Local

New COVID cases at ‘staggering pace’

Tallulah – Graham County COVID-19 cases are starting to reach rates not seen since September, with impacts to all age groups increasing at a “staggering pace,” the Graham County Health Department is reporting. Of 179 new cases recorded in Graham County over a 30-day period ending Jan.

Kelley passes the torch

Robbinsville – Aside from Saturday being the first day of the New Year, there was another milestone: for the first time in more than 33 years, Patrick Kelley did not own a dental practice in Robbinsville. Dr. Kelley sold his practice to his associate, Dr. Kelsey Cody. Calm down, now: Dr.
The former location of Oak Valley Hardwood – and before that, Stanley Furniture – has sat vacant since 2019. New Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams hopes to change that. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

The former location of Oak Valley Hardwood – and before that, Stanley Furniture – has sat vacant since 2019. New Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams hopes to change that. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

New Robbinsville mayor hopes to attract jobs

Fresh off his November victory over an incumbent, newly elected Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams knows what his top priority is. “My main concern is getting jobs,” Mayor Adams said. “People are really suffering.
An avid dog lover, Kortne Waginger lost her longtime battle with cancer on Friday.

An avid dog lover, Kortne Waginger lost her longtime battle with cancer on Friday.

‘Tough as a pine knot’

Tampa – “She certainly left her mark on this Earth; as she not only showed us how to live, but how to die.” That was just a snippet of the announcement made by mother – Robbinsville Middle School principal Tonia Walsh – Friday morning. But just that one sentence encompassed Kortne Waginger.
Ingredients for mixed drinks at the Robbinsville Ingles will soon be conjoined with beer and wine, available for purchase in the coolers at the end of the aisle. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Ingredients for mixed drinks at the Robbinsville Ingles will soon be conjoined with beer and wine, available for purchase in the coolers at the end of the aisle. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Beer, wine sales delayed

Robbinsville – New Year’s Day came and went over the weekend, but one thing that remained the same is that beer and wine still can’t be sold in Robbinsville. “It’s hard to say a time frame,” said Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams, adding that it could take a couple of months.

Masks mandatory once more at schools

Robbinsville – Graham County Schools resumed mandatory masks on Wednesday, in an effort to avoid widespread quarantines from rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. Students, faculty and staff are required to wear masks for the rest of January.
Coolers have been installed in the former greeting cards section at Ingles in Robbinsville in preparation for beer and wine sales. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Coolers have been installed in the former greeting cards section at Ingles in Robbinsville in preparation for beer and wine sales. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Beer and wine sales in Robbinsville expected; just not as soon as you thought

Robbinsville — Starting tomorrow, for the first time since the 1940s, it will be legal to buy beer and wine in Robbinsville.  The local Ingles, the only supermarket in the county, geared up for it: Staff trained? Check Greeting cards section moved? Check Coolers installed?