Opinion

Primary care clinic a welcome addition

When it was announced in June that a new primary care clinic would be coming to Highlands, the news was met with quiet optimism.

Mayor on Duty - Three issues will have big impact

COVID-19, the census and the future of Highlands are several big things on my mind.  All three are now in play and will be for the coming months.  What will be their lasting impacts? The coronavirus has changed life across our nation, state and in local communities like Highlands.

Survey another step in school planning

The picture is still unclear as to what schools will look like when they reopen on Aug. 17. During Monday night’s Macon County Board of Education meeting, few questions were answered. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper chose to reopen schools under the state’s “Plan B” on July 9.

Mayor on Duty - Thinking safety first

I was gratified to see the town board vote at last Thursday’s meeting to require the wearing of face masks on all commercial sidewalks.  Board members and I had been receiving concerns about people not wearing masks on those tight and crowded downtown sidewalks.

Mayor on Duty - Masks making a difference

Let me again thank those folks who care for the health and safety of their follow citizens by wearing masks.   Research is very clear that wearing masks is a very basic, and effective way of containing the spread of COVID-19 virus.

Putting money into paving is wise

For the past two years, the Town of Highlands has collected a local option sales tax of one quarter of a cent for parks and recreation improvements. During the recent budget process, the town board looked at three options regarding the tax.

Mayor on Duty - Trash collection issues

Let me talk thrash.   Beginning on July 2 our thrash problems began.    Town hall staff received a high volume of calls from folks saying their thrash had not been picked up.  We had a trifecta of problems that resulted in some collection problems especially on the Friday holiday.

Time for Cooper to pick a school plan

It’s safe to say that a lot of people have a vested interest in the public school system.

Mayor on Duty - New budget year begins

Yesterday marked the start of a new budget year for the Town of Highlands. The town board approved a scaled back budget at their June meeting. The town manager developed the balanced budget based on projections of less revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fourth of July lacks usual fanfare

It’s hard to feel much like celebrating this Fourth of July. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow, as does the list of events and activities cancelled due to it. There is social unrest in cities and towns all across the country as people protest for equal rights and protections under the law.