Local

Parents and family members alike cheer on the 0-5 age group during Satuday's watermelon-eating contest, which was held as part of the Graham County Heritage Festival. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Parents and family members alike cheer on the 0-5 age group during Satuday's watermelon-eating contest, which was held as part of the Graham County Heritage Festival. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Locals, visitors enjoy Graham County Heritage Festival

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Robbinsville – Over 2,500 attendees passed through the annual Graham County Heritage Festival, which was held Friday-Saturday.Dodging a torrential downpour just before opening Friday – as well as heavy winds Saturday morning – the festival was deemed a huge success.
Officials from across Graham County participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Robbinsville Elementary School on July 1. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Officials from across Graham County participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Robbinsville Elementary School on July 1. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

'Children are our future'

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Robbinsville – After a ceremonial scoop with a shovel, Graham County Schools took a huge step forward in its quest to consolidate all three of its district institutions onto a single campus.
Cameras such as this one on Knight Street in Robbinsville have recently drawn public inquires, directed toward the Graham County Sheriff's Office.

Cameras such as this one on Knight Street in Robbinsville have recently drawn public inquires, directed toward the Graham County Sheriff's Office.

Attention 'Flocks' to cameras

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Robbinsville – Though the first of the group appeared some three years ago, the public has just began to question the unannounced appearance of cameras that have been placed strategically in several locations – predominantly around the county seat.
Residents packed the Graham County Community Building for Tuesday's commissioner meeting, with many wishing to support and speak out against pertinent budget topics. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Residents packed the Graham County Community Building for Tuesday's commissioner meeting, with many wishing to support and speak out against pertinent budget topics. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Public speaks out before budget passes

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Robbinsville – The much-discussed 2026-27 fiscal year budget for Graham County passed Tuesday evening, on a 3-2 vote. Commission chair Meggan Smith and commissioner Natasha Williams voted against the ordinance.

Annual Azalea Photo Contest underway

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Entries are now being accepted for the annual Azalea Photo Contest, a collaboration between Graham County Travel & Tourism and The Graham Star. This year's contest includes a twist: entries will be voted on by readers of The Star.
Travelers on U.S. 74 East have undoubtedly noticed this construction site in the Topton community, but the story behind the spot points to a legal mess that led to a Robbinsville man being arrested. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Travelers on U.S. 74 East have undoubtedly noticed this construction site in the Topton community, but the story behind the spot points to a legal mess that led to a Robbinsville man being arrested. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

When a dream becomes a nightmare

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Topton – All David Pakalski wanted to do was build a home on what he calls his "dream property."While visiting friends during the summer of 2024, Pakalski spotted a location just off U.S. 74 East in the Topton community.

Tourism spending experiences 8.1% loss

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Damage from Hurricane Helene was minimal at the local level, but still harmed tourism spending in Graham County.Data compiled and released last fall by VisitNC revealed an 8.1% local drop in visitor spending for 2024, down to $51.5 million.

Commission chair speaks on draft budget

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Robbinsville – A public hearing regarding Graham County's proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget is set to be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, in conjunction with the regularly-scheduled board of commissioners meeting.