News

Gordon Center hires new executive director

The Gordon Center for Children  recently welcomed Megan Van Der Linde as Executive Director. Her background is rooted in childcare, leadership and program development. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University.
The Higdon Property near Franklin High School is now under MCS control.

The Higdon Property near Franklin High School is now under MCS control.

School board approves Higdon Property lease

The Macon County Schools’ Board of Education unanimously approved a new version of the Higdon property lease that would mandate the county cover all maintenance and land upkeep costs. Board Attorney John Henning presented the new version of the 40-year lease to the board during its August meeting.
The housing market in Highlands and Cashiers is still experiencing high demand and low availability following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The housing market in Highlands and Cashiers is still experiencing high demand and low availability following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Housing still in high demand

Highlands-Cashiers Board of Realtors has provided data on the housing market trends as of Aug. 28. The market appears strong, but is being impacted by affordability, availability, and interest rates. From the information provided, home sales appear healthy following the pandemic.
The Highlands Planning Board approved the final plat for Sanctuary on First during a recent meeting.

The Highlands Planning Board approved the final plat for Sanctuary on First during a recent meeting.

Planning Board approves final plat for subdivision

At a planning board meeting Aug. 29, the Highlands Planning Board approved the final plat of the future subdivision, Sanctuary on First, which will sit on 1st and Oak Streets. The approval, though, was not without some objections.
The MTC Spotlight gala recognized the contributions of businesses and community members who help make the company’s shows possible.

The MTC Spotlight gala recognized the contributions of businesses and community members who help make the company’s shows possible.

Mountain Theatre Company hosts annual gala

Mountain Theatre Company hosted their annual fundraising gala event, Spotlight, on Aug. 13. Held at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, this glam rock themed celebration of Mountain Theatre Company’s mission and programming was a huge success.
The Dazzling Dahlia Festival will take place Sept. 7 and Sept. 9 at locations around town including the Highlands Historical Village.

The Dazzling Dahlia Festival will take place Sept. 7 and Sept. 9 at locations around town including the Highlands Historical Village.

Dahlia Festival prep underway

Highlands Historical Society’s Dazzling Dahlia Festival will be held Thursday Sept. 7, and Saturday, Sept. 9, and visitors should prepare to be dazzled. Festivities begin with a poster party on Thursday, Sept. 7 at The Bascom.
Submitted photo Brian Aulisio was named the 2023 teacher of the year, and April Getz was named the 2023 support person of the year, at Highlands School.

Submitted photo Brian Aulisio was named the 2023 teacher of the year, and April Getz was named the 2023 support person of the year, at Highlands School.

Award winning educators

Macon County Schools recently announced the teachers and support staff of the year. The county’s teacher of the year goes to Katy Huscusson, a middle school teacher at Mountain View Intermediate, while the county’s support staff of the year is Sunshine Windsor, a counselor at Union Academy.
There were two fatal car accidents on NC106 near Highlands in less than 24 hours over the weekend.

There were two fatal car accidents on NC106 near Highlands in less than 24 hours over the weekend.

NC106 sees pair of fatal accidents over weekend

A Rabun County High School senior reportedly died on Sunday, Aug. 27, when her vehicle crashed during rainy conditions as she was driving to her Sky Valley residence after leaving her job in Highlands. Caitlyn Alexandra Faye, a member of the RCHS Class of 2024, was traveling on North Carolina 106.
Oriental Bittersweet is the August “Invasive Plant of the Month.”

Oriental Bittersweet is the August “Invasive Plant of the Month.”

CNIPM to battle Oriental Bitersweet on workday

This year, the Coalition for Nonnative Invasive Plant Management  continues to bring the community together to address an “Invasive Plant of the Month.
 Highlands Twilight 5k organizer Derek Taylor greets race winner Ben Kassel, of Davidson, North Carolina, who set a new course record on Saturday night.

Highlands Twilight 5k organizer Derek Taylor greets race winner Ben Kassel, of Davidson, North Carolina, who set a new course record on Saturday night.

Twilight rocks with record crowd

Several events have reported record attendance thus far in 2023, and the Highlands Twilight 5k was no exception on Saturday. With hundreds of runners, music fans and spectators filling Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, the event took on new life and raised money for the Rotary Club of Highlands.