Opinion

Thank you to those who serve

The second week of November serves as a reminder each year of how much we owe to the men and women who put their lives on the line for the safety and wellbeing of others. On Wednesday, Nov.

Mayor on Duty - Ongoing trash trouble

A picture is worth a thousand words, or at least 500.   The photo of an overstuffed bear resistant garbage toter that was placed on the road Sunday afternoon illustrates a growing problem in Highlands. I suspect a VRBO group decided it was acceptable to just pile their garbage up on the roadside.

Lessons for election winners and losers

Win with grace, lose with dignity. The common sports adage can be used in many facets of daily life, essentially any time an argument erupts, but this week the phrase lends itself to politics.

Mayor on Duty - Network bids unsealed

Bids have been opened for the lease and operation of the Highlands fiber optic network, which is in the final stages of construction.  The town received complete bids from NC Broadband Group, BalsamWest and Hotwire.

Mayor on Duty - Voter turnout surges

We have had a good early voting turnout.   I hope everyone will cast a ballot either during early voting which ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, or on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day.

Halloween safety now includes virus

For decades there have been posters on the walls of school buildings telling children the importance of Halloween safety.

Mayor on Duty - Hospital vote had many facets

The Highlands Cashiers Hospital workforce housing water and sewer request was turned down in a 4 to 1 vote at last Thursday’s town board meeting. I know some folks are disappointed and think it is a major setback for the hospital. Others, like four of the town commissioners, may think differently.

See the sights, the right way

Highlands is a beautiful place. That fact is almost unquestioned any time of the year, but during leaf season the mountains surrounding Highlands put an exclamation point on the scenic grandeur of the plateau.

Mayor on Duty - Full slate for Oct. board meeting

Tonight is the October meeting of the Highlands Town Board. It will begin at 7 p.m. by way of Zoom.  I had hoped the meeting could be in person, but technical problems and the ongoing virus concern makes Zoom the best and safest option. The Zoom information can be found on the town website.

Early voting opens in Highlands

While many North Carolina residents have already cast their ballots by mail via absentee voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first big wave of the electoral process began today with the opening of one-stop early voting.