News

There were two fatal car accidents on NC106 near Highlands in less than 24 hours over the weekend.

There were two fatal car accidents on NC106 near Highlands in less than 24 hours over the weekend.

NC106 sees pair of fatal accidents over weekend

A Rabun County High School senior reportedly died on Sunday, Aug. 27, when her vehicle crashed during rainy conditions as she was driving to her Sky Valley residence after leaving her job in Highlands. Caitlyn Alexandra Faye, a member of the RCHS Class of 2024, was traveling on North Carolina 106.
Oriental Bittersweet is the August “Invasive Plant of the Month.”

Oriental Bittersweet is the August “Invasive Plant of the Month.”

CNIPM to battle Oriental Bitersweet on workday

This year, the Coalition for Nonnative Invasive Plant Management  continues to bring the community together to address an “Invasive Plant of the Month.
 Highlands Twilight 5k organizer Derek Taylor greets race winner Ben Kassel, of Davidson, North Carolina, who set a new course record on Saturday night.

Highlands Twilight 5k organizer Derek Taylor greets race winner Ben Kassel, of Davidson, North Carolina, who set a new course record on Saturday night.

Twilight rocks with record crowd

Several events have reported record attendance thus far in 2023, and the Highlands Twilight 5k was no exception on Saturday. With hundreds of runners, music fans and spectators filling Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, the event took on new life and raised money for the Rotary Club of Highlands.
A problematic intersection at Cashiers Road and Little Bear Pen Road continues to be a topic of discussion for the Highlands Board of Commissioners.

A problematic intersection at Cashiers Road and Little Bear Pen Road continues to be a topic of discussion for the Highlands Board of Commissioners.

Board discusses variety of topics

Highlands’ town board of commissioners had a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday,  Aug. 17.
A board of elections panel ruled that Tucker Chambers does not live within Highlands town limits and can not run for office in town.

A board of elections panel ruled that Tucker Chambers does not live within Highlands town limits and can not run for office in town.

Chambers removed from ballot following challenge

Tucker Chambers will not be on the ballot when municipal elections take place in November following a Tuesday ruling by a five-person board of elections panel that determined Chambers does not live within Highlands’ municipal limits.
The NC Department of Transportation has unveiled plans to consolidate the Highlands and Cashiers maintenance buildings.

The NC Department of Transportation has unveiled plans to consolidate the Highlands and Cashiers maintenance buildings.

NCDOT consolidating facilities

Cashiers and Highlands may soon find their road services stretched thin. Wanda Payne, division 14 engineer with the NC Department of Transportation, confirmed plans to close the Cashiers DOT office and merge it with Highlands.
Frank and Bethany Weisser, left, and Sarah and Jonathon Barge at the Green and Gold Gala at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Bethany and Sarah served as co-chairs on the gala’s volunteer committee.

Frank and Bethany Weisser, left, and Sarah and Jonathon Barge at the Green and Gold Gala at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Bethany and Sarah served as co-chairs on the gala’s volunteer committee.

RGNS gala raises $100,000 for school

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School hosted its inaugural Green & Gold Gala on Friday, August 4, raising more than $100,000 for the school. The Gala featured an extensive silent auction with more than 50 items donated by parents and local businesses in Rabun County and the surrounding areas.
The Scaly Mountain Post Office on Dillard Road.

The Scaly Mountain Post Office on Dillard Road.

Scaly Mountain Post Office to remain open

At a regular Scaly Mountain Community Association meeting Aug. 7, attendees came prepared to fight for their post office only to discover that, as of now, a fight is not needed. The Scaly Mountain community was at risk of losing the post office due to lease issues.
Volunteers spread fresh mulch under the playground equipment at Highlands School on Aug. 12.

Volunteers spread fresh mulch under the playground equipment at Highlands School on Aug. 12.

Rolling up their sleeves

Seeing a need, volunteers with the Highlands School Parent Teacher Organization took it upon themselves to get the job done on Saturday.