Regional

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.
As a result of the annual MINIs on the Dragon event, over 1,000 pounds of food was donated to Robbinsville's Five Point Center.

As a result of the annual MINIs on the Dragon event, over 1,000 pounds of food was donated to Robbinsville's Five Point Center.

Small cars, big giving

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Robbinsville – Each spring, the winding roads of Graham County come alive with the energy and excitement of MINIs on the Dragon, drawing car enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses raided as part of "Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 1" on Nov. 22. All charges related to the case were dismissed last month. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses raided as part of "Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 1" on Nov. 22. All charges related to the case were dismissed last month. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

'Operation Dirty Laundry' charges dropped

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Robbinsville – The efforts of an 11-month, undercover investigation involving multiple agencies have been cleansed.

Lake Santeetlah feels minor earthquake

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Lake Santeetlah – Nearly one year to the date that Graham County felt a 4.1-magnitude earthquake, another spread tremors throughout one municipality.The United States Geological Survey confirmed that a 2.2-magnitude earthquake was detected around 12:26 a.m.

Sheriff's office warns of scam calls

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
A new flurry of scam calls across the region might trip up targets. Graham County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy James Keifer contacted The Graham Star on Friday, asking for the public to be made aware of the approach.
Low-income families in Graham County can now register for low-cost spay and neuter options at Logan's Run Rescue in Murphy.

Low-income families in Graham County can now register for low-cost spay and neuter options at Logan's Run Rescue in Murphy.

County joins low-cost spay, neuter program

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Murphy – A new option to help control the local dog and cat population has just been made available to Graham County residents.

Hoxit files appeal

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Robbinsville – Exactly two weeks after a judge's order removed Brad Hoxit from office, the former sheriff has appealed the verdict.Filed in the Graham County Clerk of Court's Office at 11:21 a.m.