Opinion

Sunshine Week

While the skies above Highlands may be overcast, with rain in the immediate forecast, the week of March 13-19 is always a time to celebrate sunshine.

Mayor on Duty

Today is the town retreat at the Presbyterian Church’s Coleman Hall. It begins at 9 a.m., and the public is invited to hear the budget reports and project proposals presented by town staff. I want to touch several big-ticket items that will be presented.

Mayor on Duty

I want to thank everyone for a very successful and civil public hearing last Thursday night that addressed the Highlands Planning Board’s recommendations concerning short term rental amendments to the UDO.

Events bring town together

One of the many things that drew me to Highlands was the activites going on in the arts and music scene. Coming from a small town in Alabama, that wasn’t a thing. The only thing to do on the weekends was sit in the Walmart parking lot with friends, or lucky for me, play sports.

When is enough, enough?

Mrs. Heller’s letter of a couple weeks ago regarding the various “fests” held in town hit a cord with me.  My question is when is enough, enough? It seems the chamber of commerce is intent on more.

Meat-free Lent more than a symbol of devotion to Christ

In Western churches, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides for a 40-day fast, in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry. Many Christians abstain from animal foods during Lent.

Public hearing etiquette

A public hearing regarding amendments to the town’s zoning rules related to short term rentals is scheduled for 5 p.m. tonight at the Highlands Community Building.

Mayor on Duty

This afternoon the public hearing concerning the Highlands Planning Board STR recommendations will begin at 5 p.m., at the Highlands Community Center. A signup list will be at the door for folks wishing to speak.  Speaking requests can also be emailed to our town clerk at: Gibby.

A grand opportunity for the USFS, partners

The USFS recently released the Final version of the forest management plan for the Pisgah and Nantahala National forests.

Outhouse races are comedic event

In a world that can seem all too serious, there is always room for a little light-hearted humor. With that in mind, one of Western North Carolina’s whackiest events returns on Saturday for another heart-racing ride down the bunny hill at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort.