Opinion

Mayor on Duty - 2.20.25

Thursday, February 20, will be the town board workshop at 6 pm, followed by the business meeting at 7 pm. Both meetings are at the Highlands Community Building adjacent to the ball field. Both sessions can be viewed remotely by going to the town website, which will have a meeting access portal.

McHan navigated uncertain times

One of Highlands’ most influential leaders is calling it a career, and her retirement will leave a big pair of shoes to fill. Last week, Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan informed the Chamber board of her intention to retire as of June 30.

Mayor on Duty - 2.13.25

I recently chaired the Southwestern Regional Planning Commission’s Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. Let me review some of the transportation issues the committee discussed.

It's time to shorten the leash law

Highlands and Cashiers are among the safest places in the country to live. Anyone who routinely reads the police reports in this publication understands that.

Mayor on Duty - 2.6.25

Highlands lost power for an extended period during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the recent winter storm. The problem was with the Duke transmission line to Highlands around Hicks Road due to trees falling on these major transmission lines.

Another big game, another long Monday

Why do we do this to ourselves every year? For millions of sports fans, that’s a question that is asked every Super Bowl Sunday, and more likely, the following Monday morning.

Mayor on Duty - 1.30.25

I had the honor of speaking to the American Legion Post 370 on Saturday about the electric grid and future plans. I started my talk by paraphrasing the late Robert Palmer’s hit song that has the lyrics, “You might as well face it. You are addicted to love.

Realignment saga rolls on for high school athletes

There’s no reason to mess with a product, procedure, routine, that’s effective. Last week the NCHSAA rolled out its second draft of a realignment proposal that would reclassify dozens of schools across the state for the 2025-26 school year.

Mayor on Duty - 1.23.25

Who knew, but here we are in the old-fashioned days of traditional Highlands. We thought they had gone away since the town had not had any measurable snow in the past three years. For some of our newly arrived residents, I am sure it is a surprise; for a few, it may even be a shock.

Remembering a man, and a message

On Monday, students got a day off from school, the post office and bank were closed, and you likely saw some form of tribute to one of the most well-known Americans in history. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an annual opportunity to reflect on the message and the works done by Dr.