News

Eclipse wows Western NC

The 2024 total solar eclipse might not have brought totality to Macon or Jackson counties as it did in 2017, but those who ventured out to see the sun nearly 85 percent covered got to see glimpses between the clouds on Monday, April 8. The sun was out until around 2:35 p.m.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a drawing for two free tickets to Bear Shadow.

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a drawing for two free tickets to Bear Shadow.

Bear Shadow free ticket giveaway

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC is pleased to offer residents of Highlands and Scaly Mountain an opportunity to win two free general admission tickets to the Bear Shadow music festival being held May 11-12, 2024.
Chad Meadows discusses walkability as a concept in Cashiers.

Chad Meadows discusses walkability as a concept in Cashiers.

Cashiers rectification continues

reporter@highlandsnews.com Recodify Cashiers held two meetings last week to discuss future changes to the Cashiers Unified Development Ordinance and gauge community feedback.
The Highlands Town Board is considering changes to weekend work hours and board appointments.

The Highlands Town Board is considering changes to weekend work hours and board appointments.

Weekend work hours, board appointment changes mulled

How advisory board members are appointed, and for how long they serve, may change following a discussion about the continuity of the Highlands planning board and the zoning board on Thursday night.
Pictured is the newly amended site plan for the Cashiers East Village project.

Pictured is the newly amended site plan for the Cashiers East Village project.

East Village amendments proposed

You know what they say about the best laid plans. After having a special use permit approved in 2022, and undertaking more than a year of engineering work, representatives from the Kessler Collection decided to pivot.
Members of the Mountaintop Rotary Club and staff from the Highlands Emergency Council gathered on Thursday to collect the final coats for the 2024 coat drive. This year’s drive brought in nearly 3,000 cold weather clothing items.

Members of the Mountaintop Rotary Club and staff from the Highlands Emergency Council gathered on Thursday to collect the final coats for the 2024 coat drive. This year’s drive brought in nearly 3,000 cold weather clothing items.

Coat drive sets new record

The Mountaintop Rotary Club’s annual coat drive continued its record-setting tradition in 2024. The event brought in 2,976 individual clothing items, which marked a new record according to coat drive organizer Duncan Greenlee.
Workers continue remodeling operations at the Fishes & Loaves food pantry building in Cashiers. Area food pantries are reporting increased need in 2024.

Workers continue remodeling operations at the Fishes & Loaves food pantry building in Cashiers. Area food pantries are reporting increased need in 2024.

Food pantries report high need

Fishes & Loaves in Cashiers and Highlands Emergency Council and Highlands Food Pantry have all reported need for assistance as food pantry numbers continue to rise. “MANNA came up and did a survey on the pantries.
Brookings Anglers has added a new location on Cashiers Lake.

Brookings Anglers has added a new location on Cashiers Lake.

Brookings opens new location

Brookings Anglers has had a few weeks in their new location nestled on Cashiers Lake behind Cornucopia. The fly tying outdoor shop officially opened their Blue Line Bar last week. Blue Line Bar is a small wine and beer corner of the store with a handful of local taps and other domestic choices.
Highlands Festivals Inc. presented an economic impact study focused on Bear Shadow and Highlands Food and Wine to the town board on Thursday.

Highlands Festivals Inc. presented an economic impact study focused on Bear Shadow and Highlands Food and Wine to the town board on Thursday.

Turning festivals into funds

Highlands’ two largest festivals generated more than $5 million in economic impact in 2023 according to a study conducted by Western Carolina University. Jack Austin, with Highlands Festivals Inc.
The Cashiers Historical Society will host Heritage Apple Day at the Cashiers Community Center on Saturday.

The Cashiers Historical Society will host Heritage Apple Day at the Cashiers Community Center on Saturday.

Heritage Apple Day set for Saturday

As the plateau wakes from its winter slumber, a community staple is returning to spread literal fruits of labor. The Cashiers Historical Society’s annual Heritage Apple Day is returning Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cashiers Community Center near Boys and Girls Club.