News

Highlands’ Brian Jarquin defends Blue Ridge’s Dakota Kinsey (1) during their game on Tuesday night.

Highlands’ Brian Jarquin defends Blue Ridge’s Dakota Kinsey (1) during their game on Tuesday night.

Hardwood Showdown

Highlands and Blue Ridge renewed their historic rivalry on the basketball floor Tuesday night at “The Ridge.” The Highlanders exited with a pair of victories. In the girl’s game, the Bobcats got off to a fast start when McKenzie Woods opened the showdown with a 3-point basket.
The Bear Shadow music festival, one of the biggest events each spring in Highlands, has been canceled for 2025.

The Bear Shadow music festival, one of the biggest events each spring in Highlands, has been canceled for 2025.

Bear Shadow canceled for 2025, future unclear

After a successful four-year run, the Bear Shadow music festival has been canceled for 2025.

HCHF continues Helene relief

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects on Western North Carolina, the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation has committed over $230,000 in grants to support essential organizations within the community.
The Highlands board of commissioners are close to finalizing a lease extension with the Chamber of Commerce.

The Highlands board of commissioners are close to finalizing a lease extension with the Chamber of Commerce.

Highlands commissioners discuss lease, public notifications

The Highlands Board of Commissioners enjoyed a relatively light agenda for its January meeting last week. The first topic of discussion was one that has been in the board’s foreground for roughly a year – a lease for the Chamber of Commerce office and visitor’s center.
Volunteers with Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers unload a truck filled with donated items following Hurricane Helene.

Volunteers with Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers unload a truck filled with donated items following Hurricane Helene.

Fishes and Loaves asking for public input in February

The Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry is inviting local residents to attend its annual meeting next month. The meeting will be held on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the pantry’s location, 543 Frank Allen Road.
Cashiers Rotary to host Bingo

Cashiers Rotary to host Bingo

Cashiers Rotary to host Bingo

By Kevin McCall reporter@highlandsnews.com The Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley will be hosting a Bingo Fundraiser later this month to help with the goal of raising funds while also providing plenty of fun and excitement at the same time. The fundraiser will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 6-8 p.m.
This event will be held on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. at the rescue squad.

This event will be held on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. at the rescue squad.

“Stop the Bleed” teaches children life-saving skills

By Kevin McCall reporter@highlandsnews.com Highlands Fire and Rescue will be teaching children how to potentially save lives with the upcoming “Stop the Bleed” interactive workshop, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC.
Traffic was halted on many of the area’s roadways on Friday afternoon and evening as heavy snow blanketed Highlands and Cashiers, causing multiple vehicle accidents.

Traffic was halted on many of the area’s roadways on Friday afternoon and evening as heavy snow blanketed Highlands and Cashiers, causing multiple vehicle accidents.

Winter storm creates havoc

A fast-moving winter storm that rolled through Highlands and Cashiers on Friday left lasting impacts as heavy snow fell across the region. The weather led to several traffic accidents and widespread power outages.
Breck Kean discusses the recently completed Macon County Housing Study as it relates to Highlands during a “Chamber Chat” event on Thursday.

Breck Kean discusses the recently completed Macon County Housing Study as it relates to Highlands during a “Chamber Chat” event on Thursday.

Chamber Chat dives into workforce housing issue

By Kevin McCall reporter@highlandsnews.com The Highlands Chamber of Commerce gathered community stakeholders at the Highlands Community Building on Thursday to discuss the housing challenges that the community is facing.