News

Highlands' 2020 water and sewer master plan was recently completed.

Highlands' 2020 water and sewer master plan was recently completed.

Town puts together water master plan

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 30, 2020
The Highlands Public Works Department presented its master plan to the board of commissioners during its April 16 meeting. The master planning document is required by the state to be eligible for future state revolving loan projects and grants, Public Works Director Lamar Nix said.
Kris and Dale Maree found out about the carpenter beehives by watching YouTube videos online and decided to begin building their own.

Kris and Dale Maree found out about the carpenter beehives by watching YouTube videos online and decided to begin building their own.

Custom hive designers want carpenter bees to have homes too

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 30, 2020
One of the passages of spring is the arrival of carpenter bees on the wood decks, patios and porches of area homes.  Often seen as a nuisance, in efforts to keep bees from boring into the wood, these carpenter bees are often exterminated in efforts to protect homeowner’s wood furnishings.
Highlands School seniors are being honored with a display along the track on 5th Street.

Highlands School seniors are being honored with a display along the track on 5th Street.

Wondering what comes next

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Since the COVID-19 coronavirus shut down schools on March 13, questions to Highlands School and Macon County Schools officials are answered with the same reply – “I don’t know” and it’s not for a lack of trying.
Highlands police officers are no longer manning checkpoints, but are continuing to enforce rules related to COVID-19.

Highlands police officers are no longer manning checkpoints, but are continuing to enforce rules related to COVID-19.

Police continue State of Emergency enforcement

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Just because motorists no longer see Highlands Police Department officers manning traffic checkpoints coming into town on US 64, NC roads 106 and 28, doesn’t mean they’re not out there making sure the town’s shelter in place directive is enforced.
The Town of Highlands will no longer cover the cost of utilities at the Performing Arts Center.

The Town of Highlands will no longer cover the cost of utilities at the Performing Arts Center.

Town ends PAC's free utilities

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The Highlands Performing Arts Center will have to factor some additional operating costs into its budget following the Highlands town board meeting on Thursday night. During the meeting, the procedure of allowing the PAC to have use of no-cost utilities was brought up for discussion.
A crew worked to replace a stretch of sidewalk along South 4th Street this week. Capital improvements for the 2020-21 fiscal year have been reduced from previous estimates in the latest version of the Town of Highlands preliminary budget.

A crew worked to replace a stretch of sidewalk along South 4th Street this week. Capital improvements for the 2020-21 fiscal year have been reduced from previous estimates in the latest version of the Town of Highlands preliminary budget.

Town tightens pending budget

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Facing uncertain financial impacts as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, the Town of Highlands tightened its collective purse strings on Thursday afternoon.
The Highlands Playhouse has cancelled its summer performance lineup for 2020.

The Highlands Playhouse has cancelled its summer performance lineup for 2020.

Playhouse cancels performance season

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 16, 2020
The show will not go on at Highlands Playhouse this summer. Managing Director Lance Matzke announced on Sunday that the playhouse has cancelled its 2020 performance season.
The Highlands Nature Center’s “Spring Sightings” series is part of the online offerings being introduced in 2020.

The Highlands Nature Center’s “Spring Sightings” series is part of the online offerings being introduced in 2020.

Nature Center transitions to online learning

Dan Brown
Thursday, April 16, 2020
The Highlands Nature Center may not be physically open, but they continue to provide the community with environmental content and resources that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Gov. Roy Cooper added regulations for essential businesses operating during COVID-19.

Gov. Roy Cooper added regulations for essential businesses operating during COVID-19.

Cooper adds new COVID-19 regulations

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Changes to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic took effect on April 9.