Opinion

Mayor on Duty - Sept. 29, 2022

As the mayor I continually meet with community groups, both here in Highlands and also in the Western Carolina region.  These meetings constantly reminded me of our shared concerns. Last week the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners met with the Highlands Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Mayor on Duty - Sept. 15, 2022

Tonight is the September Highlands Board of Commissioners meeting.  It will begin at 7 pm at the Highlands Community Center next to the ball field.  Public  comment is the first item on the agenda. The board will again review short term rental amendments.

Putting focus on mental health

Mental health has long been put on the back burner compared to physical health. Anyone who breaks an arm, pulls a hamstring, or suffers from an illness is expected to receive treatment. There is not even a second thought.

A working person's look at Labor Day

Take the day off. Have a glass of lemonade, play a little golf, host a barbecue. Whatever you choose to do on your Labor Day holiday, make sure that it suits you.

Mayor on Duty - Sept. 1, 2022

Sallie and I labored this past weekend, along with about 60 other artists and craftspeople, by participating in the Highlands Arts and Crafts Exhibition at Founders Park.

Mayor on Duty - Aug. 25, 2022

At the board meeting last week, I did a rather long mayor’s report concerning initiatives I want  the board address in future meetings.  Let me briefly review several of these items. First, the master sidewalk plan needs to be updated to include several important projects.

Back to School brings excitement

It’s that special time of year again. No, leaf season is still more than a month away. No, Thanksgiving and Christmas are even further off on the horizon. The special time of year to which we are referring is “Back to School.

Mayor on Duty - Aug. 18, 2022

Tonight is the August meeting of the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners.  It will be at the Highlands Community Building which is located next to the ball field. The meeting begins at 7pm with public comment at the top of the agenda.

Appreciating our National Forests

It can be all too easy to take the natural beauty that surrounds Highlands for granted. Driving through thousands of acres of National Forest land, passing by numerous waterfalls and scenic overlooks does become routine after a while.

Mayor on Duty - Aug. 11, 2022

We got it, you got it too!  What?  We have all recently received our Macon County 2022 Property Tax Notice, aka tax bill.  The bills go out every August and are due by January 5, 2023.