News

The Town of Highlands has closed Town Hall and the Rec Center to the public until further notice.

The Town of Highlands has closed Town Hall and the Rec Center to the public until further notice.

Coronavirus hits home

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Macon County Public Health confirmed the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus in Macon County on Monday. In a written statement, MCPH officials noted that the patient has been quarantined and is doing well in isolation.
The Macon County EDC is keeping a watchful eye on the local economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Macon County EDC is keeping a watchful eye on the local economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

EDC preps for economic impact of COVID-19

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Following reports of empty store shelves for items like hand sanitizer, toilet paper and antibacterial soap, the attention of the Macon County Economic Development Commission turned to a popular topic on Thursday night – Coronavirus.
Schools are instructing students using online lessons while facilities are closed due to coronavirus.

Schools are instructing students using online lessons while facilities are closed due to coronavirus.

Schools close due to COVID-19, remote learning begins

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Macon County Public Schools are in uncharted waters. School administrators are doing their best to keep the ship steadily sailing in the right direction. On Saturday, North Carolina Gov.
Highlands School rolled out the welcome mats for its next class of students during kindergarten registration day on Wednesday, March 11.

Highlands School rolled out the welcome mats for its next class of students during kindergarten registration day on Wednesday, March 11.

Highlands School welcomes class of 2033

Dan Brown
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Highlands School Principal Brian Jetter welcomed the incoming Class of 2033 through the school’s front doors as Kindergarten registration began for the 2020-21 school year.  “Every year we lose one class and every year we pick up a new class,” Jetter said of registration day.
Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors will headline the first ever spring music festival in Highlands.

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors will headline the first ever spring music festival in Highlands.

Headliner named for music fest

Dan Brown
Thursday, March 12, 2020
A music festival is coming to Highlands this spring.  Tickets went on sale Monday morning.  Highlands Festivals Inc., the organization that produces Highlands Food and Wine, announced on Friday, a special spring concert to be held at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday, May 9.
Highlands commissioners discussed a long list of 2020-21 budget items during their March 5 retreat.

Highlands commissioners discussed a long list of 2020-21 budget items during their March 5 retreat.

Commissioners learn about upcoming budget priorities

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 12, 2020
A long list of potential projects was laid on the table by Town of Highlands department heads during the board of commissioners’ annual budget retreat on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church. It will be up to the board which projects get funded in the town’s operating budget for 2020-21.
The Will Rogers Follies will open on July 16.

The Will Rogers Follies will open on July 16.

Playhouse unveils 2020 summer lineup

Dan Brown
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Highlands Playhouse is celebrating its 20th season in 2020 and wants to share the celebration with everyone in Highlands.  Managing Director Lance Matzske released the Playhouse season schedule this week, saying this could be their best season yet.
Mayor Patrick Taylor discusses the town budget during his community coffee program at Hudson Library on Friday.

Mayor Patrick Taylor discusses the town budget during his community coffee program at Hudson Library on Friday.

Mayor's coffee focusses on budget

Dan Brown
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Mayor Patrick Taylor said during the year’s first Coffee with the Mayor gathering, how he’d like to see Highlands get aggressive with its paving plans.  “We have town roads and streets that are in need of paving,” he said.

Primary election features close races

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Macon County turned out to the polls for the 2020 primary election on Tuesday to decide multiple local, state and federal races. Election results rolled in to the Macon County Board of Elections office just after 8 p.m. following a slight delay in the reporting process.