Local

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!
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m., to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m., to 5 p.m.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m., to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m., to 5 p.m.

Chamber of commerce gearing up for new Snow Fest

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 23, 2021
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s new festival, Snow Fest, is right around the corner. Chamber of commerce executive director Kaye McHan gave an update on the festival at the town board of commissioner’s recent board meeting.
Highlands public works director Lamar Nix said they have been having trouble with the pump since August of this year.

Highlands public works director Lamar Nix said they have been having trouble with the pump since August of this year.

Town to rehab Arnold Road pump station

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 23, 2021
The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners approved $350,000 to rehab the Arnold Road pump station at last week’s regularly scheduled board meeting. Highlands public works director Lamar Nix said they have been having trouble with the pump since August of this year.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff A volunteer takes wreaths to be placed on veterans’ headstones.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff A volunteer takes wreaths to be placed on veterans’ headstones.

Wreaths Across America 2021

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Rain pelted locals last Saturday at Highlands Cemetery as they placed wreaths on the graves of veterans as a part of Wreaths Across America 2021. The day began at noon in the Highlands Community Building with a ceremony.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Betty Chrestman is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. Unfurled Massage and Bodywork is now open beside the Blue Bike Cafe.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Betty Chrestman is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. Unfurled Massage and Bodywork is now open beside the Blue Bike Cafe.

New massage therapy studio open in Highlands

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Cashiers local Betty Chrestman has achieved her dream of opening her own massage therapy studio in Highlands, Unfurl Massage and Bodywork. After traveling from New York, to Savannah, Ga., and having a baby, Chrestman said it was time to settle down.
HCBOR Director John Muir said currently in the Town of Highlands limits as of Dec. 14, there are only 39 homes on the market.

HCBOR Director John Muir said currently in the Town of Highlands limits as of Dec. 14, there are only 39 homes on the market.

Real estate market in Highlands still going strong

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 16, 2021
It’s been another long year in Highlands and according to local real estate agents, it has been another big year for the real estate market. Terry Potts with Country Club Properties said this was the best year he has ever had.