News

NC Gov. Roy Cooper's most recent Stay at Home Order takes effect at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11.

NC Gov. Roy Cooper's most recent Stay at Home Order takes effect at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11.

Cooper tightens COVID-19 restrictions

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 10, 2020
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper rolled out new regulations as part of a modified Stay at Home order on Tuesday as COVID-19 cases statewide continue to surge following the Thanksgiving holiday. The stricter rules will take effect at 5 p.m. on Friday and include a 10 p.m. statewide curfew.
The Highlands Christmas parade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

The Highlands Christmas parade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

Christmas parade called off

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 3, 2020
With COVID-19 case numbers on the rise, and growing concern about the safety of group gatherings, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce made the decision to cancel the annual Christmas parade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5.
Dollar General has started construction of a new store on US 64 East in Highlands.

Dollar General has started construction of a new store on US 64 East in Highlands.

Dollar General coming soon

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 3, 2020
A new value retailer will soon be opening its doors midway between Highlands and Cashiers. Officials with Dollar General Corporation confirmed Tuesday that the company is building a new store on Cashiers Road (US 64 East) near the intersection of Cherrywood Drive.
Hospital Corporation of America recently purchased a new Airbus helicopter to be used in the Mountain Area Medical Airlift program. The helicopter debuted in Highlands on Nov. 20.

Hospital Corporation of America recently purchased a new Airbus helicopter to be used in the Mountain Area Medical Airlift program. The helicopter debuted in Highlands on Nov. 20.

New MAMA chopper unveiled

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Patients in need of emergency transport to a HCA hospital now have a new and improved means of travel. On Nov. 20, Hospital Corporation of America officials unveiled a new Mountain Area Medical Airlift helicopter in Highlands.
Carson and Allison Tolbert, of Fort Lauderdale, FL came to Glenville and Sawyer’s Tree Farm because they wanted the Christmas experience, and left with an assortment of wreaths.

Carson and Allison Tolbert, of Fort Lauderdale, FL came to Glenville and Sawyer’s Tree Farm because they wanted the Christmas experience, and left with an assortment of wreaths.

Christmas tree farms seeing record sales

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 3, 2020
The 2020 Christmas tree “choose and cut” season got off to a wild start as Moss Tree Farms in the Norton community of Southern Jackson County sold out of its 2020 allotment of Fraser fir trees in just one week.

Local sites accepting Toys for Tots

Dan Brown
Thursday, December 3, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has resulted in the shuttering of many charitable functions due to social distancing restrictions. This year’s Toys for Tots donation program is not one of them.  Once again this year, Regions Bank in Highlands is serving as a local drop off point for Toys for Tots.
Despite the best efforts of multiple fire departments from two states, fire claimed a residence at 2797 Clear Creek Road in Highlands on Nov. 17.

Despite the best efforts of multiple fire departments from two states, fire claimed a residence at 2797 Clear Creek Road in Highlands on Nov. 17.

Blaze totals Clear Creek home

Ryan Hanchett
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Fire tore through a home on Clear Creek Road just outside of Highlands on Tuesday, Nov. 17. According to Macon County 911 computer aided dispatch reports, a passerby on a mobile phone dialed 911 just after 9 p.m. The called reported a structure fire at 2797 Clear Creek Road.
Local volunteer Matt Eberts, Mary Ann Cresswell with the Highlands Emergency Council and Richard Delaney with Old Edwards Hospitality Group were the three award winners honored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce last week.

Local volunteer Matt Eberts, Mary Ann Cresswell with the Highlands Emergency Council and Richard Delaney with Old Edwards Hospitality Group were the three award winners honored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce last week.

Chamber hands out hardware

Dan Brown
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce honored some of its own with their annual community service awards presented during the November Business After Hours gathering at the Highlands Mountain House.
The Town of Highlands has entered contract negotiations with Hotwire to operate the town's fiber network.

The Town of Highlands has entered contract negotiations with Hotwire to operate the town's fiber network.

Commissioners choose Hotwire as network operator

Ryan Hanchett
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
A much-anticipated decision came with little fanfare on Thursday night when the Highlands Board of Commissioners selected Hotwire to serve as the town’s broadband network operator.
The Highlands Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 via Facebook live. The annual Christmas parade is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 featuring a drive-thru format.

The Highlands Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 via Facebook live. The annual Christmas parade is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 featuring a drive-thru format.

New-look Christmas events on tap

Ryan Hanchett
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Highlands’ Christmas events will go on in 2020, albeit with a very different format than in previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Festivities begin on Saturday, Nov.