Opinion

Stay safe this holiday weekend

On Tuesday, Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July and the 247th birthday of the United States. The holiday is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and fireworks.

Mayor on Duty - 6.22.23

Last Thursday night, the Highlands Town Board passed the budget for fiscal year 2023-24. The budget will be over 29 million dollars, with about 8 million in the general fund.

A tale of two budgets

A tale of two budgets. That title doesn’t exactly scream “bestseller.” But if an author were so inclined, he or she could write a fairly fascinating novel about the two spending ledgers just passed by the Macon County Board of Commissioners and the Town of Highlands.

Mayor on Duty - 6.15.23

Congratulations to the Highlands Motoring Festival for again putting on a wonderful car show this past weekend.  Mark Chamar and all the volunteers of the Motoring Festival are to be commended for all their hard work in coordination, planning, and delivering this nationally acclaimed event.

Wishing all dads a happy Father's Day

Maybe you’ll spend Sunday playing a little golf. Or perhaps taking a hike to a local waterfall is more your speed. Or even better yet, maybe Sunday will be filled with family around the picnic table. No matter how you choose to spend the day, there’s no doubt that dad will be on your mind.

Mayor on Duty - 6.8.23

A furlong is a horse racing distance measurement of one-eighth of a mile. A typical horse race is a mile or eight furlongs. The North Carolina legislative procedures can be likened to a horse race, and this current session is in the last furlong of the race.

A sad reminder to stay safe around water

With tourism season in full swing, there is plenty to do and see in Highlands. One of the most popular activities has picked up steam as summer temperatures have taken hold in the past week or two – people are flocking to area waterfalls, lakes, and streams.

Motoring Festival set for banner year

Over the next few days, you will see the classics start to roll in. Cars so unique and so well kept that they have been invited to participate in the 2023 Highlands Motoring Festival will be easy to spot.

Mayor on Duty - 6.1.23

I write this weekly column to keep folks informed about what is going on in Highlands town government, so let me share what has just happened at our sewer plant on Arnold Road. We have a new belt press!  Some might say so what?  But most may ask, what in the world is a belt press?

Graduation a special time to reflect

Over the next three weeks, you’re going to hear and see a lot around town when it comes to graduation. Photos are starting to pop up online of senior students across Macon and Jackson counties participating in the tradition of putting on their caps and gowns and walking around elementary schools.