News

Revaluation stats show property values in the Town of Highlands have risen by 57 percent since 2018.

Revaluation stats show property values in the Town of Highlands have risen by 57 percent since 2018.

Revaluation stats show rapid growth in property values

It should come as no surprise that property values are on the rise in Highlands. With an impending countywide property tax revaluation on the horizon, the value increase will leave some property owners paying more when their tax bill arrives each year.
Porchfest, presented by the Center for Life Enrichment, will feature local musicians at multiple locations around Highlands on Sept. 18.

Porchfest, presented by the Center for Life Enrichment, will feature local musicians at multiple locations around Highlands on Sept. 18.

Porchfest set for Sept. 18

The Center for Life Enrichment is presenting the second annual Highlands Porchfest on Sunday, September 18 from 1-6 p.m. Porchfest is a free to attend, walk-around community music festival, where over 30 musicians from every genre perform across town at 12 hosting venues.
Rotarian Jim Oesterle (right) directs a runner which way to turn during the Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5k.

Rotarian Jim Oesterle (right) directs a runner which way to turn during the Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5k.

Running through the Twilight

More than 200 runners descended on Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders park on Saturday for the annual Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5k.
Award winning artist Pat Fiorello spent three days teaching the intricacies of oil painting at The Bascom in Highlands from Aug. 10-12.

Award winning artist Pat Fiorello spent three days teaching the intricacies of oil painting at The Bascom in Highlands from Aug. 10-12.

Fiorello offers painting master class

Award winning fine artist, instructor, and author Pat Fiorello held a three day oil painting class at the Bascom: Center for the Visuals Art from Aug. 10 – 12. The class covered the basics of paint with oil paint and was targeted specifically for adults.
A public hearing regarding a proposed STR ordinance will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 25

A public hearing regarding a proposed STR ordinance will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 25

Town lays out public hearing format for Aug. 25

The Highlands Board of Commissioners has outlined the format for an upcoming public hearing related to the regulation of short-term rental units in residentially zoned areas. The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Highlands Community Building on 4th Street.
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center hosted a celebration of the oak trees atop Little Scaly Mountain. The program featured an original music composition.

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center hosted a celebration of the oak trees atop Little Scaly Mountain. The program featured an original music composition.

The Mountain celebrates oaks

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center hosted a celebration of the ancient oak trees, up to 600 years old and among the oldest dwarfed white oaks in the world.  These trees are a special part of the natural environment on the top of Little Scaly Mountain.
The Highlands Planning Board passed a draft STR ordinance to send to the board of commissioners.

The Highlands Planning Board passed a draft STR ordinance to send to the board of commissioners.

Planning Board passes STR draft ordinance

The Highlands Planning Board took the next step in the process of regulating short term rental units on Tuesday. The board approved a draft ordinance that would require all rentals in Highlands limits to be rented for a minimum of seven consecutive days.

Author East pays visit to Hudson Library

Any number of things can inspire a novel. For author Nancy East, her inspiration came two-fold prior to penning her most recent work “Chasing the Smokies Moon.” East presented her book and the backstory behind it during an author talk at Hudson Library in Highlands on Friday afternoon.
The new Highlands Fire and Rescue station on Franklin Road was the topic of discussion during Community Coffee with the Mayor on Friday.

The new Highlands Fire and Rescue station on Franklin Road was the topic of discussion during Community Coffee with the Mayor on Friday.

A look into the future of fire dept

A look into the future of Highlands Fire and Rescue was the topic of discussion at the monthly Community Coffee with the Mayor program at Hudson Library on Friday.