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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.
The world premiere of Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera will be presented at the Western Carolina University Bardo Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. | Photo courtesy of Rachel Hood

The world premiere of Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera will be presented at the Western Carolina University Bardo Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. | Photo courtesy of Rachel Hood

Discover a powerful new Appalachian Opera at WCU

News Staff
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Western Carolina University (WCU) Bardo Arts Center (BAC), invites you to Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.  This performance is an opportunity for the community to experience the world premiere of a new work written by WCU professor and composer, Dr. Damon Sink.
Now is the time when bears search for denning spots for winter. Potential areas around your home include crawl spaces, under decks, and storage sheds. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission recommends taking BearWise precautions now to protect your property. | Photo courtesy of NCWRC

Now is the time when bears search for denning spots for winter. Potential areas around your home include crawl spaces, under decks, and storage sheds. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission recommends taking BearWise precautions now to protect your property. | Photo courtesy of NCWRC

When a bear moves in

News Staff
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Slumber time for black bears is quickly approaching, and in some cases, already happening. Now is the time to start bear proofing residential and commercial properties to discourage winter denning.
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd as classic cars, floats and animals thrill the attendees at the Highlands and Cashiers Christmas Parades on Saturday, Dec. 6. | Photo courtesy of Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands NC and Highlander Staff

Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd as classic cars, floats and animals thrill the attendees at the Highlands and Cashiers Christmas Parades on Saturday, Dec. 6. | Photo courtesy of Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands NC and Highlander Staff

SANTA’S ON HIS WAY

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Both Cashiers and Highlands hosted their annual Christmas parades on Saturday, Dec. 6, drawing locals and tourists to the streets for live music, holiday floats and, of course, a peek at Santa. The Highlands Christmas Parade began at 10 a.m.
Guests enjoy a variety of food at the Highlands Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Highlands Rec Park on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Guests enjoy a variety of food at the Highlands Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Highlands Rec Park on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

GIVING THANKS TOGETHER

News Staff
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
The Highlands Community Thanksgiving Dinner has been a long-standing tradition, supported each year by Highlands United Methodist Church, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, First Baptist Church-Highlands and Church of the Incarnation.