I appeared on WLOS News last week. The reporter was questioning me about a derogatory post that had been placed on the Facebook page of the Highlands Police Department. I stated that the Town of Highlands and the Highlands Police Department did not condone or support that or any posting that would deride or marginalize any group of people based on race, gender, national origin or sexual orientation. Highlands is a welcoming community whether a person is visiting or is a resident. Everyone should be able to enjoy this beautiful area and our resort community.
The Highlands Police Department continues to conduct an investigation concerning how this inappropriate meme was posted on their secure Facebook page. I anticipate a full report to be completed soon. The town IT staff constantly monitors and protects our internet resources. The police department will continue to work with our IT department to insure the best security protocols are in place to stop potential hackers.
Last week representatives from NC DOT gave staff and officials from the town and county a briefing on the status of the proposed NC 106 road improvement project. The project is in the initial planning stage and has not been funded at this time. Its earliest approval would come next year, and even in that case construction would not begin to 2027. So, the project is a long way from becoming a reality. I know there has been a lot of discussion about the surveying that has been done from the Georgia state line all the way to Main Street.
The DOT will be having a public meeting at the Highlands Conference Center on August 30 from 4-7 p.m. It will be a drop in session where the public can come by and see the proposed road plans, ask questions and provide feedback. I encourage everyone in town and our friends in Scaly Mountain to come to this session. Public feedback will be important in order to determine whether this project moves forward, ends, or is modified and partially funded.
Hello Brian!