Local

Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff The newest member of American Legion Post 370, Vietnam veteran Rick St. John infront of war memorabilia at his home.

Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff The newest member of American Legion Post 370, Vietnam veteran Rick St. John infront of war memorabilia at his home.

Veteran’s Day 2021

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
American Legion Post 370’s newest member, Vietnam veteran Rick St. John knew at a young age what he wanted to do with his life; serve in the army. The Waterbury, Ct., native was a sophomore in high school when he told his father that he wanted to go into the United States Army.
Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff Highlands-Cashiers Hospital staff surprised CEO Tom Neal with the NCHA Healthcare Hero Award last Friday.

Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff Highlands-Cashiers Hospital staff surprised CEO Tom Neal with the NCHA Healthcare Hero Award last Friday.

NCHA Healthcare Hero Award

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Due to Highlands-Cashiers Hospital’s CEO Tom Neal’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Hospital Association honored Neal with their Healthcare Hero Award.
A sign posted on the fence outside the Big Bear Pen communication tower.

A sign posted on the fence outside the Big Bear Pen communication tower.

WHLC, Verizon situation labeled as miscommunication

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
During meetings that stretched over three months, the Big Bear Pen communication tower has been a discussion topic that WHLC’s owner Chuck Cooper has labeled as miscommunication between Verizon, the town and the radio station. MIS director Matt Schuler brought up the topic at the Aug.
For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours (three days,) prior to attendance at any Highlands Food and Wine Festival event.

For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours (three days,) prior to attendance at any Highlands Food and Wine Festival event.

HFWF to host vaccine checks, COVID testing

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
The Highlands Food and Wine Festival will be holding vaccine checks and free COVID testing from Nov. 10 – 14 in Highlands. Guests can still bring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted elsewhere, as long as it is within three days of the festival.
Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff Patrick Taylor giving a speech after winning the Highlands Mayoral race on Tuesday night.

Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff Patrick Taylor giving a speech after winning the Highlands Mayoral race on Tuesday night.

2021 Municipal Election results

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
With 490 votes tallied in Tuesday night’s municipal elections, the incumbent mayor Patrick Taylor was reelected, incumbent commissioner Amy Patterson was reelected and former commissioner Eric Pierson was elected to serve on the Highlands Board of Commissioners once again.
The first set of questions and the introduction were published in last week’s edition of The Highlander. This week’s article will include the last three questions and the candidates’ closing remarks.

The first set of questions and the introduction were published in last week’s edition of The Highlander. This week’s article will include the last three questions and the candidates’ closing remarks.

Mayoral candidates discuss town issues at live forum: Part 2

Highlander Editor
Thursday, October 28, 2021
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, The Highlander hosted its first ever live Mayoral Candidate Forum to inform the town of the two candidates’ opinions on different issues in the Town of Highlands. Below is a direct trarnscript of the happenings.
The board voted unanimously to remove the mask mandate in all business areas including the sidewalk and in the town facilities.

The board voted unanimously to remove the mask mandate in all business areas including the sidewalk and in the town facilities.

Board of Commissioners vote to end mask mandate

Highlander Editor
Thursday, October 28, 2021
After two months of reinstating the mask mandate in the Town of Highlands to try and stop the spread of COVID-19, the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to rescind the mandate. Back when the board reinstated the mandate, the positivity rate of COVID-19 was up to 18 percent in Macon County.