News

The Highlands board of commissioners closed public restrooms and other public facilities on Tuesday.

The Highlands board of commissioners closed public restrooms and other public facilities on Tuesday.

Town board approves additional emergency regulations

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The Highlands Board of Commissioners passed additional restrictions aimed at stopping the public from congregating and promoting social distancing on Tuesday night.
Highlands Police Department officer Tim Broughton stops drivers at a checkpoint along US 64 on Friday. The state of North Carolina is now under a “Stay at home” order and both Macon County and the Town of Highlands are urging residents to comply.

Highlands Police Department officer Tim Broughton stops drivers at a checkpoint along US 64 on Friday. The state of North Carolina is now under a “Stay at home” order and both Macon County and the Town of Highlands are urging residents to comply.

Stay at home

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 2, 2020
State, county and local government entities have been hard at work over the past week passing legislation aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. On Monday, a statewide “Stay at home” order issued by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper went into effect.
Architectural drawings of the proposed new Highlands fire station.

Architectural drawings of the proposed new Highlands fire station.

Finance committee moves forward on fire station

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The Highlands Finance Committee had much to say during its Tuesday morning meeting about how to deal with life over the next few months and the impact of the coronavirus locally.

When you are on your own, we are with you

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2020
As the United States faces the worst public health crisis in a generation, we want you to know we are here for you — and with you. Whatever happens, whenever it happens, The Highlander will be there for you.
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors were scheduled to headline the May 9 spring concert in Highlands.

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors were scheduled to headline the May 9 spring concert in Highlands.

Highlands spring music event cancelled

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis has shuttered another local event, forcing the cancellation of the Highlands spring concert slated for May 9. Highlands Festivals Inc.
Kilwin's owner Ashley Clark and her mother Tallulah Adams pack baskets for their Easter basket sale this spring.

Kilwin's owner Ashley Clark and her mother Tallulah Adams pack baskets for their Easter basket sale this spring.

Kilwin's trying to bring Easter joy

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 2, 2020
With the coronavirus scuttling many of the springtime activities in Highlands, from high school sports, daily classes and even church services, Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Fudge wants to put a little bit of normalcy back in Easter this spring.
The second primary for U.S. House of Representatives District 11 has been moved back to June 23.

The second primary for U.S. House of Representatives District 11 has been moved back to June 23.

Coronavirus pushes back second primary

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 26, 2020
The second primary election for District 11 in the US House of Representatives has been pushed back six weeks due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. The NC State Board of Elections made the decision on Friday to push the second primary back from Tuesday, May 12 to Tuesday, June 23.
Lydia Hitchcock with The Pizza Place in Highlands is open for business serving carryout meals to residents.

Lydia Hitchcock with The Pizza Place in Highlands is open for business serving carryout meals to residents.

Cooking up a new strategy

Dan Brown
Thursday, March 26, 2020
In Highlands, restaurants have closed their doors to dine-in business for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Some eateries have decided instead to open their doors to carry-out customers, offering “grab and go” meals as an option.
Mayor Patrick Taylor and commissioner Amy Patterson practice social distancing during their meeting on Monday.

Mayor Patrick Taylor and commissioner Amy Patterson practice social distancing during their meeting on Monday.

Commissioners close hotels, motels and rentals

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Following North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s lead, the Highlands board of commissioners put additional restrictions on what types of businesses may remain open during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak on Monday afternoon.