Opinion

Mayor on Duty - 1.26.23

The Town’s Planning & Development Director is implementing the provisions of the newly adopted Short-Term Rental Ordinance. The Town Board approved the ordinance on September 15, 2022. Since then, several questions have arisen about the requirements and enforcement of the new regulation.

Snow Fest an offseason highlight

There once was a time when Highlands was a sleepy mountain town from January to April. Some of the long-time locals joke about rolling up the sidewalks after Christmas and not rolling them back out until Easter “back in the day.

Mayor on Duty - 1.12.23

I am not the Kim Jong-il of Highlands. Nor am I “Boss Hogg” directing town employees and the police to follow my commands. I sometimes suspect a few folks on social media and others who send me emails might have that impression.

Knowing when and where to complain

It comes as no surprise that the Macon County Library board is working on an official complaint system. What’s troublesome is that a library needs such a thing. For most adults, tucked away in their memory is the fond recollection of time spent at the local library.

Mayor on Duty - 1.5.23

After difficult events, it’s wise to review and reflect. Case in point, “the big freeze,” just before Christmas. Highlands hasn’t had extreme below-0 temperatures in over a decade. Visitors are now in Highlands year-round.  The full parking on Main Street in December underscores that shift.

Resolutions sign of new beginnings

Is 2023 going to be your year? Have you uttered the phrase, “New Year, new me?” Are you the kind of person to make a resolution, or maybe more than one? Well, if so, you may want to stop reading this column now. According to a recent study, 38.

Winter storm caps eventful 2022

Maybe we all learned a lesson this Christmas. And what better time of year to take stock of what we’ve learned than New Year’s. Thursday through Sunday was the coldest Christmas holiday in more than 40 years across Western North Carolina.

Santa letters provide laughs, memories

Newspapers aren’t known for “cute” content. Most of the year The Highlander staff works hard to put together stories that inform our readers about the community around them.

Mayor on Duty - 12.22.22

I know Santa is making his list and checking it twice; and I’m making a list also, a list of things the town will do next year. Let me identify a few items on the mayor’s wish list. First, the board and staff will begin the annual budget development process at the beginning of the next year.

Mayor on Duty - 12.15.22

It’s back, snow that is, and we all need to be prepared. The official winter season is just around the corner with next Wednesday being the first official day. Last year we dodged a bullet with the winter storm that brought 12 inches of snow.