Opinion

Bear Shadow changes with the times

Following one of the most unpredictable years in modern history, everyone is seeking some semblance of normalcy in 2021.

Mayor on Duty - Board meeting to feature vaccination update

Tonight is the January meeting of the Highlands Town Board. It will be a Zoom meeting that starts at 7 pm. The Zoom access information is on the town website.   We will begin the meeting with public comment.

Road crews earn high marks

Mother Nature is certainly giving everyone in Highlands a winter workout. The daily bounce between mild days in the 40’s and 50’s and frigid afternoons below freezing has made checking the weather one of the most important tasks each morning.

Mayor on Duty - Vaccine update

I wrote about COVID-19 vaccination issues last week. Let me share what has happened since then.  I’ve been following discussions on social media concerning how a program needs to be setup on the plateau.

Virtual learning week a wise decision

Tuesday marked the first day back to school following the winter holiday break for students in Macon County. Highlands was the exception, where students are taking part in a week of scheduled virtual learning through Jan. 8. The in-person school schedule will restart in Highlands on Monday, Jan.

Mayor on Duty - Vaccination program will take time

I started the New Year with optimism, especially with the prospect of a robust vaccination program that would finally get us over the Coronavirus pandemic.  We all long to return to a normal lifestyle.  I am still hopeful, but like many of you have concerns about the vaccination program.

Sticking with 2021 resolutions

With 2020 soon to be in the rearview mirror, and 2021 on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to come up with a New Year’s resolution. Highlands has an outlet for many of the most popular annual promises.

Mayor on Duty - Saying goodbye to 2020

I will not miss 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic.   While we have many things to still be thankful for, pandemic has put  major stresses on all aspects of community life.  So far we have missed the full force of COVID that has impacted many areas of nation.

Holiday traditions alive in Highlands

There is just something different about Christmas in Highlands. With all that has gone on surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there is a real appetite for simpler times and fond memories. The massive Christmas tree in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is ablaze with multi-colored lights.

Mayor on Duty - Advent season brings hope

This is the Advent season in the Christian calendar, a time of hope, joy and anticipation. I share that hope, joy and anticipation for our town as we move into the New Year. I anticipate a better year than the past one.