Local

Simple Life Mountain Retreat proprietor Alan Walmsley beams while showing the two awards he won for his honey at the Swain County Agricultural Fair. Walmsley’s sourwood honey took Best in Show and first place, while his dark honey netted a second-place finish. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Simple Life Mountain Retreat proprietor Alan Walmsley beams while showing the two awards he won for his honey at the Swain County Agricultural Fair. Walmsley’s sourwood honey took Best in Show and first place, while his dark honey netted a second-place finish. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Busy as a bee

Robbinsville – Alan Walmsley has big plans for his property as he continues to add more beehives and produce more honey.

County schools shift to remote learning

Robbinsville – Starting Tuesday, Graham County students were back learning at home, following a vote of the Graham County Board of Education.  In a special called meeting Monday afternoon, the board voted 4-1 to go to virtual learning, from Tuesday until Sept.13.

Fontana still exploring new election schedule

Fontana Dam – A local municipality is continuing to look at matched four-year terms for its council.  At its Aug. 18 meeting, Town of Fontana Dam Clerk Zelerie Rogers said she had authorized the town attorney to look into the next steps for the process.
Students returned for the first day of the school year at Robbinsville Elementary on Aug. 16, under the district’s “optional” mask policy. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Students returned for the first day of the school year at Robbinsville Elementary on Aug. 16, under the district’s “optional” mask policy. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Masks to remain optional at Graham County Schools

Robbinsville – After much discussion and thought, the Graham County Board of Education voted to keep wearing masks within the district as “optional.” The board did add one caveat to the policy at a specially called Aug.

Senator assists in facilitating test site

A regional medical center is receiving some help in its hour of need, thanks to an area politician.  State Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Macon, has been able to facilitate a testing tent and extra staff for Erlanger Western Carolina in Murphy.