Local

Rows and rows of tomatoes provide just a glimpse into what Joe and Lorna Sellers’ garden holds. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

All a pleasure

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Santeetlah – Lorna Sellers and her husband, Joe Sellers both grew up gardening in the area. Now the two combine their horticultural upbringings, maintaining a large vegetable garden, fruit trees and berries at their Cross Creek Road home.

Interim DSS director named

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Robbinsville – A capable hand will remain on the wheel, as Graham County continues the process of finding a new director for its department of social services.

Adams files for mayoral race

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, July 22, 2021

The race for Robbinsville mayor just went from solo to opposed. Incumbent Steve Hooper was the first Graham County candidate to file for the 2021 municipal election, submitting his paperwork July 6.

Attorney Michael Fox (left) cross-examines a witness in Graham County Superior Court on Tuesday, as his client – Casey Adam Haney – watches. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Haney trial continues

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Robbinsville – Four days into the trial of an area man accused of three sex charges, testimony continues in Graham County Superior Court. As of Tuesday, the prosecution in the trial of Casey Adam Haney continued to call witnesses.

Settlement announced in Santeetlah lawsuit

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Lake Santeetlah – A lengthy lawsuit has come to an end, to the tune of a $40,000 settlement. The Town of Lake Santeetlah reached a settlement in the suit, which involved attempts to seek property from homeowners on Santeetlah Trail.

Fontana Dam approves fiscal budget

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Fontana Dam – Graham County’s smallest municipality has now approved its 2021-22 budget. The Town of Fontana Dam Council approved the budget in a special meeting, held on June 30. As approved, the town’s general fund budget boasts $256,201 in expected income and the same in expenses.

Sitting Robbinsville Mayor Steve Hooper (left) files for re-election with Graham County Board of Elections Director Teresa Garland on July 6. Hooper was the first candidate to file in Graham County for the 2021 general election. Photo by Tasha Holder/Graham County Board of Elections

Slow turnout in candidate filing

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Filing for the 2021 municipal elections ends at noon Friday. And as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, only six of the 14 seats up for grabs have received interest.

Huddle House annexation discussed

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Robbinsville – The Robbinsville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to begin the annexation process for a Tallulah Road property, accepting an annexation petition for certification by Town Clerk Sonya Webster.

Kathie Hatton (front) and Len Sheffield have spent the last eight years focused on growing a plentiful garden on South Fork Road, following their respective retirements and full-time move to Graham County. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Labor of love

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Tuskeegee – One of Graham County’s most unique gardens is located far out on South Fork Road, near the Double 00 Farm at the home of Kathie Hatton and Len Sheffield.

Casey Adam Haney (left) and his attorney Michael Fox in court Monday afternoon in Graham County. Haney is scheduled to be tried for two counts of indecent liberties with a child and one count of statutory rape this week. The incidents allegedly took place in 2017 and 2018 with the same female victim. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Haney trial scheduled to begin this week

Charlie Benton

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Robbinsville – A man accused of sex crimes in Graham County is scheduled for trial this week.