News

Macon County Public Health officials confirmed on Monday that a fourth person has died from COVID-19 in the county.

Macon County Public Health officials confirmed on Monday that a fourth person has died from COVID-19 in the county.

MCPH reports fourth COVID-19 death

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 13, 2020
A fourth person has died from complications associated with COVID-19 in Macon County. According to Macon County Public Health officials, the patient died on Monday. The patient was over the age of 65 and had an underlying health condition at the time of their death.
Senior class speaker Matt Campbell, of Highlands, addressed the crowd during Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s commencement.

Senior class speaker Matt Campbell, of Highlands, addressed the crowd during Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s commencement.

Highlands students shine at RGNS graduation

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Graduates from the Rabun Gap class of 2020 walked across the stage Sunday in a socially distanced outdoor ceremony.  Members of the Class of 2020 hail from across the nation and globe, representing 20 countries and eight U.S. states.  The Rev. David C.
Neil Zirconia's concert in Highlands, scheduled for Sept. 5, has been cancelled.

Neil Zirconia's concert in Highlands, scheduled for Sept. 5, has been cancelled.

Highlands PAC cancels fall concert series

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 13, 2020
The Highlands Performing Arts center has canceled its series of September concerts due to restrictions from the COVID-19 coronavirus. The notice on its website stated the situation succinctly and bluntly with little fanfare other than the marquee scroll across the center of the screen.
The 2020 Mountaintop Arts and Crafts show will take place on Aug. 29-30 in Founders Park.

The 2020 Mountaintop Arts and Crafts show will take place on Aug. 29-30 in Founders Park.

Revamped Mountaintop Arts and Crafts Shoe set for Aug. 29-30

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 13, 2020
It wouldn’t be summer in Highlands without a good craft show, COVID-19 or not. Sponsored by the Mountain Top Rotary of Highlands, the Highlands Mountaintop Art and Craft Show, formerly known as the Village Square Art and Crafts Show is slated for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug.
The Highlands School class of 2020 tossed their caps along the track, instead of inside the gymnasium, during Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

The Highlands School class of 2020 tossed their caps along the track, instead of inside the gymnasium, during Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

Class of 2020 celebrates the end of unique senior year

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 6, 2020
It may have come two months later than expected, but the Highlands School class of 2020 finally got their chance to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas on Saturday morning. The outdoor graduation ceremony featured all of the traditional activities, albeit from a safe social distance.
MCPH officials have identified a COVID-19 cluster at the Drake Cottage.

MCPH officials have identified a COVID-19 cluster at the Drake Cottage.

MCPH identifies another COVID-19 cluster

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Macon County Public Health has identified another cluster of COVID-19 cases, this time among the staff and residents of Drake Cottage in Franklin. MCPH officials confirmed that four individuals have tested positive for the virus as of Monday.
Highlands School will welcome students in "Plan B" on Aug. 17.

Highlands School will welcome students in "Plan B" on Aug. 17.

Schools to reopen on Aug. 17

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 6, 2020
The plan to reopen schools in Macon County, including Highlands School, came into focus on July 30 when the Macon County Board of Education solidified its plan to start the school year on Aug. 17 under the state’s “Plan B.” For Highlands, that means a complex schedule early in the school year.
The Highlands Police Department will replace a wrecked 2015 Ford cruiser with a new 2020 Ford Explorer SUV.

The Highlands Police Department will replace a wrecked 2015 Ford cruiser with a new 2020 Ford Explorer SUV.

Town replaces totaled police cruiser

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, August 6, 2020
The Highlands board of commissioners held a specially called meeting on Wednesday to make a pair of budget amendments related to a police department vehicle that was totaled in an accident in July.
Dave Cashion and Mary Green were recently recognized for their contributions to Highlands School.

Dave Cashion and Mary Green were recently recognized for their contributions to Highlands School.

Teacher, support person of the year honored by MCS

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Highlands School vocation and industrial technology teacher Dave Cashion and longtime custodian Mary Greene were honored by Macon County Schools as the Teacher of the Year and  Support Person of the Year for Highlands.
Planning for the 2020 Highlands Historical Society Dahlia Festival is underway.

Planning for the 2020 Highlands Historical Society Dahlia Festival is underway.

Dahlia Festival plans taking shape

Dan Brown
Thursday, August 6, 2020
While other festivals and celebrations in and around the plateau have fallen victim to the COVID-19 coronavirus, the 10th anniversary of the Highlands Historical Society’s Dazzling Dahlia Festival is soldiering onward.