What a year it has been in Highlands.
It’s been so busy, it’s hard to pick just the top handful of stories from the calendar headed 2023.
The year started with a weather event that cost a lot of businesses and homeowners a lot of money. A post-Christmas freeze that pushed temperatures well below zero led to broken pipes and water leaks all over town. Many organizations and businesses spent their New Year’s weekend cleaning up and sorting through the aftermath.
February featured positive news as the Highlands Community Child Development Center announced the opening of a second location at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. The church’s first-floor classrooms have been retrofitted into childcare rooms and the increased capacity has helped 25 families find placement for their youngsters.
In March, Highlands Fire and Rescue ushered in a new era by hiring six fulltime paid firefighters. The additions signaled Highlands step into 24/7 fire coverage via the new fire station that opened in 2022.
Highlands School signaled a return to pre-Covid-19 policies by hosting graduation in the gym. For the first time in three years the event wasn’t socially distanced, masks were not worn, and graduates tossed their caps in one giant group.
Election season featured a candidate challenge as prospective town board candidate Tucker Chambers was ruled ineligible to run for town office since his address is outside town limits. Eventually, the ballot would feature five candidates for three seats on the board with Brian Stiehler, John ‘Buz’ Dotson, and Jeff Weller being elected.
A severe drought marked the end of leaf season and the beginning of the holidays. The Town of Highlands responded by putting in mandatory water use restrictions and an outdoor burning ban that lasted for roughly a month. Thankfully, Highlands has received a glut of rain since Thanksgiving and the restrictions have since been lifted.
As we look forward to 2024, there is plenty to be excited about. Highlands remains an incredible place to live and work. Let’s be thankful for all that 2023 has taught us, and put those lessons to use in the New Year.