Local

Graham County Rescue Squad Commander Jeff Millsaps (left) accepts a $12,000 donation to the rescue squad from Miatas at the Gap organizer Josh Hankins on Saturday. The annual event alternates donations between the Graham County and Blount County, Tenn. rescue squads. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County Rescue Squad Commander Jeff Millsaps (left) accepts a $12,000 donation to the rescue squad from Miatas at the Gap organizer Josh Hankins on Saturday. The annual event alternates donations between the Graham County and Blount County, Tenn. rescue squads. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Car event raises $12K for rescue squad

Charlie Benton
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Robbinsville – A longtime regional event has continued its support of the Graham County Rescue Squad. In a brief presentation Saturday at the Graham County Travel and Tourism office in Robbinsville, Miatas at the Gap organizer Josh Hankins donated three checks totaling $12,000 to the rescue squad.

New details come to light in kidnapping, drug arrest

Charlie Benton
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
More details have emerged in an alleged kidnapping incident that led to the arrests of both alleged perpetrators, as well as the alleged victim.  Graham County Sheriff Jerry Crisp said that on Sept. 16, 34-year-old Mohammad Hassan Kheradmand of St. Petersburg, Fla.
The Great Smokies Health Foundation awarded six county non-profits with grants Friday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

The Great Smokies Health Foundation awarded six county non-profits with grants Friday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Six county non-profits awarded grants

Koda Moody
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Fort Hill – The Great Smokies Health Foundation held a grant awards ceremony last Friday at Robbinsville United Methodist Church.  The following organizations attended at received their grant funds:  * Blue Ridge Bartram Trail was awarded a grant to help with their outdoor youth employment.

Two COVID deaths reported

Charlie Benton
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Graham County has marked yet another death from COVID-19.  A post on the Graham County Health Department ’s Facebook page confirmed the county’s 23rd loss from the virus on Sept. 23. The most recent prior COVID-19 death was reported on Sept. 17.
Patrol Officer Jessy Miller, Patrol Sgt. Graham Page and Patrol Officer Alexandria Parris stand with items seized after a Sept. 23 license check, which led to the arrest of Acworth, Ga. resident Michael Thomas Garcia. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Patrol Officer Jessy Miller, Patrol Sgt. Graham Page and Patrol Officer Alexandria Parris stand with items seized after a Sept. 23 license check, which led to the arrest of Acworth, Ga. resident Michael Thomas Garcia. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

One arrested in sizable drug bust

Charlie Benton
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
A Georgia man remains behind bars in Graham County after allegedly being caught trafficking drugs. At a license checking station on Sept.

Town aldermen approve part purchase for water plant

Charlie Benton
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Robbinsville – A component of one of Robbinsville’s water plants will be replaced, following approval from the board of aldermen.  The board approved the purchase of a new altimeter valve for the plant by a 2-0 vote at a brief, special-called meeting on Sept. 16.

Fontana Dam searching for new water plant operator

Charlie Benton
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Fontana Dam – A local municipality is again searching for a new utilities director and water treatment plant operator. Jason Duke was dismissed from the position Aug. 24, following a domestic incident that ended with the arrest of his wife earlier in August.

Alleged kidnappers, victim arrested

Charlie Benton
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Two men from out of state were arrested in Graham County after an alleged kidnapping, with their alleged victim also picking up a drug charge.  Warrants show that 34-year-old Mohammad Hassan Kheradmand of St. Petersburg, Fla. and 31-year-old Michael Bazarov of Washington, D.C.