Local

STR settlement reached, amortization voided

STR settlement reached, amortization voided

STR settlement reached, amortization voided

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Town of Highlands has settled a legal dispute concerning its regulation of short-term rentals and the use of amortization, according to a consent judgment from the North Carolina Superior Court signed on Dec. 18, 2025. The agreement concludes the lawsuit known as Huff v.
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital created a life-size CT scanner for the fifth annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrow Food and Nutrition Drive. Pictured here are Marie Johnson, Highlands Emergency Council; Larry Morris, Fishes and Loaves; Tom Neal, CEO/CNO Highlands-Cashiers Hospital; construction volunteers Robin Neal & Betsy Carson; Bonnie Dayton, Highlands Food Pantry; designer Cath Connolly Hudson; and Andy Eidson, Highlands Emergency Council. | Photo courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital created a life-size CT scanner for the fifth annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrow Food and Nutrition Drive. Pictured here are Marie Johnson, Highlands Emergency Council; Larry Morris, Fishes and Loaves; Tom Neal, CEO/CNO Highlands-Cashiers Hospital; construction volunteers Robin Neal & Betsy Carson; Bonnie Dayton, Highlands Food Pantry; designer Cath Connolly Hudson; and Andy Eidson, Highlands Emergency Council. | Photo courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital collected 2,312 pounds of canned food during its fifth annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrow Food and Nutrition Drive as part of the HCA Healthcare food sculpture competition.
Jim Tate, Amy Patterson and Eric Pierson are sworn in at the Dec. 11 meeting.

Jim Tate, Amy Patterson and Eric Pierson are sworn in at the Dec. 11 meeting.

Board of Commissioners swear in Jim Tate, honor John Dotson

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners swore in new member Jim Tate and returning members Eric Pierson and Amy Patterson at its Dec. 11 meeting, marking a new chapter for the board ahead of 2026.
What is swatting?

What is swatting?

What is swatting?

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
In recent years, a dangerous trend known as “swatting” has emerged as an alarming issue across the United States, endangering innocent lives and overburdening law enforcement resources.
The Highlands Police Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Department and Highlands Fire and Rescue respond to the swatting incident at the Church of the Incarnation on Dec. 11.

The Highlands Police Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Department and Highlands Fire and Rescue respond to the swatting incident at the Church of the Incarnation on Dec. 11.

"A VERY SCARY DAY"

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
What began as a clear, chilly, ordinary December day in Highlands changed dramatically late in the morning. On Dec. 11 at 10:40 a.m., the Highlands Police Department (HPD) received a call making a direct threat against staff members of the Church of the Incarnation at the corner of Main St.
Jayce Kelly places a wreath at the Wreaths Across America event at Highlands Memorial Park on Saturday, Dec.13. | Photo courtesy of Phil Potts

Jayce Kelly places a wreath at the Wreaths Across America event at Highlands Memorial Park on Saturday, Dec.13. | Photo courtesy of Phil Potts

Wreaths Across America honors veterans

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The ninth edition of Wreaths Across America, themed “Keep Moving Forward”, was held on Saturday, Dec.13 at Highlands Memorial Park, honoring veterans’ graves with donated wreaths.
Over 100 acres on Whiteside Mountain have been preserved for future generations to enjoy. | Photo courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

Over 100 acres on Whiteside Mountain have been preserved for future generations to enjoy. | Photo courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

OSI & HCLT acquire Peregrine Tract on Whiteside

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) have acquired the 104-acre Peregrine Tract along the southern face of Whiteside Mountain.
Nantahala School students on a salamander walk near the Appalachian Trail.

Nantahala School students on a salamander walk near the Appalachian Trail.

HBS to discontinue School Outreach Program

News Staff
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Highlands Biological Station’s STEM Outreach Program that serves preK-12 schools throughout the rural mountain counties of western North Carolina,  will likely be discontinued in early 2026.
From left: Judges Joanne Bryson, Ann McKee Austin and Clark Haywood discuss the gingerbread competition entries at Cashiers Historical Society Dowden Pavilion on Dec.4. | Photo courtesy of Cashiers Historical Society)

From left: Judges Joanne Bryson, Ann McKee Austin and Clark Haywood discuss the gingerbread competition entries at Cashiers Historical Society Dowden Pavilion on Dec.4. | Photo courtesy of Cashiers Historical Society)

A sweet taste of history

News Staff
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Gingerbread houses are a beloved Christmas tradition among families across the country, and this year, the Cashiers Historical Society embraced that custom by hosting its first-ever gingerbread house competition in partnership with the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.