Local

Bobby Kays was accused of using a Graham County Sheriff’s Office vehicle to run through the front of Robbinsville Pharmacy on May 8.

Bobby Kays was accused of using a Graham County Sheriff’s Office vehicle to run through the front of Robbinsville Pharmacy on May 8.

Remembering 2021 in Graham County

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Even as the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic raged on, Graham County – as a whole – continued to experience both positives and negatives in 2021.

Board approves premium pay

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Robbinsville – More Graham County employees will now benefit from premium pay, following a vote at the Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting Dec. 21. The board voted unanimously in favor of $1,500 in premium pay for detention officers employed between Jan. 1, 2020 and Nov.
Dr. Patrick Kelley is selling his Robbinsville dental practice to Dr. Kelsey Cody. Dr. Kelley began his practice in Graham County in 1988. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Dr. Patrick Kelley is selling his Robbinsville dental practice to Dr. Kelsey Cody. Dr. Kelley began his practice in Graham County in 1988. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Longtime Robbinsville dentist, associate to swap roles

Randy Foster
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Robbinsville – Dr. Patrick Kelley had a mission when he started his dental practice in Robbinsville in August of 1988. The rural town had been without a dentist for more than a year and Dr. Kelley saw an opportunity to provide a vital service for a community in need. “I started from scratch,” Dr.
Michelle Shiplet, left, helped her husband Matt during his almost four-month struggle to survive COVID-19. He missed Thanksgiving, but was home in time for Christmas at their Sweetwater home. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Michelle Shiplet, left, helped her husband Matt during his almost four-month struggle to survive COVID-19. He missed Thanksgiving, but was home in time for Christmas at their Sweetwater home. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Beating the odds

Randy Foster
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Sweetwater – Matt Shiplet, a federal highway engineer, was getting ready to shift between road projects back in August when he and his wife Michelle escorted a relative to be tested for COVID-19. Within days, both were sickened by the dangerous virus.
The Town of Fontana Dam council was sworn in during its Dec. 15 meeting. From left are mayor Rob Hardy, councilwoman Tiffany Duke, councilwoman Lacie McBee, councilman Jon Hodgson, councilman Brandon Jones; and at right is Town Clerk Zelerie Rogers. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

The Town of Fontana Dam council was sworn in during its Dec. 15 meeting. From left are mayor Rob Hardy, councilwoman Tiffany Duke, councilwoman Lacie McBee, councilman Jon Hodgson, councilman Brandon Jones; and at right is Town Clerk Zelerie Rogers. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

New members appointed to Fontana Dam council

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Fontana Dam – Graham County’s smallest municipality is once again being governed by a full council. Two new members were appointed and sworn in at the Town of Fontana Dam council meeting, bringing the council up to five seats once again, including Mayor Rob Hardy.

Insurance to cover new elementary bleachers

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Robbinsville – As the emergency repairs to the Robbinsville Elementary School Gymnasium near completion, it has been found that new bleachers will also be needed, on top of the work done on the structure’s floor and walls.

Brush fire damages equipment

Marshall McClung
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Santeetlah – A Dec. 15 brush fire spread quickly up a hillside and into an area where some equipment and construction items were stored near the Castlewood area on U.S. 129. A box trailer was damaged, and several vehicle tires and traffic cones were destroyed. The fire was reported around 3:30 p.
Graham Star personnel show off their “Best of CNI, Division B” award for 2020. Front row (from left) are Kevin Hensley, publisher/editor; Art Miller, staff photographer; and Charlie Benton, staff writer. Standing in back are Diane West, office manager (left) and Debbie Dills, advertising. Photo by Randy Foster/The Graham Star

Graham Star personnel show off their “Best of CNI, Division B” award for 2020. Front row (from left) are Kevin Hensley, publisher/editor; Art Miller, staff photographer; and Charlie Benton, staff writer. Standing in back are Diane West, office manager (left) and Debbie Dills, advertising. Photo by Randy Foster/The Graham Star

Star named Best of CNI

News Staff
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Tallulah – The Graham Star – Graham County’s hometown newspaper since 1955 – was recently awarded the “Best of CNI, Division B” distinction by its owner, Community Newspapers Inc. The Star was one of just two recipients of the award. with the other being the Cherokee Scout for Division A in Murphy.
Graham County Sheriff’s Office transport officer Chase Hughes looks on as one of the Shop with a Cop participants gleefully examines a potential gift. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County Sheriff’s Office transport officer Chase Hughes looks on as one of the Shop with a Cop participants gleefully examines a potential gift. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Spreading cheer

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Murphy – Some local children in difficult positions were able to have their dreams come true this Christmas, with a little help from Graham County’s finest.

DSS hopes to pump out assistance

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Robbinsville – The Graham County Department of Social Services is adding a new service for the community. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on the community, the department is now offering assistance with water bills in addition to its other services.