News

Macon County had 296 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday.

HCH officials discuss COVID-19 during teleforum

Dan Brown

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Highlands Cashiers Hospital CEO Tom Neal provided an update to the community on COVID-19 and the hospital’s plans to resume services during a recent tele-forum.

Researchers working at the Highlands Biological Station worked to band several species of birds so they can be identified, tracked and studied.

Bird banding begins at biological station

Dan Brown

Thursday, July 9, 2020

As part of its continuing partnership with Western Carolina University, and in conjunction with an international effort, the Highlands Biological Station has initiated a bird banding project for birds that call the Highlands area home.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper extended phase two of his “Safer at Home” executive order on June 25 and made face coverings mandatory in businesses and public places where social distancing isn’t possible until July 17.

Masks made mandatory

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, July 2, 2020

While the number of COVID-19 active cases and recoveries continue to increase in Macon County, a new mandate from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has made face coverings mandatory in all businesses and public places where social distancing is not possible until July 17.

There will not be any fireworks in Highlands on Independence Day, but there will be a full slate of socially-distanced community events.

Fourth of July celebration evolves

Dan Brown

Thursday, July 2, 2020

The social distancing restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 coronavirus have forced the cancellation of many traditional Fourth of July events.

The Town of Highlands started a new budget year on Wednesday.

Town approves scaled back budget

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, July 2, 2020

During the Highlands Board of Commissioners’ June meeting, the board approved an operating budget of $20,159,080 for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The budget comes with no ad valorem property tax increase over year prior.

The Farm at Old Edwards may soon be inside town limits following the approval of an annexation proposal by the Highlands planning board.

Old Edwards asks for annexation at The Farm

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, July 2, 2020

The Highlands planning board approved a motion that brings The Farm at Old Edwards one step closer to being voluntarily annexed during the board’s June meeting.

Walking with purpose

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2020

For Roger Gates, the decision to cross the country with a massive wooden cross was an easy one – in fact, in a way, he said the decision was made for him. “I quit asking the lord ‘Why me? Why not somebody else?

Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland is presented with her new badge by town manager Josh Ward following a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

Former detective Holland chosen to take over as Highlands Police Chief

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Andrea Holland stood at the front of the Highlands Community Building and put her hand on the Bible. With her family, friends, fellow law enforcement officers and judicial officials in attendance, Holland recited the oath of office for her new role as Highlands Police Chief on Thursday.

Several events, including the Mountaintop Arts and Crafts Show, got the go-ahead to use Kelsey-Hutchinson Park this fall.

Fall events receive town approval

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, June 25, 2020

While the number of community events cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, there is some hope on the horizon that a handful of fall events will be able to take place.

COVID-19 recoveries have begun to outpace new cases in Macon County.

COVID-19 recoveries begin to outpace new cases

Ryan Hanchett

Thursday, June 25, 2020

While the number of total COVID-19 coronavirus cases continues to rise in Macon County, there was some good news on Tuesday. According to information provided by the Macon County Public Health department, the number of active cases in the county decreased from the day prior.