Opinion

Runnin' and Rockin' to support nonprofits

Two totally rad weekends are on tap for all of those folks who remember, appreciate, and enjoy the decade of decadence – the 1980s. What has become one of the biggest events in Western North Carolina will begin on Saturday night when 80s vibes fill the air of both Highlands and Franklin.

Mayor on Duty - 7.18.24

A recent editorial in a local newspaper asked how many tourists Highlands can handle in a given period of time.  Other cities across the globe are asking similar questions.

Marking three local milestones

If you’ve ever forgotten an important date, you aren’t alone. According to a study done in 2021, roughly 80 percent of people have forgotten their wedding anniversary at some point during their relationship.

Mayor on Duty - 7.11.24

In the last several weeks, I have participated in several community arts events that have been revelatory to me about our town.  I have concluded that Highlands is a myriad of folks who make up the town.

Packed weekend raises questions

How much more can Highlands and Cashiers handle? Or maybe the question should be, how many more can Highlands and Cashiers handle? Without a doubt, the Fourth of July holiday and the closest weekend to it, is the busiest time of the entire year in our humble hamlets and 2024 was no exception.

Mayor on Duty - 7.4.24

I gave a brief speech at the American Legion commemoration on Memorial Day, which I want to try to summarize in this piece.  It is also appropriate for Independence Day, a time of celebratory reflection. In recent years, my reading has centered around the American Revolution, the creation of the U.

An extended holiday weekend on tap

In Highlands and Cashiers, the good times just seem to last a little bit longer than other places. So, when one of the biggest holidays of the year falls on a Thursday, it creates the perfect opportunity to turn Independence Day into a five-day celebration.

Mayor on Duty - 6.27.24

My first task in the morning is to walk our dog, Zoe, for a mile or so. Sallie and Zoe, the two females of the household, gave me this task.  It is a routine that I must follow or suffer the consequences of dereliction of duty. So, last Tuesday at about 8 a.m.

New monitor takes over HCA task

Meet the new boss… Same as the old boss. That classic line in rock and roll history was brought to the masses by The Who back in 1971. The name of the song was “Won’t get fooled again.

Mayor on Duty - 6.20.24

Change is inevitable, so I was not shocked when I got the call this weekend stating that Old Edwards Hospitality Group and all its properties had been sold.