Local

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

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’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.

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.

Nora Kate and Everett McLure meet with Santa at the Cashiers Festival of Trees over Thanksgiving weekend | Photo courtesy of Summit Charter School

Festival of Trees sees rise in fundraising results, attendance

News Staff

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The annual Cashiers Festival of Trees, a fundraising event hosted by the Summit Charter School Foundation, took place over Thanksgiving weekend, featuring decorated trees and wreaths, gift baskets, holiday vendors, rivalry-weekend football broadcasts, live entertainment, arts and crafts, story time...

Mr. and Mrs. Clause cheerily wave to parade attendees at the Highlands Christmas Parade | Photo courtesy of Visit Highlands NC

Christmas parades in Highlands, Cashiers celebrate holiday season

News Staff

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The holiday season will be in full swing this weekend as Highlands and Cashiers host their annual Christmas parades on Saturday, Dec. 6. The Highlands Christmas Parade runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and the 51st Cashiers Christmas Parade follows from 3 to 5 p.m.

Alice Manning, Brady Kittrell, Clarence Bystrzicki, Shep Muir, Eliza Muir and Stanley Bystrzycki at Highlands Performing Arts Center for the premiere of Wicked: For Good.

OFF TO SEE WICKED: FOR GOOD

News Staff

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Starting Nov. 21, the Highlands Performing Arts Center began showing Wicked: For Good, its first-ever premiere film. The movie has already become the theater’s second-highest grossing title, drawing about 190 people in its first four days.

2025 Chairman of the Board Nick Sarra and President & CEO Carol Dover present the FRLA Restaurateur of the Year award to Mike Quillen.

Mica’s Quillen named FRLA Restaurateur of the Year

News Staff

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

At the 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded Restaurateur of the Year to Mike Quillen, owner of Mica’s Mountain Kitchen in Sapphire.

A new path to wellness

News Staff

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

This December, Jackson County will celebrate a milestone in community wellness and nature connection: the official opening of the Jackson County Greenway in Sylva, as an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail.

Dotson steps down from Town Board

News Staff

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

At the Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, Commissioner John Dotson announced he will step down from his position, effective Dec. 31. The longtime commissioner, who has served on the board since being sworn in on Dec.