From devastating weather events to life-altering judicial decisions; positive economic announcements to another solid presentation in local athletics; the year 2025 in Graham County was chronicled thoroughly within the pages of your hometown newspaper.
As we usher in 2026, here are 15 headlines that made last year unforgettable.
Walsh retires
Robbinsville – The storied coaching reign of Dee Walsh came to a conclusion Jan. 24, as the resignation of the long-time head coach of the Black Knights football program was announced.
Walsh was the quarterback of both the 1973 and 1974 Robbinsville state championship football teams – the respective third and fourth of the program's legacy.
His 22 seasons as the head coach for Robbinsville concluded with an overall mark of 189-80. Remarkably, the Black Knights only failed to qualify for the playoffs three times on his watch.
The championship resume also speaks volumes: seven Smoky Mountain Conference championships (2009, 2014-15, 2019-21, 2023); three Western Regional Championships (2014-15, 2019); four Western Regional Runner-Up trophies (2009, 2020-21, 2023); and a pair of 1A state championships, acquired by the undefeated 2014 and 2019 Robbinsville Black Knights.
Walsh was also inducted into the Graham County Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005; and was named to both the 2009 East-West All-Star Game and 2022 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas coaching staffs.
Parting ways
Marble – In a collaboration that lasted for over two decades, the Valley River Humane Society in Marble and Graham County were unable to come to terms on a new contract. Valley River severed ties with the county after its self-imposed deadline of Feb. 1 passed without a deal being struck.
Valley River contended that Graham County attempted to cut funding by 40% from the previous year, following a $51,365 appropriation that the county afforded the shelter during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The last signed contract between the two parties was for an annual payout of $20,000.
County officials never responded to why the amount was higher for just one year, but instead pushed back when Valley River was tasked with building a $52,850, state-mandated fence at its facility. Graham County was asked to pay $9,000 toward the project, while Cherokee and Clay counties were tasked with other donation request by the shelter. Commissioners began questioning Valley River President Don Reynolds about the day-to-day operating costs associated with the shelter in the fall of 2024, as the topic of the drastic cut in funding from one fiscal year to the next was also broached.
Reynolds estimated the cost of handling Graham County's intake was $153,000 in September 2024, but raised that figure to $220,000 in December 2024 – and also requested a new yearly appropriation of $84,000. The county has since stated that
Reynolds never produced the proper financial documents requested to support the amount put on the table.
From the fallout has emerged the Graham County Animal Refuge, which is operated by local animal advocate Brittney Holder. Currently on a temporary hiatus, the refuge works to adopt surrendered animals via out-of-state transport.
All-time leader
Hayesville – A mere 26 seconds into the semifinals of the Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament on Feb. 18, Bryce Adams made Black Knights history.
Adams pulled down an offensive rebound against Murphy, then quickly made a deposit that put the senior at the front of the line for all-time scorers in Robbinsville boys basketball. Even with the game being played at a neutral site – Hayesville – the contest was paused and the gym erupted in adulation for the accomplishment. Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley later presented Adams with a commemorative ball.
Following Robbinsville's first-round playoff exit, Adams wrapped up his career with 1,231 points.
3 champs
Greensboro – Robbinsville wrestling is celebrating its 50th year of existence, but what's more telling is that the much-respected program has almost as many individual state champions as it does seasons on the mat.
Skyler Anderson (106 pounds), Adair Panama and Loxston Hooper became the Black Knights' respective 31st, 32nd and 33rd traditional winners in history Feb. 24, capturing 1A gold inside Greensboro's First Horizon Coliseum.
Anderson was the only senior to attain a championship, last besting Avery County's Alexandero Ical Tuil in a 5-3 decision. Panama also picked up his medal in a 5-3 decision, downing North East Carolina Preparatory Academy's Holton Quincy; while Hooper buzzed Tarboro's Stephen Ribustello in overtime.
Panama and Hooper have both reported back for their senior year, and are favorites to repeat as state champions.
Mass exodus
Fontana Dam – As communication between the lessee and the town's council broke down, members of the board overseeing North Carolina's smallest municipality resigned in the middle of a meeting.
When all was said and done at March 28's Town of Fontana Dam council meeting, mayor Rob Hardy; council member Sara Putnam Locke; town administrator Zelerie Rogers; finance officer Willa Mae Passmore (with Robbinsville's Precision Accounting) and town attorney John Henning, Jr. (with Asheville law office Campbell Shatley) had each resigned from their respective posts. Rogers was the only one to retire from her role.
This left just two council members: Thomas Byrd and Amanda Ryan, both shareholders in Fontana Ventures, LLC, which leases the only piece of commerce inside the town's limits – Fontana Village Resort and Marina – from the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Due to a lack of quorum, the council did not meet again until July 23, when Gov. Josh Stein issued an order granting Joshua Grant a spot on the board as an emergency measure to ensure town business could be conducted. Byrd now serves as mayor, while Ryan remains on the council. Andrew Stanfield was also sworn onto the board at the meeting and appointed as the town's finance officer.
Byrd, Ryan and Stanfield were re-elected during November's municipal election. Grant received zero votes, as he re-located outside the town's limits; instead, Brooke Lerew received write-in votes as the town's newest council member.
New manager hired
Robbinsville – After a 27-month search, Brady Cody was formally introduced as the new Graham County Manager at April 8's budget meeting, filling a void that began when commissioners opted not to re-appoint project manager Jason Marino to the dual role Dec. 5, 2022. Marino remains the county project manager to this day.
County clerk Kim Crisp served as interim manager while the board sifted through a series of application processes to find the next manager.
The new manager added that he plans to have an open-door policy for members of the public.
"I understand that people have different viewpoints about things," Cody said. "I want to make sure that people are aware of what's going on at the county level and make sure they're aware of what services are offered. I hope to be a bridge with the board – but also the general public and the employees of Graham County – and be as involved as I can with the day-to-day aspect of all things Graham County."
Fire burns 3,103 acres
Cheoah – For over 12 days, 179 personnel were ushered to the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness from five states: all thanks to a simple lightning strike.
The Haoe Lead Fire began April 12 and was first reported by a hiker. Just three days later, the fire had consumed 500 acres of forest; by April 22, that number had grown to 3,103.
Firefighters were able to contain the flames at that point, thanks to ground, overhead and weather efforts all contributing to the cause. By April 24, the Southern Area Gray Team had transferred command of the fire back to the Cheoah Ranger District.
Shaken, not stirred
Chilhowee – At 9:04 a.m., May 10, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake – with a depth of 16 feet – shook the region, with its epicenter pinpointed near the Chilhowee Lake in Blount County, Tenn. The epicenter was just a few miles removed from the northern terminus of the infamous "Tail of the Dragon."
Due to its proximity, Fontana Dam was closed for a non-emergency inspection by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Tennessee Valley Authority Media Senior Specialist Adam May said on-site employees were used to complete the inspection. Precautionary inspections were also conducted by the TVA on both the Fort Loudon and Tellico dams in Tennessee; no damage was reported at any of the three sites.
The last earthquake centered in Graham County occurred around 7:37 p.m., Feb. 17, 1988, and measured 3.5. In the area, the largest remains a 4.7 that struck Alcoa, Tenn., at 2:48 a.m., on Nov. 30, 1973.
Stewart convicted
Robbinsville – An Alabama man that temporarily lived in Graham County was sentenced to 30-47 years in prison for committing statutory sex crimes between Nov. 2021 and Feb. 2022.
Roderick Christopher Stewart of Luverne, Ala., pleaded guilty to hree counts of statutory rape of a child by an adult; three counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor; three counts of statutory sex offense; three counts of indecent liberties; two counts of statutory rape; one count of statutory sex offense with a child by an adult; and one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
As part of his plea agreement, two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor were dropped.
Stewart began a relationship with the victim's mother and moved into the Graham County residence in November 2021. A registered sex offender in Georgia, Stewart began a sexual relationship with the minor – who was 12 at the time – shortly thereafter. The victim reported the acts to the mother Feb. 23, 2022, which launched the investigation.
EcoKing arrives
Robbinsville – China-based manufacturer EcoKing Solutions is currently modifying the former 588,000-square-foot home of Stanley Furniture and Oak Valley Hardwoods off Snowbird Road, following the July 22 reveal that its United States debut will occur in Graham County.
Founded in 2008, EcoKing Solutions is a subsidiary of a company known in its native country of China as Zhejiang (pronounced "Juh-jyahng," in which "jyahng" rhymes with "song") Kingsun Eco-pack Co., Ltd. Currently, the company operates three factories in China and employs around 1,500 people.
EcoKing specializes in eco-friendly, biodegradable pulp tableware (such as plates, bowls and trays) and food packaging containers. Restaurants such as Chick-fil-A and Chipotle utilize EcoKing's to-go containers.
EcoKing Solutions will invest $80.5 million locally over the next five years. Graham County will pay EcoKing $1.5 million in incentives over a five-year period, while the Town of Robbinsville will pitch in $1.3 million.
Additionally, North Carolina will provide a $9 million incentive package during the same timeframe.
Upon opening, EcoKing will create 300 jobs – which will send it to the top of the list for employers in Graham County alone. The company's projected, average salary for employees of $46,700 is slightly higher than the county's median rate of $46,628 and once fully operational, the number of jobs could expand to 515 – with an yearly payroll of $14 million.
Hiring dates have not been determined.
The company's remodel of 68 Snowbird Road is expected to cost $21 million.
Justice center moves
Robbinsville – A $2 million deal calls for Graham County to purchase 3.4 acres of land from Graham County Schools, which will encompass the current location of a playground and the former Robbinsville High School baseball field.
The funds will be allocated evenly, with $1 million going toward renovation of the home seating area at Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium – including the installation of new, permanent bleachers and bring the facility into full ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance – and the other $1 million to Graham County Schools' capital projects fund.
County Finance Officer Stacy Carpenter told The Graham Star that the county is utilizing a pair of grants from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, to purchase the land. The restricted funds total $7 million.
New health director
Tallulah – Former Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight was introduced as the new Graham County Department of Public Health Director at Sept. 16's commissioner meeting.
"I just want to thank you for your vote of confidence, (in putting me) in this position," Knight told the board. "I love the citizens of Graham County and I'm really excited to be going forward in this position, to continue to serve our county."
Knight replaced Donna Stephens, who resigned in July to take over as administrator of Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
Stephens became the Graham County Public Health Director on March 2, 2023 and obtained over $2 million in grants toward the construction of a planned fitness center.
Stephens maintains a seat on the Graham County Health Board.
Nunez pleads
Robbinsville – Just one month before going to trial, Corbin Lee Nunez opted to plea guilty in connection with the death of his seven-month-old daughter Feb. 10, 2022.
The 25-year-old Nunez entered pleas of guilty to second-degree murder and felony child abuse Sept. 18. Nunez will serve 25-31 years in prison on the murder charge; in addition to 5-7 years on the count of child abuse.
Court records show that first responders were dispatched to 203 Five Point Road, Unit #2 at 10:13 p.m., on Feb. 10, 2022, after a call was received about a patient who was "acting weird."
Nunez met the responders and took them into the apartment, where Lively's mother Elbia Colindres was holding the infant. Lively was still breathing, but the patient record said she was "limp and unresponsive."
While responders waited on a Life Force helicopter to arrive, they attempted to illicit a reaction and even tried to insert an IV, which received no reflexive response from Lively.
The baby was turned over to Life Force responders at 10:55 p.m., where she was flown to UT Medical Center in Knoxville. Lively passed away from what was deemed "non-accidental injury" at 4:04 p.m., Feb. 12, 2022.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Nunez had exchanged correspondence with Colindres the night of Lively's passing and expressed frustration over the child's refusal to eat or drink for him.
Medical staff at UT Medical Center also "believed Lively had been assaulted, causing massive brain trauma and bleeding," according to court documents. A rapid acceleration and deceleration injury to the brain was believed to be the culprit, which is commonly known as "Shaken Baby Syndrome."
Municipal election
Robbinsville – Shaun Adams won his re-election bid for Town of Robbinsville Mayor during Nov. 4's municipal elections, but that was the only constant to emerge from the county's municipal election results Tuesday.
Adams defeated challenger and alderman Kenneth Hyde 86-38 to begin his second term as mayor, while Johnnie Williams (59 votes), Jacky Ayers (54) and Brenda Norville (38) were elected to serve as the town's Board of Aldermen. Norville unseated Debbie Beasley by just one vote for the final spot.
The Town of Lake Santeetlah Council remained the same, as incumbents Kevin Haag (24), Jim Hager (21), Keith Predmore (21), Diana Simon (21) and Ralph Strunk (21) were each re-elected. Challenger Alan Davidson obtained 10 votes, while five write-ins were collected.
Fontana Dam's ballot has already been documented: Thomas Byrd won an uncontested race (three votes) to be re-installed as mayor; council incumbents Amanda Ryan (three) and Andrew Stanfield (three) were both re-elected, while Brooke Lerew received two write-in votes.
Lovin Outdoors
Robbinsville – The centerpiece of "Conley's Corner," Lovin Farm & Garden combined with Lovin Equipment & Sales to create a 32,000-square-foot superstore off Laura Street that opened Nov. 10 – nearly two months ahead of its projected target date of today.
Lovin Contracting President/Co-Owner Brandon Lovin said that 20,000 square feet was constructed for retail, to create a one-stop shop. Directly across the street, the remaining 12,000 square feet houses the small engine repair shop and provide storage for heavy-equipment sales. The expansion will provide more in-store merchandise; in return, potentially creating a few retail job openings for county residents.
Speaking of storage, Lovin has plans to renovate his former sales location at 756 Sweetwater Road into a climate-controlled facility. Next to the westbound lane will be storage for RVs and boats. At this time, it is still unknown what will happen to the farm store at 1551 Sweetwater Road.
Lovin has also purchased the building that currently houses El Pacifico Restaurant, as well as the adjacent BP station (Jeb's Corner Market). His daughter Cambrie has already opened Twenty-Two Boutique; office spaces on either side of the restaurant will also be leased out.
In memory of Cambrie's late son, the hub has been named "Conley's Corner." An electronic sign bearing the title was recently placed at the intersection of Rodney Orr Bypass and Laura Street, to serve as a constant tribute.