News

A recently constructed exhibit honoring the men and women who have represented Highlands while serving in the United States military is just one of several new attractions planned for 2021 at the Highlands Historical Society Museum on 4th Street.

A recently constructed exhibit honoring the men and women who have represented Highlands while serving in the United States military is just one of several new attractions planned for 2021 at the Highlands Historical Society Museum on 4th Street.

Highlands Historical Society partners with WCU to revamp museum

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
The Highlands Historical Society Museum will have a new look for 2021. With the help of a group of students from Western Carolina University’s public history department, the facility will be getting a post-COVID-19 facelift.
The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

Shrimp boil benefit back on

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
One of Highlands’ most popular summer events will be back with a new format for 2021. Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Shrimp Boil was given the green light by the Highlands board of commissioners.
The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

Shrimp boil benefit back on

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
One of Highlands’ most popular summer events will be back with a new format for 2021. Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Shrimp Boil was given the green light by the Highlands board of commissioners.
The Highlands Board of Commissioners approved a new code of conduct during the board's March 18 meeting.

The Highlands Board of Commissioners approved a new code of conduct during the board's March 18 meeting.

Commissioners approve revamped code of conduct

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
The Highlands Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted an updated code of conduct policy that gives the board the option to censure members who act outside the bounds of their office.
Two Macon County residents have died from COVID-19 in the past week according to Macon County Public Health officials.

Two Macon County residents have died from COVID-19 in the past week according to Macon County Public Health officials.

Macon County reports two additional COVID-19 deaths

News Staff
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Macon County has reported two additional deaths related to COVID-19 in the past week. According to information provided by the Macon County Public Health Department, the death toll in the county stands at 32 since the pandemic began in 2020.

Protecting hemlock trees

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
A team made up of Highlands Biological Station staff members and community volunteers recently pitched in to fight a foe wreaking havoc on Highlands and the surrounding area. Thanks to support from donor R.B.
NC Department of Transportation crews began milling a section of Main Street at the intersection of NC 106 on Monday. Main Street will be milled and repaved from NC 106 to 5th Street over the next several days. The project is scheduled to be completed March 26.

NC Department of Transportation crews began milling a section of Main Street at the intersection of NC 106 on Monday. Main Street will be milled and repaved from NC 106 to 5th Street over the next several days. The project is scheduled to be completed March 26.

Milling begins on Main Street

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Continuing with a trend over recent years, Highlands public works director Lamar Nix unveiled an ambitious paving plan for the upcoming 2021-22 fiscal year during the board of commissioners retreat on Thursday.
After discussion at the Highlands Board of Commissioners’ budget retreat, the board decided not to increase trash fees.

After discussion at the Highlands Board of Commissioners’ budget retreat, the board decided not to increase trash fees.

Commissioners halt trash fee increase

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 18, 2021
After reviewing the numbers and hearing from public works director Lamar Nix, the Highlands Board of Commissioners decided to hold off on a potential increase to trash pickup rates for residential and commercial customers during Thursday’s board retreat.
Thomas Glenn Palmer, 38, entered a guilty plea on Monday in Jackson County Superior Court and admitted to his role in killing his stepfather Tim Norris in Cashiers.

Thomas Glenn Palmer, 38, entered a guilty plea on Monday in Jackson County Superior Court and admitted to his role in killing his stepfather Tim Norris in Cashiers.

Palmer pleads guilty to murder

News Staff
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Thomas “Tommy” Glenn Palmer, 38, admitted Monday in a Jackson County courtroom he shot and killed his stepfather, Tim Norris, in February 2016. “We know a court sentence can’t replace Tim as a son, father, brother or friend,” district attorney Ashley Welch said.