 3-acre plot of land valued at $850,000.

Photo by Michael O’Hearn/Crossroads Chronicle The new headquarters, located at 558 Frank Allen Road., will open sometime between March and April of this year and sit on a 3-acre plot of land valued at $850,000.

New Boys and Girls Club Headquarters coming mid-spring

Highlander Editor
Thursday, February 24, 2022
The Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau will celebrate the opening of its brand-new headquarters in early to mid-spring after nearly two years of planning and construction. The new headquarters, located at 558 Frank Allen Road.
Taylor said that after the Feb. 1 meeting, some of the members of the board, especially the working group of Commissioner Amy Patterson and Brian Stiehler said they believed a second opinion could be useful in this situation.

Taylor said that after the Feb. 1 meeting, some of the members of the board, especially the working group of Commissioner Amy Patterson and Brian Stiehler said they believed a second opinion could be useful in this situation.

Public hearing concerning short-term rentals set for tonight

Highlander Editor
Thursday, February 24, 2022
A public hearing that could influence what the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners does with the current short-rental issue is set for tonight at 5 p.m.
Hehn requested that Ward write him a personal check for $1,500 for reimbursement. Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor said he was shocked Hehn would make that request, stating, “This is not acceptable. This is not the way we do things around here.”

Hehn requested that Ward write him a personal check for $1,500 for reimbursement. Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor said he was shocked Hehn would make that request, stating, “This is not acceptable. This is not the way we do things around here.”

Town commissioner threatens to sue town manager over Hotwire redline document, demands personal check for reimbursement

Highlander Editor
Thursday, February 24, 2022
For the past several months, Highlands Town Commissioner Marc Hehn has requested the redline version of the town’s contract with Hotwire, stating he was worried the Highlands town staff was hiding something.
Submitted Photo CHHS Assistant Manager Jodi Henkel with one of the rescued puppies.

Submitted Photo CHHS Assistant Manager Jodi Henkel with one of the rescued puppies.

CHHS gives new hope for 42 dogs in largest rescue in years

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
On Feb. 11, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society conducted their largest rescue mission since 2018. The CHHS Animal Rescue team traveled to Pickens, South Carolina to provide assistance in a large-scale puppy mill of 166 dogs.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Clubhouse manager for Old Edwards Club and GlenCove Club Jonathan Austin worked his way up from the bottom.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Clubhouse manager for Old Edwards Club and GlenCove Club Jonathan Austin worked his way up from the bottom.

What Black History Month means

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
For clubhouse manager at Old Edwards Club and GlenCove Club, Jonathan Austin, Black History Month is all about perseverance. Hailing from a small town called Pittsboro, Austin worked his way up from the bottom of the Old Edwards chain. Before OEI, Austin joined the Marine Corp.