News

The Highlands planning board is moving forward with a revamped short term rental ordinance.

The Highlands planning board is moving forward with a revamped short term rental ordinance.

Planning board to forge own path on STRs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 4, 2022
After having their questions answered by Highlands town attorney Jay Coward, the town planning board decided to reject the two proposed short term rental regulations sent to them by the board of commissioners and thus come up with their own recommendation.
Runners take off during the 2021 Twilight 5k

Runners take off during the 2021 Twilight 5k

Twilight 5k ready to run Aug. 13

News Staff
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Registration for the Rotary Club of Highlands’ 10th Twilight 5K fundraiser is currently open online. The race, which already has over 200 registered racers, will be held on Aug. 13 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Georgann Eubanks, author (left) and Donna Campbell, photographer following a recent Zahner Lecture.

Georgann Eubanks, author (left) and Donna Campbell, photographer following a recent Zahner Lecture.

Eubanks discusses conservation stories

News Staff
Thursday, July 28, 2022
The Highlands Biological Station is currently holding their annual Zahner Conservation Lecture series at the Nature Center every Thursday through Sept. 8. The series features 10 lectures, each given by experts of various conservation topics.
The Highlands Planning Board made no recommendations regarding two possible regulations related to STRs.

The Highlands Planning Board made no recommendations regarding two possible regulations related to STRs.

Planning Board hears comments on STRs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, July 28, 2022
A packed house of concerned citizens welcomed the Highlands Planning Board on Monday night for the board’s July meeting. The lone agenda item under “new business” was public comment and discussion of two proposed options regarding the regulation of short term rental units in town limits.
The second annual Snow Fest at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park has been approved for January 2023.

The second annual Snow Fest at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park has been approved for January 2023.

Snow Fest renewed for 2023

News Staff
Thursday, July 28, 2022
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is set to hold its second-ever Snow Fest in January after the Highlands Board of Commissioners approved the event. Kaye McHan, Highlands Chamber director, said they are expecting to hold the event a little differently than last year.

Firefighter dies in swimming accident

News Staff
Thursday, July 28, 2022
A Clark’s Chapel volunteer firefighter died Saturday evening while swimming at Secret Falls in Highlands. A Facebook post from the fire department said Joseph Orr, 25, of Franklin, died doing what he loved – enjoying the great outdoors.
Photo by Ryan Karcher Photography The full cast sings the finale song, “Heart Behind These Hands” from Brooklyn: The Musical at Mountain Theatre Company’s Spotlight Benefit Event.

Photo by Ryan Karcher Photography The full cast sings the finale song, “Heart Behind These Hands” from Brooklyn: The Musical at Mountain Theatre Company’s Spotlight Benefit Event.

Mountain Theatre Company hosts Spotlight event

News Staff
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Mountain Theatre Company at the Highlands Playhouse hosted their annual fundraising benefit event, Spotlight, on July 10, 2022, at Highlands Falls Country Club. They promoted this unique “Interactive Entertainment Benefit” as unlike any other, and the event sold out in only ten days.
Submitted Photo The event will be held on July 23 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will boast multiple kids activities, food, music, $10 rabies vaccinations, free nail trimmings and professional pet portraits by Marty Boone.

Submitted Photo The event will be held on July 23 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will boast multiple kids activities, food, music, $10 rabies vaccinations, free nail trimmings and professional pet portraits by Marty Boone.

CHHS to host open house celebrating 35th anniversary

News Staff
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society and they’re inviting the community to come help them celebrate at the return of their annual open house event.
Photo by Kaylee Cook/Staff The farm was first opened in the 1970s by Pelham Thomas, a former math professor at Western Carolina University.

Photo by Kaylee Cook/Staff The farm was first opened in the 1970s by Pelham Thomas, a former math professor at Western Carolina University.

National Blueberry Month: Local ‘you-pick’ blueberry farm gearing up for busy season

News Staff
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
July is national blueberry month, and a Cullowhee based farm allows visitors the opportunity to pick their own berries while enjoying the peaceful landscape. Thomas Berry Farm is a ‘pick-your-own’ blueberry farm located at 78 Medallion Dr. in Cullowhee along the Tuckasegee River.