10/4 - Highlands, NC Back in Business
From Mayor Pat Taylor
Click link to view: https://youtu.be/gTGFlNKTSVQ?si=KSMIx2ie2PjoxYmN
10/3 - Business Update from Kaye McHan, Executive Director, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC
Dear Highlands Community Members,
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Mayor Pat Taylor, Lester Norris, and the incredible teams at the Highlands Recreation Center, Highlands Fire & Rescue, Highlands Police Department, Bryson’s Grading and Paving, Highlands Sanitation Department, The Ugly Dog Pub, local and out-of-state power line workers, local Facebook groups, and many others who we make have missed who have come together to support one another during this challenging time. Your dedication and sense of community are truly inspiring.
As we move forward, please know that the majority of Highlands businesses, stores, and restaurants are open and look forward to welcoming you. Additionally, utility teams are working tirelessly to restore power in outlying areas.
For those in need, full details on Disaster Recovery Resources—including unemployment assistance, FEMA programs, grants and loans—are available through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Visit: https://edpnc.com/resources/publications/disaster-recovery-resources/
Key Local Updates:
Banks:
First Bank – Branch is open (9am-2pm)
First Citizens – Branch is open. ATM is operational
Regions – Branch is open. ATM is operational
Wells Fargo (Highlands Plaza) – ATM is operational
Dining
Restaurants are open. We've had some reports of Open Table cancelling reservations. If this happens, contact the restaurant directly.
Food
August Produce, Bryson’s Food Store, Whole Life Market and Mountain Fresh Grocery are open.
Gasoline & Car Chargers
Gas stations are online and electric car charger are functioning as normal.
Hospital and Pharmacy:
The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Highlands Pharmacy are both open.
Outdoor Music:
There will be a Friday Night Live Concert at Town Square from 6-8:30pm, featuring Zorki. The Pop-Up Pipers will perform on in front of the First Presbyterian Church Saturday from 4:30-5pm and Thirsty Horses will play at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park at a special time, 5-7:30pm. After a very difficult week, let’s give thanks and gather as a community to soothe our souls with the sweet sounds of music.
Road Conditions:
All roads to Highlands are OPEN. Stay updated at: www.drivenc.gov.
Showers:
Available at the Highlands Recreation Center.
Trails and Forests:
All Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Public Access properties are currently closed as storm damage is assessed. For updates or to contribute to aid and relief efforts, visit: www.hcltnc.org.
Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests remain closed until hazardous conditions improve. Updates will be posted on: www.fs.usda.gov.
Wi-Fi Access:
Free Wi-Fi is available at Highlands Recreation Center, Hudson Library, and The Ugly Dog Pub.
How to Help:
If you would like to contribute to recovery efforts, donations can be made online at: www.nc.gov/donate.
The Highlands Police Department is accepting donations of the following items:
- Disposable plates, cups, forks, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper
- Charcoal, lighter fluid, gas, propane
- Canned food
- Trash bags
- Regular or distilled water and ice
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, Clorox cleaners
- Matches, candles, flashlights
- Pet food
The Highlands Emergency Council is accepting cash donations at: www.highlandsemergencycouncil.com.
First Baptist Church is collecting:
- Water
- Canned food
- Toiletries
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer
- Cleaning supplies and gloves
- Trash bags
Food Pantry:
- Diapers
- Baby formula
- Feminine hygiene products
Community Bible Church (drop-off on 10/13/24) is requesting:
- Water
- Gatorade
- Canned food (with pop-tops)
- Diapers
- Formula
For ongoing updates, please follow the Highlands Chamber’s Facebook page.
We are proud to serve the Highlands area community. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and unwavering support. Together, we will overcome this.
Warmly,
Kaye McHan
Executive Director
Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC
10/3 - Update from Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor
View video here: https://youtu.be/zr-6BJVScGs
