News

The stage at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is an in-demand venue as organizations look to planning future events.

The stage at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is an in-demand venue as organizations look to planning future events.

Organizations ask permission to use park for large gatherings

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 18, 2020
With limits in place regarding the number of people who can attend events under “phase two” of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plan for the state’s economy, local organizations are reworking plans for future fundraisers and ticketed events.
The Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation plans to bring a primary care practice to the Highlands-Cashiers area..

The Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation plans to bring a primary care practice to the Highlands-Cashiers area..

HCHF to increase primary care access

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is planning to expand access to primary care for Highlands-Cashiers plateau residents.
Macon County has completed nearly 3,000 COVID-19 tests and has had 231 positive cases as of Tuesday..

Macon County has completed nearly 3,000 COVID-19 tests and has had 231 positive cases as of Tuesday..

COVID-19 cases continue to increase

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The number of active COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Macon County continues to grow as the number of citizens tested nears 2,700. According to information provided by Macon County Public Health officials on Tuesday, there have been 231 cases of COVID-19 in Macon County.
Highlands' search for a new police chief is progressing and interviews are being conducted.

Highlands' search for a new police chief is progressing and interviews are being conducted.

Highlands police chief search continues

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The search for Highlands’ new police chief continues during a summer that includes the COVID-19 pandemic, social demonstrations calling for equal justice and an economy struggling to recover.
The rec center pool reopening could mean a return to practice for the Highlands Hurricanes swim team.

The rec center pool reopening could mean a return to practice for the Highlands Hurricanes swim team.

Town board to discuss reopening rec facilities

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 18, 2020
For the past three weeks, families have been able to enjoy the Macon County Rec Park swimming pool in Franklin. The public pool in Sylva officially reopened for business on Saturday.
Vehicles lined up early and stayed late as drivers made their way through the COVID-19 testing line at The Farm at Old Edwards on Thursday.

Vehicles lined up early and stayed late as drivers made their way through the COVID-19 testing line at The Farm at Old Edwards on Thursday.

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing begins

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Cars began lining up just after 8 a.m. on Thursday for the first drive-thru COVID-19 testing event in Highlands. While testing wasn’t scheduled to start until 9 a.m.
Early voting has been busy during the second Republican primary for US House District NC 11.

Early voting has been busy during the second Republican primary for US House District NC 11.

Early voting numbers show strong turnout for primary

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Better than expected voter turnout has created buzz around the second Republican primary for United States House of Representatives seat covering North Carolina’s 11th District.

Ruiz gets prison time for role in fatal wreck

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2020
A man who was driving drunk and crashed his pickup truck into a Sylva woman’s car, killing her a short time after she completed her work shift at the Dollar General in Scaly Mountain, is headed to state prison.
Highlands Fire Dept improved its ISO rating during a recent state inspection.

Highlands Fire Dept improved its ISO rating during a recent state inspection.

Highlands Fire Dept improves ISO rating

Dan Brown
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Highlands Fire and Rescue has been providing quality fire and emergency services for Highlands residents for years and their efforts are now paying some dividends with lower ISO ratings.