Local

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.
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.

Draft county budget unveiled

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Robbinsville – After much discussion and several public hearings, Graham County released its draft budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year Monday.Based on the projection, county officials are estimating $65,561,685 in revenues and expenditures.