As we step into a New Year, everyone is wondering what 2025 might bring for Highlands and Cashiers. While there is no way to predict the future, one thing is certain – 2024 will not soon be forgotten.
He is a look back at the biggest stories from the past year.
Hurricane Helene
Over parts of three days at the end of September, Hurricane Helene dumped more than 20 inches of rain on Highlands and Cashiers. The storm caused widespread power outages, internet outages, and the loss of cellular phone service across the region for roughly a week.
Despite the local devastation, the storm had far more severe impacts to the north and west of the plateau where entire communities were wiped out by flood waters.
Several major roadways, including I40, NC106, and I26 suffered major damage due to the storm and were closed for significant amounts of time. I40 remains closed at the NC/TN border.
Estimates put the total dollar amount of Hurricane Helene’s wrath at more than a billion dollars in North Carolina alone. In the months since the storm’s passing dozens of organizations from Highlands and Cashiers have emerged as leaders in the recovery efforts, collecting donations and distributing them to those in need.
Highlands School project
A renovation and expansion of Highlands School is underway following years of planning and a vote by the Macon County Board of Commissioners to move forward with the project.
By a 5-0 vote in February, the commissioners approved authorizing negotiations for a construction manager at risk contract with Vannoy Construction for the $8.5 million Highlands School project.
The Highlands Middle School part of the project covers HVAC equipment replacement, HVAC controls upgrade, flooring replacement, window replacement and roof replacement. The Pre-K/Media Center part of the project includes renovating two existing rooms into Pre-K classes, renovating the media center and adding four classrooms, a technology lab and an office.
Construction is currently underway.
Summit opens high school
Highlands was not the only school facility to see a major upgrade in 2024. Summit Charter School in Cashiers cemented its long-term future by building a stand-alone high school building on its campus. With rousing applause, the ribbon was cut on the new high school building on Aug. 23.
Head of School Kurt Pusch, speaking before the crowd, marveled at the fact that it’d been not even a full year since they broke ground on the new building, calling it an “exceptional feat, or maybe a miracle.”
The new building will be 15,000 square feet of space for the students, which officials said would accommodate a growing population and more students in years to come. The new building features new classrooms, a science lab, a learning kitchen, a large commons area and individual learning rooms.
Cashiers “Ramble” comes to life
A standing room only crowd gathered outside the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce in July for the grand opening of phase one of the Cashiers Greenway Ramble.
The Thomas Taulbee Memorial Greenway Entrance was the site of the ribbon cutting as representatives from multiple community groups came together to see the progress on the walking trail. The Cashiers Greenway Ramble is part of the “Walk Cashiers” initiative – a cooperative effort between Vision Cashiers, the Chamber of Commerce, and Jackson County.
The pathway is lighted, and wayfaring signs are marked with QR codes that users can scan with the phone to learn about the area. There is WIFI connectivity and cell phone service along the first mile of the ramble, which Robshaw noted helps promote safety and inclusiveness.
Old Edwards sells
Old Edwards Hospitality Group’s assets, including Old Edwards Inn, 200 Main, and the Old Edwards Club golf course were purchased by James and Jessica Whitley, of Athens, Georgia in June of this year.
Art and Angela Williams previously owned Old Edwards Hospitality Group for more than 20 years. During that time they renovated the original inn and spa, added rooms, restaurants, shops, wedding and event venues and two golf clubs.
Art Williams noted that the Whitley’s track record of building and managing world-class properties was what made he and Angela comfortable with the sale of the entire Old Edwards Hospitality Group collection.