My Last Two Videos

Over the past several weeks, several Highlands community members have reported wildlife behaving unusually during the daytime. Highlands Police have received multiple calls about foxes, and one call about a raccoon, that were seen walking in circles, struggling to breathe, or showing signs of illness such as convulsions and foaming at the mouth.

Wildlife officials, along with Macon County Animal Control, believe these animals may be affected by canine distemper. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, distemper is a serious disease that can impact dogs, ferrets, and a variety of wildlife species, including foxes, raccoons, skunks, and other wild canines. Cats can also become infected; however, they rarely show symptoms and may still transmit the virus.

Distemper is most commonly spread through saliva, but it can also be transmitted through urine, blood, feces, or contaminated food and water bowls. The disease is highly contagious and has no known cure, making vaccination critical. The AVMA notes that outbreaks in wildlife populations can increase the risk of infection for pets, and unvaccinated dogs may also spread the disease back to wildlife.

Pet owners are encouraged to ensure their animals are up to date on vaccinations, including booster shots when needed. It’s also important to supervise pets outdoors, keep them away from wildlife, and regularly clean or remove outdoor food and water bowls when not in use.

Common signs of distemper in animals may include:Discharge from the eyes and nose
Walking in circles or the inability to move in a straight line

Unusual head tilt
Lack of coordination
Muscle twitching

Seizures or convulsions, sometimes with jaw-chewing movements and droolingAnyone who sees an animal displaying these symptoms or behaving erratically should call 911. Do not approach any animal that appears sick or injured, as it may bite or scratch in self-defense.


Lieutenant Tim Broughton. Highlands Police Department

I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Highlands for another four years. When I was first elected back in 2013, I never thought I would serve 12 years, let alone 16 years in office.  On that long-ago election night, I was just hoping I could lead the town effectively for just four years.  Strange how things work out.

While in office, I have always tried to keep Highlanders informed about their government operations, town activities, and local issues.  Of course, I have my own viewpoints and biases in my communication efforts, but I strive to keep to the facts and basic information.  My communication efforts center around four methods. 

First, I write a weekly column in the newspapers.  Doing the math means that over the last twelve years, I have written approximately 620 columns. 

I usually write the pieces on either Sunday or Monday so I can meet the newspaper’s deadline of Tuesday evening.  I now use Microsoft Word and compose a draft on my iPad.  After reading it several times, I use the Microsoft editor function to make corrections.  The editor function always gives me an editor score.  If the score is not over 90% I go back and make improvements.  It works like a teacher grading a student’s essay. After I reach the 90% threshold, an A, I send the article to my paid editor for added review.  The editor, Matthew Eberz, sends his revised draft, which I review carefully.  Matthew makes stylistic changes but does not make content changes, as he says, "This is the Mayor's voice, they want to hear your voice, not mine." Sometimes he will ask me questions about whether what I am saying will be clear to the reader, and we work on the language to make it more so.  Finally, I sent the piece to the newspapers for publication.  Sometimes, the newspaper editor reads the article before publishing and may provide additional feedback; I am always appreciative of another point of view.

I know the question some may have is whether I use AI, such as ChatGPT, to compose the articles.  The answer is absolutely not.  I have it on my iPhone, and would never use it for this; these messages I write must be my writings, my thoughts, and my voice.

The second method I use is recording the Ask the Mayor radio program on WHLC.  These recordings are conducted with Steve Day on either Thursday or Friday mornings.  I enjoy working with Steve.  When I fumble and bumble a section of the program, we do it again.  After the recording session, Steve edits out the mistakes and puts together the final recording, which Steve then broadcasts on Sunday morning. Sometimes we have to return to the studio and re-record or cut a section because new information about a town issue has emerged after the initial recording session, and I need to be accurate in my reporting, regardless of whether it takes multiple recording sessions.

The third method of communication I use is the Community Coffee with the Mayor, which takes place on Friday at the Hudson Library after Thursday’s town board meeting.  I hold the coffees during the season from around March to October.  Kasey Klodosky of the Hudson Library coordinates the event and secures sponsors for each session.  I usually have a topic and presentation followed by questions from the audience.  I enjoy the questions and dialogue.

The fourth method of communication is my videos.  For the past four years, I have also authored the AskMayorPat.com website.  This is not an official town website; it is my personal website.  I have funded the production costs out of my own pocket for every one of my videos that appear on the site.  Matthew Eberz, owner of Heritage Productions, serves as both the videographer and editor of the videos.  On many occasions, we try to do the videos at various town locations.  Over the past four years, we have created and posted over 400 short video updates.  I am committed to keeping the issues and "goings on" of this town at the forefront of the public eye.

So, in conclusion, I guess I will be committed to writing, recording, videoing, and speaking for another four years.  Flashback to twelve years ago, and this new Mayor couldn’t have imagined what I am doing now.  And for full disclosure, I love doing it.

MAYOR PAT