Opinion

Vaccine won't halt holiday precautions

For many Highlands residents and guests, Thanksgiving looked a lot different in 2020 than previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it looks like Christmas will almost certainly have a peculiar feel too.

Mayor on Duty - Dec. board meeting will be busy

Tonight is the December Town Board Meeting by way of Zoom.  It will begin with public comment at 7 p.m. If someone wants to make a public comment call town hall at 828-526-2118 before 4:30 p.m. Please give your name and a phone number or email address that can identify you at the Zoom meeting.

Mayor on Duty - Trash troubles continue

Here is yet another photo that illustrates trash disposal problems that a small number of residents continue to generate.   Yes, I and the board might be viewed as “garbage Nazis” by some with the passage of the ordinance requiring bear resistant toters.

Paving a much needed headache

It may be more than three months away, but if you listen close, you can almost hear the collective groan of drivers as the orange cones appear in the distance. No one enjoys navigating road construction, and Highlands is going to have a hefty share of it in 2021.

Halting parade not an easy decision

Everyone loves a parade. But the time isn’t always right to host one. This week the Highlands Chamber of Commerce made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Christmas parade, originally scheduled for Saturday night.

Mayor on Duty - WNC still seen as virus haven

Thanksgiving was a different holiday with changes and adjustments due to COVID-19. I have looked back at past pandemics and have noticed some parallels. Boccaccio wrote the Decameron in reaction to the Black Death that swept Europe in 1348.

Shop small this holiday season

Supporting local businesses is always important. But there may be no better time than now to shop local in 2020.

Mayor on Duty - Be thankful, and optimistic

Our country and its communities have faced hard times before.   Think about our parents and grandparents who grew up in the Depression only to have to fight and win the Second World War.

Thanksgiving takes on new look

For a great number of Highlands residents, travelling for Thanksgiving to see friends and family is a yearly tradition. Like most activities in 2020, the thought of going home for the holidays has come with some additional stress due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor on Duty - Nov. board meeting is busy

Tonight is the November meeting of the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners. It begins at 7 p.m. byway of Zoom. The Zoom information is on the town website for those who would like to join.