Local

Fire, rescue squads have busy weekend

Marshall McClung
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Last weekend proved to be a busy time for local fire and rescue personnel. Graham County Rescue Squad members responded to the Appalachian Trail in Graham County on Saturday, to help locate a hiker around 1:15 p.m. Saturday.
Robbinsville High School graduates begin celebrating their achievement at the end of Sunday’s commencement. For more photos from the evening, see page 3. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville High School graduates begin celebrating their achievement at the end of Sunday’s commencement. For more photos from the evening, see page 3. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Starting a new chapter

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Robbinsville – The Robbinsville High School Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement on Sunday, inside Big Oaks Stadium.  The Class of 2021 included 88 graduates and was led by Valedictorian Dalson Jordan and Salutatorian Kolby Brooks.
Jason Duke (left) takes the oath of office from Town of Fontana Dam Administrator Zelerie Rogers at the May 19 council meeting. With the addition of Duke, the town council is back at its full, five-member complement. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Jason Duke (left) takes the oath of office from Town of Fontana Dam Administrator Zelerie Rogers at the May 19 council meeting. With the addition of Duke, the town council is back at its full, five-member complement. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Fontana council fills vacancy

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Fontana Dam – One county township is once again operating with a complete board.  The Town of Fontana Dam Council is back at full strength, following the swearing-in of Jason Duke at its May 19 regular meeting.

Budget process underway

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Robbinsville – As budget season begins, Graham County has heard some good news on its potential 2021-22 budget.  County finance officer Becky Garland told the Graham County Board of Commissioners that the county would likely have a surplus for the first time in a dozen years.
More than 120 citizens joined N.C. Senate Representative Kevin Corbin, District Attorney Ashley Welch and N.C. House Representative Karl Gillespie (seated, front) Friday, for a town hall concerning Graham County’s rampant drug issue. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

More than 120 citizens joined N.C. Senate Representative Kevin Corbin, District Attorney Ashley Welch and N.C. House Representative Karl Gillespie (seated, front) Friday, for a town hall concerning Graham County’s rampant drug issue. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

'We need a miracle'

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Robbinsville – A coalition hoping to shed light on the worsening substance problem in Graham County held its first official meeting in the Robbinsville High School gymansium on Friday.

Baseline results look good for local town

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
Lake Santeetlah – A baseline has been established for a new water quality testing program, and the results look good. At its meeting on May 13, the Town of Lake Santeetlah’s council heard an update on the program from Councilman Roger Carlton, who is spearheading it.  “We’re clean,” Carlton said.
Debbie Buchanan and her one-year-old niece, Sadie Buchanan, check out a hot rod on display at Saturday’s Drag-on Car Show. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Debbie Buchanan and her one-year-old niece, Sadie Buchanan, check out a hot rod on display at Saturday’s Drag-on Car Show. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Get your motor runnin’

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – Gearheads from across the region had a chance to come together and show off their rides Saturday at the Drag-On Car Show, hosted by the Robbinsville Tourism Authority.
Robbinsville High School Valedictorian Dalson Jordan (left) and Salutatorian Kolby Brooks have been close friends throughout their entire school careers. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville High School Valedictorian Dalson Jordan (left) and Salutatorian Kolby Brooks have been close friends throughout their entire school careers. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Good students; better friends

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – When the Class of 2021 walks across the stage on Sunday, it will be led by two longtime best friends.  Carrying with them a list of impressive accolades, Robbinsville High School’s Dalson Jordan and Kolby Brooks will serve as respective valedictorian and salutatorian of the class.

Friends, colleagues remember former commissioner, manager

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
West Fort Hill – An iconic presence in Graham County recently passed away. Former County Manager and longtime County Commissioner Raymond Williams died on May 7. Williams was heavily involved in the community and was known to many as “Big Bird.” In addition to his civic responsibilities.
The Rev. Patrick O’Dell addresses Graham County Commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting. O’Dell was joined by around 50 concerned citizens, who gathered to show solidarity against the rampant issue with illegal substances in the county. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

The Rev. Patrick O’Dell addresses Graham County Commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting. O’Dell was joined by around 50 concerned citizens, who gathered to show solidarity against the rampant issue with illegal substances in the county. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

‘We want a better, safer community

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – A group of citizens concerned about growing substance problems in Graham County have banded together to appeal the county government for help in the fight.