Opinion

Trust the process

For years, the Philadelphia 76ers were a bad basketball team. From 2012 to 2017, the Sixers never sniffed the .500 mark and were a model of futility. One particularly awful season in 2015 saw the team go 10-72 and finish with the worst record in the NBA.

Mayor on Duty - Finally some sun

It was a good weekend for me, and I suspect for many Highlanders.  At this beginning of summer we finally got a break from the cloudy days. I have been visiting the downtown and merchants on Saturday morning since the beginning of “phase two.

Cancelling holiday events the right call

The Fourth of July is usually a wild weekend in Highlands. It’s a time that residents, visitors and business owners look forward to all year.

Mayor on Duty - Full slate for board meeting

Tonight is the June meeting of the Highlands Town Board of Commissions.  Since we are in phase two of the Governor’s State of Emergency, the meeting will again be held by way of ZOOM. Information on how to access the meeting is on the town website.

Mayor on Duty - Planning the key to growth

I was perusing the June/July issue of Fly Fisherman when I came across this statement by Takaknotire, a Kayapo Tribal Elder and Warrior living on the Amazon River.

Take precautions, but be sure to vote

It seems as though every activity in our daily lives requires an extra level of safety nowadays.

Community's best shines through

A pair of fire trucks hoisted a giant American flag across NC 106 on Thursday morning as a procession of emergency vehicles with lights flashing passed underneath.

Mayor on Duty - Virus is here, no need to point fingers

For three months we have been taking measures with the hope of stopping the COVID-19 virus from coming to the Highlands Plateau. It has been spreading all that time across the nation and is now well into Western Carolina, Macon County and yes, in Highlands.

Cluster of cases a harsh reminder

In the past six days the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Macon County has risen from seven to 18. Macon County Public Health officials confirmed that a “cluster” of positive cases has been traced back to a specific church.

Mayor on Duty - Visitors return to Highlands

Last weekend and Memorial Day were somber occasions. I attended the American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony where the fallen heroes of past wars were remembered. Americans who have been victims of the COVID-19 Pandemic, including tragically some World War II veterans, were also remembered.