Local

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff The construction on the church began in November 2020. Reverend Bentley Manning said the congregation is hoping to get into the new church as soon as possible.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff The construction on the church began in November 2020. Reverend Bentley Manning said the congregation is hoping to get into the new church as soon as possible.

Preserving the past, looking to the future

Highlander Editor
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Since November 2020, The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation has been hard at work expanding its walls to accommodate parishioners and beautify the sanctuary. Now in 2022, Rev. Bentley Manning said the end is in sight and parishioners are excited to hold services in the new church.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Old Edwards president Richard Delany credits his team's response to the COVID-19 pandemic part of the reason for their success.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Old Edwards president Richard Delany credits his team's response to the COVID-19 pandemic part of the reason for their success.

Old Edwards has record year in 2021

Highlander Editor
Thursday, January 6, 2022
According to Old Edwards Inn president Richard Delany, the resort had its best year ever in 2021. “It has been a very wacky 18 plus months for us,” Delany said. “We closed down in March 2020 for about six weeks then reopened in May 2020. Since then, it has been record months ever since.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Snow piled on Main Street after town employees plowed the street.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Snow piled on Main Street after town employees plowed the street.

First snow of 2022

Highlander Editor
Thursday, January 6, 2022
The first snow of 2022 came on Monday to Highlands and is still stuck to the ground all over the Plateau. Highlands recorded 2.5 inches inches of snow on Monday and Cashiers recorded three inches of snow.

Making Homes Healthy

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Two local nonprofits and the Macon County Housing Department have received a combined $145,000 to make home repairs for low-income homeowners. The county housing department and Macon Program for Progress each received $50,000, and the Highlands Rotary Club received $45,000.
There were no human fatalities or injuries, but Gearhart said the couple’s two dogs were lost to the fire.

There were no human fatalities or injuries, but Gearhart said the couple’s two dogs were lost to the fire.

Fire on Spruce Street takes home

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
On Friday, Dec. 17, a couple came home to their second home in Highlands in flames. According to Highlands Fire Department chief Ryan Gearhart, the couple came up from Tennessee and left to go to dinner.

Highlands mayor reflects on 2021, looks forward to 2022

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
With another year passed, Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor reflected on some highlights from the year, what he learned from the year and what he is looking forward to in 2022. When Taylor thinks back on the year, he said there are a couple things that jump out at him.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff In October, representatives from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission presented town officials and the BEAR task force with official signs and pins confirming the town’s BearWise certification.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff In October, representatives from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission presented town officials and the BEAR task force with official signs and pins confirming the town’s BearWise certification.

Looking back at top stories from 2021

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
It was another busy year in Highlands. Here at The Highlander, we broke down this years’ top stories to reflect on the things that happened in Highlands and the surrounding areas. Below are the top 10 stories of 2021:   10.
Mrs. Covey's Kindergarten class at Highlands School Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff

Mrs. Covey's Kindergarten class at Highlands School Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff

Students at Highlands School send their Christmas wishes to the North Pole

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Kindergarten       Teacher: Ms. Potts Dear Santa, My name is Jayce, and I am six years old. I have been very silly and good this year. This year for Christmas, I would like a reindeer, an elf, a toy helicopter and a drone. P.S. say hello to the reindeer for me!