Highlands to review Duke Energy contract amendment tied to pending merger; decision deferred Town officials heard an explanation of a proposed amendment to Highlands’ wholesale power contract tied to a pending Duke Energy merger and agreed to review the 45-page amendment before taking final action at the next meeting.

Highlands is set to scrutinize a crucial 45-page amendment to its wholesale power contract with Duke Energy amid a major merger, with a decision postponed for thorough review.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #HighlandsPower #EnergyRegulation #CitizenPortal

Highlands board hears safety, noise and economic arguments over Food and Wine festival At a Jan. 15 work session, police and fire officials warned that holding the Highlands Food and Wine main event on narrow Main Street creates crowding, delayed emergency access and public‑safety risks; festival organizers and hospitality representatives defended the event’s economic benefits and offered mitigation steps. The board agreed to convene stakeholders for further study.

The Highlands Food and Wine festival faces a critical crossroads as safety concerns clash with its undeniable economic boost, prompting urgent discussions on the future of this beloved event.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #EconomicImpact #EventManagement #PublicSafety

Highlands board opens review of room-occupancy tax; stakeholders urged to join task force At a Dec. 11 Highlands workshop, the mayor outlined proposals to update Macon County's 1985 room-occupancy law and consider shifting from a 100% tourism-promotion model to a 2/3 promotion / 1/3 tourism-related allocation; the board agreed to form a stakeholder task force but took no formal votes on tax changes.

The Highlands Town Board is exploring major changes to room-occupancy tax rules that could reshape how tourism funds are allocated—will local voices be heard?

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #TourismDevelopment #HighlandsTourism #LocalTaxReform #CitizenPortal

Residents urge town to reconsider proposed 73-room hotel, citing infrastructure and character concerns Multiple longtime Highlands residents told the Town Board they oppose a proposed 73-room hotel two blocks from downtown, saying a recent pipe failure highlighted risks to water and other infrastructure and that the design does not fit the town’s character.

Highlands residents are raising alarms over a proposed 73-room hotel, fearing it could jeopardize their beloved town's charm and strained infrastructure.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #PublicParticipation #CulturalPreservation #CitizenPortal #HighlandsInfrastructure

Highlands police describe bomb-threat call, lockdown and evacuation of daycares; investigation ongoing Chief Andrea Holland briefed the Highlands Town Board on a 10:40 a.m. call reporting an explosive device in the area near Highlands Episcopal Church; police secured daycare children, coordinated with Macon County Sheriff's Department and the North Carolina SBI, and evacuated about 68 children by escorted buses while the investigation continues.

A bomb threat near a Highlands church sparked a swift multi-agency response, leading to the evacuation of dozens of children from local daycares.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #HighlandsDaycares #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

Police warn overcrowding at Highlands Food & Wine festival; board to convene stakeholder workshop Police told the board crowd density at the recent Highlands Food & Wine festival impeded emergency response and made enforcement of overservice laws difficult; the board agreed to schedule a special workshop with organizers and stakeholders to address safety and noise issues.

Police warn that overcrowding at the Highlands Food & Wine festival poses serious public safety risks, prompting a call for urgent reassessment of the event's venue.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HighlandsFoodFest #EventPlanning

Hudson Library board seeks municipal support for multi-stage renovation and new pavilion Library trustees and foundation representatives presented plans for interior reconfiguration and exterior landscaping at the Hudson Library, asking the Town Board to support an exterior phase immediately while fundraising continues for interior work. Project cost figures in the presentation varied; the foundation said 80'85% of interior funds are raised.

The Hudson Library Foundation is seeking support for a transformative renovation that promises to enhance study spaces and create a stunning outdoor pavilion, revitalizing a community hub that has served locals since 1884.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Highlands board reviews Flock license-plate readers, directs staff to map Main Street camera plan At a Oct. 16 workshop, Highlands officials heard law-enforcement presentations on automated license-plate readers (ALPRs) and a town IT briefing on Main Street surveillance options, discussed privacy limits under North Carolina statute and asked staff to return with a detailed placement and cost plan.

Highlands Town Board is exploring a cutting-edge security camera system that could revolutionize local law enforcement and combat rising crime.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #LawEnforcementTechnology #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HighlandsSecurity

Highlands officials debate July 4 alcohol policy amid crowd control concerns Town officials discuss challenges and liability issues surrounding alcohol consumption during July 4 events.

Highlands officials are grappling with whether to change the alcohol policy for the increasingly popular July 4 celebrations, as crowd control issues raise serious safety concerns.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CommunityManagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PolicyReform

Highlands Council discusses potential property consolidation for public use Council explores combining lots to streamline construction and leasing processes.

Highlands' Board of Commissioners is considering a game-changing move to streamline construction by consolidating lots, potentially transforming the town's development landscape.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #PropertyManagement #HighlandsProperty

Highlands community leaders discuss partnership for after school programs Town leaders explore collaboration with Boys and Girls Club for youth programming.

Highlands is on the brink of revitalizing youth programs through an exciting partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, aiming to transform after-school and summer experiences for local children.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal

Highlands Town Board advances parking plan and considers demolition of former Playhouse Building Town board directs staff to seek bids for former Playhouse Building demolition and parking updates.

The Highlands Town Board is taking major steps towards improving local infrastructure, from advancing a new parking plan to planning the demolition of the former Playhouse Building.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CommunityPlanning #FiscalResponsibility

Josh highlights need for ad valorem tax increase amid rising municipal costs Josh urges discussion on tax increases due to rising utility and service demands.

Highlands faces a pivotal moment as leaders consider a tax increase to meet the urgent demands of a growing community and rising costs.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #HighlandsCommunity #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureRepair #BudgetaryStrategies

Highlands awards $80K in scholarships during honors day event Highlands School awards over $80,000 in scholarships to graduates and continuing students.

Highlands School celebrated a remarkable Honors Day, granting $80,000 in scholarships to empower local graduates and showcasing the town's unwavering commitment to education!

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #HighlandsEducation #CitizenPortal #LegislativeInitiatives #CommunitySupport

Highlands adopts balanced budget with increased sanitation and water service rates Highlands' budget includes $40.8M in expenditures, sanitation and water rate increases, and new police hires.

Highlands, NC has unveiled a balanced budget of over $40 million, featuring increased sanitation rates and new police hires to boost community safety.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HighlandsBudget #InfrastructureImprovement

Highlands Town Board addresses public comments and conflict of interest concerns Highlands Town Board invites public comments on property disputes and clarifies jurisdictional issues.

The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners is tackling community concerns head-on, with residents demanding clarity on property disputes and local governance!

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #HighlandsPropertyDisputes

Highlands Cashiers Hospital reviews hurricane response and community support efforts Hospital leadership highlights emergency measures and community collaboration during Hurricane Helene.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Highlands community showcased incredible resilience as hospital staff and local residents united to overcome unprecedented challenges.

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #HealthcareCollaboration #HighlandsHealthcare #CitizenPortal

Local Chamber plans festive holiday shopping night with horse-drawn wagon rides and eggnog contest Local businesses plan festive Thursday night shopping event with family activities and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Get ready for a magical holiday season in Highlands with festive shopping nights featuring caroling, horse-drawn wagon rides, and an eggnog tasting competition!

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#HighlandsMaconCounty #NC #SupportLocal #CitizenPortal #CommunitySpirit #HighlandsLocalBusinesses #FamilyFriendly