Opinion

Gorge Road closure a real headache

Well, everyone knew it was bound to happen one day. That’s the opening line from Balsam Range’s hit bluegrass song “Last Train to Kitty Hawk.

Mayor on Duty - 1.4.24

I want to talk about taxes as we go toward the new year, specifically sales tax revenues.  The Town of Highlands is projected to take in about 1.6 million dollars in sales tax for this fiscal year.  We will also take in about 3 million in property tax that also goes to the town.

How to stick to your resolutions

As we step into 2024, odds are you have made a resolution to do something different, or better, in the New Year. Maybe you want to get more active, maybe you want to kick a bad habit, perhaps you want to cut down on fast food, or maybe you want to be more financially stable in 2024.

Mayor on Duty - 12.28.23

Sometime during my first term as mayor, I was invited to a meeting at the Lakeside Restaurant, where hospitality and food service folks had gathered, along with Chamber of Commerce representatives.  Folks from outside Highlands and Eleven Events were also there.

Looking back: 2023 year in review

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.

Mayor on Duty - 12.21.23

The Christmas season gives us time to slow down and reflect.  I did just that after the December town board meeting.  I realized that meeting marked the tenth anniversary of my first swearing-in as Mayor of Highlands.  It continues every day to be a humble honor to serve as mayor.

HANDS gets back to holiday giving

Highlands is one of the most generous communities anywhere. Just look at the number of amazing nonprofit organizations that are not only able to survive, but are able to thrive, in such a small town.

Mayor on Duty - 12.14.23

A critical shortage of workforce housing plagues communities and economic development across the nation.  What are the factors that contribute to the shortage?

Patience a virtue during the holidays

It’s no secret that area businesses are still in need of staff. Finding workers to fill positions is as big of a problem as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down with unemployment hovering around 3 percent and labor market numbers stagnant.

Mayor on Duty - 12.7.23

At the end of November, the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned their long session.  There were over 1,500 bills introduced.