Regional

As bear cubs emerge with their mothers, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is asking residents not to approach cubs and avoid contact whenever possible.

As bear cubs emerge with their mothers, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is asking residents not to approach cubs and avoid contact whenever possible.

Be on the lookout for bear cubs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 24, 2025
With spring temperatures taking hold, a common sight around Highlands is once again being reported. Bears have been seen as recently as Tuesday morning on Oak Street, with additional sightings reported near Highlands Memorial Park, Highlands Plaza, and Lake Sequoyah.

Author Moorman to discuss new novel

News Staff
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Nationally renowned author, Jennifer Moorman, is coming to the plateau to share some insight into her latest novel, the Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds. She will be present at Hudson Library on April 22 at 12:30 p.m., followed by a visit to the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library at 3 p.m.
Local voters may need to verify their identity if a court ruling regarding an election challenge holds up as legal battle continues.

Local voters may need to verify their identity if a court ruling regarding an election challenge holds up as legal battle continues.

Voters weigh in on election challenge ruling

News Staff
Thursday, April 10, 2025
On Friday, April 4, a North Carolina appeals court sided with N.C. Supreme Court candidate Judge Jefferson Griffin.

Love named executive director of The Bascom

News Staff
Thursday, March 27, 2025
The Bascom has found its new executive director in Billy Love, who recently accepted the role at the center for the visual arts. With Love now serving as the organization’s director, plans are being set up for further growth and expansion.
Kerri Tucker, executive assistant to the Jackson County Manager, organized and kicked off a blood drive for The Blood Connection. A total of 29 units of blood were collected during the event.

Kerri Tucker, executive assistant to the Jackson County Manager, organized and kicked off a blood drive for The Blood Connection. A total of 29 units of blood were collected during the event.

Jackson County officials join effort to increase blood donations

News Staff
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Jackson County government hosted a blood drive in partnership with The Blood Connection at the Department on Aging on March. 12, and surpassed the blood drive goal.
Otto Volunteer Fire and Rescue members, past and present, celebrate the start of construction of a new firehouse at 8249 Georgia Road, on Monday, Feb. 24.

Otto Volunteer Fire and Rescue members, past and present, celebrate the start of construction of a new firehouse at 8249 Georgia Road, on Monday, Feb. 24.

Otto Fire Department breaks ground on new station

News Staff
Thursday, March 6, 2025
To meet the growing needs of the Otto community and southern Macon County, the Otto Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department held a groundbreaking on Feb. 24 for its future 15,000-square-foot fire station, slated to be completed in 2026. “It’s not for us.

Author Miller to share latest work at Cashiers Library

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Plateau residents have the opportunity to explore an exciting Appalachia-based story as the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library will be hosting a visit from author Shelli Altopp Miller, where she will be discussing her new book, “Where Your Treasure Lies.
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.
Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan (left) and a group of select invitees got the first look at the wine bar at the Outpost Inn.

Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan (left) and a group of select invitees got the first look at the wine bar at the Outpost Inn.

Outpost Inn debuts new wine bar

News Staff
Thursday, January 30, 2025
The Outpost Inn has opened the doors to its brand-new wine bar, offering its guests a diverse set of  beverages to choose from. The bar will be open every week Thursday and Friday between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

City Lights to host three author events

News Staff
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Sydney Kale will visit City Lights Bookstore in Sylva on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. to share her new book, “The Love Language of Plants: Stories of Becoming Written by a Human and Her Plants.” “The Love Language of Plants” is a collection of co-authored essays written by a human and her plants.