News

Highlands Cashiers Hospital donated a wall of nonperishable food items to local food banks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Hospital CEO Ton Neal highlighted some of the hospital’s continuing initiatives for the Highlands Board of Commissioners on Thursday night.

Highlands Cashiers Hospital donated a wall of nonperishable food items to local food banks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Hospital CEO Ton Neal highlighted some of the hospital’s continuing initiatives for the Highlands Board of Commissioners on Thursday night.

Town board hears hospital update

News Staff
Thursday, February 27, 2025
The Highlands Board of Commissioners gathered at the community building to go over some of the latest initiatives that have been developing in the area on Thursday, beginning with an update regarding the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.
A wild turkey that had become a community mascot after Hurricane Helene has been relocated to Holly Forest.

A wild turkey that had become a community mascot after Hurricane Helene has been relocated to Holly Forest.

Beloved Sapphire turkey relocated

News Staff
Thursday, February 20, 2025
It was only a few months ago, around the time of Hurricane Helene, where residents were enamored by the frequent visitation of an individual turkey, who often could be seen at Sapphire Valley Resort. To some, she was Tammy, and to others, Sally.
Highlands’ junior varsity boys basketball team took home the championship trophy at the Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference tournament.

Highlands’ junior varsity boys basketball team took home the championship trophy at the Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference tournament.

Tournament time underway

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference basketball tournament got underway on Tuesday night with five local teams in action. Highlands junior varsity boys kicked off the festivities with a 14-point win over Hiwassee Dam in the JV championship game.

Highlands Chamber director McHan set to retire

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce will undergo a changing of the guard later this year when executive director Kaye McHan calls it a career. McHan informed the Chamber board of her impending retirement, effective June 30, last week.
Sapphire Valley Ski Resort’s annual outhouse races have become a popular Jackson County winter attraction.

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort’s annual outhouse races have become a popular Jackson County winter attraction.

Outhouses set to hit the slopes

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Sapphire Valley Ski Resort’s 18th annual Great Outhouse Race is almost here to roll out with another fun and high-energy experience for the community. This year’s race is set to take place on Saturday Feb. 15 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Check-in for racers begins at 1:30 p.m.
Questions about the future of a project to fix drainage issues at Highlands’ soccer field have arisen after just one request for qualifications proposal was submitted to the Macon County School Board.

Questions about the future of a project to fix drainage issues at Highlands’ soccer field have arisen after just one request for qualifications proposal was submitted to the Macon County School Board.

Concerns over Highlands soccer field mount

News Staff
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Macon County Board of Education members are unsure if the planned Highlands School soccer field drainage project will take place this summer after receiving only one request for qualifications. An update on the project was given at a special called school board meeting on Feb. 4.
JCYC accompanist Bryan Heller gives chorus member Riley Breedlove a preview of a song he will sing when rehearsals begin in March.

JCYC accompanist Bryan Heller gives chorus member Riley Breedlove a preview of a song he will sing when rehearsals begin in March.

Jackson County Youth Chorus accepting singers

News Staff
Thursday, February 6, 2025
The Cashiers Valley Community Chorus is bringing a new musical opportunity to the youth as they are preparing for the introduction of the newly-formed Jackson County Youth Chorus. Rehearsals are set to begin on March 5 at 4:15 p.m. at the Cashiers United Methodist Church.
Swimmers flocked to the new Jackson County Aquatic Center for the grand opening event last week in Cullowhee.

Swimmers flocked to the new Jackson County Aquatic Center for the grand opening event last week in Cullowhee.

Aquatics center makes a splash

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 6, 2025
With a massive splash, the Jackson County Aquatic Center opened to the public last week as swimmers young and old flocked to Cullowhee to get their feet wet in the new state-of-the-art pool facility.