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The need for a mask will be required as long as test positivity rate in the “RED” category per the CDC. The need for mask will be reevaluated weekly.

The need for a mask will be required as long as test positivity rate in the “RED” category per the CDC. The need for mask will be reevaluated weekly.

Commissioners vote to reinstate town-wide mask mandate

Highlander Editor
Thursday, September 2, 2021
At a special meeting, Friday, Aug. 27, the Highlands town board passed an order reinstating the wearing of masks in all business zones, in both inside and outdoor spaces. There are no inside capacity limits as a part of this order.
Over this same period, 51 North Carolina counties lost population, while 49 others gained population, including Macon and Jackson.

Over this same period, 51 North Carolina counties lost population, while 49 others gained population, including Macon and Jackson.

Counties see growth, Highlands stable in 2020 census

News Staff
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Macon and Jackson County both saw an uptick in population on the 2020 Census, but the town of Highlands has stayed about the same. The population of Highlands increased by about 60 people, from 920 to 984 in this years’ census.
The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.

The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.

Pfizer vaccine now FDA approved, Highlands mayor hopes for more vaccinations in town

Highlander Editor
Thursday, August 26, 2021
On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.
The consensus was passed 4-1 with Commissioner Donnie Calloway not agreeing.

The consensus was passed 4-1 with Commissioner Donnie Calloway not agreeing.

Town takes no action on short term rentals

Highlander Editor
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
After a five-hour long meeting that stretched over two days, the Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners reached a verbal consensus that they would start enforcing current zoning laws that will not allow short term rentals in R-1 Zoning.
Though he did not get to run this year, the man of the race was Luther Turner, 91, who was recognized for running the race every single year since its inception.

Though he did not get to run this year, the man of the race was Luther Turner, 91, who was recognized for running the race every single year since its inception.

Rotary Twilight 5K canceled due to weather

Highlander Editor
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Though there were plenty of runners lined up to begin the Twilight 5K on Saturday, bad weather caused organizer Derek Taylor to call the race off. Even with rain coming down slower, Taylor said the lightening in the area and the fear of worsening rain were the main concerns.
Even with the mask mandate for all town facilities, Taylor said it was not enough to fight the Delta Variant.

Even with the mask mandate for all town facilities, Taylor said it was not enough to fight the Delta Variant.

Town hall closes due to employees testing positive for COVID-19

News Staff
Thursday, August 19, 2021
A week after reinstating the mask mandate for all town facilities, a COVID-19 outbreak has caused town hall to close. According to Highlands mayor Patrick Taylor, several employees have tested positive for COVID-19. “The town hall is now closed to the public and staff,” Taylor said.
Photo by Ryan Hanchett Detectives at the scene at HCH, Tuesday morning.

Photo by Ryan Hanchett Detectives at the scene at HCH, Tuesday morning.

Man commits suicide at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Highlands Police Department responded to a call reporting a gun shot at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital on Tuesday morning. When officers arrived, they found a white male deceased in the hospital parking lot.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Appalachian Growers owners Lori Lacey and Steve Yuzzi with farm managers Noah Miller and Josh Brandes.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Appalachian Growers owners Lori Lacey and Steve Yuzzi with farm managers Noah Miller and Josh Brandes.

A natural solution

Highlander Editor
Thursday, August 19, 2021
With the opioid epidemic raging across the nation, Franklin-based Appalachian Growers are offering a different solution, CBD. Owner Lori Lacey came from a wellness background and said she got into the hemp business because of the stories she heard from other women.
26 musicians will take over Main Street on Sept. 19, for the first annual Highlands Porchfest.

26 musicians will take over Main Street on Sept. 19, for the first annual Highlands Porchfest.

CLE to hold first ever Highlands Porchfest

Highlander Editor
Thursday, August 12, 2021
A brand-new event is coming to Highlands thanks to the Center for Life Enrichment. 26 musicians will take over Main Street on Sept. 19, for the first annual Highlands Porchfest. The idea behind Highlands Porchfest was brought to the CLE by Karen Hunt.