Opinion

Halloween done right in Highlands

Highlands does a number of events tied to holidays, but perhaps no single event is as well attended as the “All Hallows Eve” celebration along Main Street. For lovers of Halloween, the night is a must-see every year and 2023 promises to be no different.

Mayor on Duty - 10.19.23

Tonight is the Highlands Town Board meeting starting at 7 p.m. at the Highlands Community Center next to the ball field.  At 6 p.m. the board will have a public workshop meeting at the same venue. Both meetings can be access on YouTube with a link at the town website.

Candidates fare well during forum

Early voting for municipal elections began this morning in North Carolina. If you haven’t availed yourself to the candidates running for the Highlands Board of Commissioners, now is certainly the time to do so as Election Day looms on Nov. 7.

Mayor on Duty - 10.12.23

Let me share with some thought  that I am having about  related to town personnel and the challenges ahead. I don’t have the final answers, the new board that will be installed in December will have to tackle these issues.

Fire prevention week in full swing

As the weather goes from cool and crisp, to downright cold this week, there is an annual feeling of anxiousness among area firefighters and first responders.

Mayor on Duty - 10.5.23

I was at a Southwest Regional Planning Organization meeting last week, where elected officials from towns and counties met to address regional concerns. It was a celebration of sorts in that the state budget had just been approved.

A refreshing look at government

A wise man once said, “all politics is local.” On Friday, three of Highlands political representatives showed why that phrase, uttered first in 1932, still rings true today. In a world where we are all inundated with politically-charged soundbites from Washington D.C.

Leaf season begins with added traffic

If your commute across town has taken a little longer than expected this week, you are already aware. But for those who may not have experienced the annual fall slowdown on Highlands’ area roads – It’s officially leaf season.

Mayor on Duty - 9.28.23

For nearly 35 years, there have been several efforts to secure funding to dredge Mirror Lake. With the state appropriating 5 million dollars in the new budget, the restoration of the lake will become a reality in the coming months and years.

Mayor on Duty - 9.21.23

Thursday night is the monthly Highlands Town Board meeting. It will start at 7 pm at the Highlands Conference Center next to the ball field.  But before this official business meeting, there will be a board workshop that will begin at 6 p.m. at the same location.