News

NCDOT crews will replace a culvert across NC106 on Aug. 30-31.

NCDOT crews will replace a culvert across NC106 on Aug. 30-31.

Culvert replacement to close NC106

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 27, 2020
The busiest route into and out of Highlands will be closed from 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30 until approximately 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31.
Two Macon County departments have sent employees home to quarantine due to COVID-19 in the past week.

Two Macon County departments have sent employees home to quarantine due to COVID-19 in the past week.

COVID-19 hits two county departments

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Officials with a pair of Macon County public service departments confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 among employees on Monday. Macon County Emergency Services Coordinator Warren Cabe notified the public that two EMS employees tested positive and have been sent home to self-isolate.
Highlands School administrators and staff members greeted elementary school students outside on Monday for the first day of in-person classes during the 2020-21 school year.

Highlands School administrators and staff members greeted elementary school students outside on Monday for the first day of in-person classes during the 2020-21 school year.

Highlands goes back to school

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Smiles may have been hidden by face coverings at Highlands School on Monday morning, but the enthusiasm of teachers, students and parents shined through as the school welcomed pupils for the first day of the 2020-21 school year.
Firefighters were on scene at 275 Foreman Road for more than three hours on Friday morning fighting a blaze that totaled the structure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Firefighters were on scene at 275 Foreman Road for more than three hours on Friday morning fighting a blaze that totaled the structure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Foreman Road home destroyed by fire

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Fire leveled a home on Foreman Road in the early hours of Friday morning and required response from multiple fire departments as crews worked to get the blaze under control. According to the Macon County 911 computer aided dispatch report, a neighbor called in the fire at 4:38 a.m.
Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor is encouraging all Macon County residents to fill out the 2020 census.

Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor is encouraging all Macon County residents to fill out the 2020 census.

Census participation lagging across WNC

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Macon County has a problem with its census, and the problem is not everyone is responding.
Macon County Public Health has confirmed an employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

Macon County Public Health has confirmed an employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

MCPH employee tests positive for COVID-19

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Macon County Public Health officials confirmed that a public health employee tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. According to MCPH Director Kathy McGaha, the employee has been sent home to self-isolate and is doing well.
Members of First Presbyterian Church marched down Main Street in Highlands as part of the annual Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service on Sunday. The event concluded at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with a blessing of the tartans.

Members of First Presbyterian Church marched down Main Street in Highlands as part of the annual Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service on Sunday. The event concluded at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with a blessing of the tartans.

First Presbyterian Church honors rich Scottish heritage

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Each year, First Presbyterian Church commemorates the denomination’s Scottish heritage with a Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service, in which participants carry banners representing their clan’s tartan and receive the Church’s blessing.
Highlands goalkeeper Ethan Tate stops a shot during the 2019 soccer season. The Highlanders’ 2020 season is in doubt due to COVID-19.

Highlands goalkeeper Ethan Tate stops a shot during the 2019 soccer season. The Highlanders’ 2020 season is in doubt due to COVID-19.

Fall sports remain in limbo

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 13, 2020
The phrase “I don’t know” has become a common answer from area high school athletic directors and coaches to the question, “When are we going to play?” posed by students, parents and fans.  Now, thanks to an extension of “phase two” of the state’s reopening plan by Gov.
The first day of school in Macon County is Monday, Aug. 17.

The first day of school in Macon County is Monday, Aug. 17.

School reopening plan continues to evolve

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Shooting at a constantly moving target has proved both difficult and frustrating for Macon County Schools staff. With less than a week until the first bell rings on Monday, Aug.