News

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Snow piled on Main Street after town employees plowed the street.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Snow piled on Main Street after town employees plowed the street.

First snow of 2022

Highlander Editor
Thursday, January 6, 2022
The first snow of 2022 came on Monday to Highlands and is still stuck to the ground all over the Plateau. Highlands recorded 2.5 inches inches of snow on Monday and Cashiers recorded three inches of snow.
Photo by Michael O’Hearn/Staff Highlands’ Jeffrey Olvera defends against Blue Ridge on Dec. 14. The Highlanders won the game 63-35.

Photo by Michael O’Hearn/Staff Highlands’ Jeffrey Olvera defends against Blue Ridge on Dec. 14. The Highlanders won the game 63-35.

HHS sweeps battle with Blue Ridge

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
It was a battle of the plateau on Dec. 14, as the Blue Ridge Bobcats varsity basketball teams hosted Highlands School Highlanders. Highlands prevailed in the girls game 64-25 and the Highlander boys claimed a 63-35 win.
Eighty three parcels of land in Jackson County will lose 68.8 acres; 21 of those acres come from one parcel.

Eighty three parcels of land in Jackson County will lose 68.8 acres; 21 of those acres come from one parcel.

End in sight for Macon-Jackson county line dispute

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners has taken the final steps in the process of redrawing its border with Macon County. At its Dec. 7 regular meeting the board unanimously passed R21-34 a joint resolution between the two counties establishing the new county line.
Photo by Michael O’Hearn/Staff Crossroads Custard and Cold Brew is now open for business in the Slab Town Plaza in Cashiers.

Photo by Michael O’Hearn/Staff Crossroads Custard and Cold Brew is now open for business in the Slab Town Plaza in Cashiers.

Crossroads Custard opens in Cashiers

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
A new place serving nitro cold brew coffee and frozen custard in fresh waffle cones has opened among the restaurants on Slabtown Road in Cashiers. Or perhaps you’re stopping in after a meal at one of the Slabtown Road restaurants, looking for an ice cream sandwich, milkshake or smoothie.

Making Homes Healthy

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Two local nonprofits and the Macon County Housing Department have received a combined $145,000 to make home repairs for low-income homeowners. The county housing department and Macon Program for Progress each received $50,000, and the Highlands Rotary Club received $45,000.
There were no human fatalities or injuries, but Gearhart said the couple’s two dogs were lost to the fire.

There were no human fatalities or injuries, but Gearhart said the couple’s two dogs were lost to the fire.

Fire on Spruce Street takes home

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
On Friday, Dec. 17, a couple came home to their second home in Highlands in flames. According to Highlands Fire Department chief Ryan Gearhart, the couple came up from Tennessee and left to go to dinner.

Highlands mayor reflects on 2021, looks forward to 2022

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
With another year passed, Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor reflected on some highlights from the year, what he learned from the year and what he is looking forward to in 2022. When Taylor thinks back on the year, he said there are a couple things that jump out at him.
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff In October, representatives from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission presented town officials and the BEAR task force with official signs and pins confirming the town’s BearWise certification.

Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff In October, representatives from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission presented town officials and the BEAR task force with official signs and pins confirming the town’s BearWise certification.

Looking back at top stories from 2021

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 30, 2021
It was another busy year in Highlands. Here at The Highlander, we broke down this years’ top stories to reflect on the things that happened in Highlands and the surrounding areas. Below are the top 10 stories of 2021:   10.
Mrs. Covey's Kindergarten class at Highlands School Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff

Mrs. Covey's Kindergarten class at Highlands School Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff

Students at Highlands School send their Christmas wishes to the North Pole

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Kindergarten       Teacher: Ms. Potts Dear Santa, My name is Jayce, and I am six years old. I have been very silly and good this year. This year for Christmas, I would like a reindeer, an elf, a toy helicopter and a drone. P.S. say hello to the reindeer for me!

Former N.C. Congressman held in contempt

Highlander Editor
Thursday, December 23, 2021
As Congress’ investigation into the events that occurred at the United States Capitol complex on Jan. 6 move forward, former North Carolina Congressman and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has found himself in the crosshairs of the congressional committee assigned to the investigation.