News

Mayor Patrick Taylor welcomed Tom Neal as his guest speaker for the final "Coffee with the Mayor" program of 2022.

Mayor Patrick Taylor welcomed Tom Neal as his guest speaker for the final "Coffee with the Mayor" program of 2022.

Hospital the focus of "Coffee with the Mayor"

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 3, 2022
The final “Community Coffee with the Mayor” program of 2022 featured a look at Highlands Cashiers Hospital through the eyes of HCH Chief Executive Officer Tom Neal.
A number of capital projects were on the table during a joint meeting between the county board of commissioners and school board.

A number of capital projects were on the table during a joint meeting between the county board of commissioners and school board.

Commissioners, school board discuss capital projects

News Staff
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Following a joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education last week, the schematic designs for a new Franklin High School and stadium will be submitted to local and state review agencies.
Members of the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands placed the first donated coats in a drop box at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, Oct. 28.

Members of the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands placed the first donated coats in a drop box at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, Oct. 28.

Mountaintop Rotary kicks off coat drive

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, November 3, 2022
With winter temperatures on the horizon, the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands is accepting donations for its annual Winter Coat Drive, which officially launched on Nov. 1.

True crime novel shines light on WNC

News Staff
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Western North Carolina is full of surprises, from it’s hidden waterfalls deep in the woods to the dark underground caverns, but something that many people don’t think about when they think of the secrets of WNC is gruesome murders, drunk shootings and assault, especially in the Highlands-Cashiers...
Dr. Rada Petric discusses the “Secret Life of Bats” during her lecture as part of the Village Nature Series.

Dr. Rada Petric discusses the “Secret Life of Bats” during her lecture as part of the Village Nature Series.

Petric talks bats at VNS

News Staff
Thursday, November 3, 2022
The Village Nature Series held its final lecture of the season on Monday, Oct. 25 on the “Secret Life of Bats,” featuring the director of the UNC Institute for the Environment at Highlands Field Site, Dr. Rada Petric.
Students at Highlands School practice a number for an upcoming production of Fame Jr. at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets to the show are free, but need to be reserved ahead of Nov. 3.

Students at Highlands School practice a number for an upcoming production of Fame Jr. at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets to the show are free, but need to be reserved ahead of Nov. 3.

Students take center stage

News Staff
Thursday, October 27, 2022
The Highlands Performing Arts Center has partnered with Highlands School to provide instructional opportunities and hands-on experience related to all facets of theater to students through a Youth Theater Program.
Fire department officials are asking property owners not to burn anything outdoors due to dry conditions.

Fire department officials are asking property owners not to burn anything outdoors due to dry conditions.

Fire officials: Do not burn outside

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, October 27, 2022
The message from local fire department officials is clear – Do not burn outside. Despite scattered showers in the early hours of Wednesday morning, conditions remain extremely dry across most of Western North Carolina.
Members of Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Highlands” group learn more about Highlands history during the 2022 program.

Members of Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Highlands” group learn more about Highlands history during the 2022 program.

Calling all community leaders

News Staff
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Leadership Highlands, a Highlands Chamber of Commerce community engagement program, is now accepting applications for its 2023 class. The educational program is for emerging and existing leaders in the Highlands community, offering them an opportunity to enhance their civic knowledge and network.
Bluegrass band Sideline will bring their unique musical catalog to The Highlands Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Bluegrass band Sideline will bring their unique musical catalog to The Highlands Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Performing Arts Center to host Sideline concert

News Staff
Thursday, October 27, 2022
The Highlands Performing Arts Center will present live in concert, in the brand new theater, Bluegrass favorite and International Bluegrass Music Association award winner, Sideline on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Ethan Fortner and his team of mules clear downed logs from Doc Wilson’s property in Highlands.

Ethan Fortner and his team of mules clear downed logs from Doc Wilson’s property in Highlands.

Remembering the "Old ways"

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, October 20, 2022
There is still something to be said for the “Old ways” of doing things. Perhaps that’s what made Doc Wilson’s ears perk up when he heard about Ethan Fortner’s ability to clear land using a team of mules.