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Members of the Robbinsville football program share the final post-game prayer of the 2020-21 season moments after falling 24-14 to Murphy in the Western Regional championship game. The loss ended the Black Knights’ defense of the state 1A championship. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville football program share the final post-game prayer of the 2020-21 season moments after falling 24-14 to Murphy in the Western Regional championship game. The loss ended the Black Knights’ defense of the state 1A championship. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

All good things must come to an end

Robbinsville – It was the wrong time to have a bad game.

County to receive first J&J doses

Robbinsville – With the pause in administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine lifted in North Carolina and across the country, the Graham County Health Department will receive 100 doses of the vaccine this week.
A sign at the Robbinsville Wendy’s restaurant advertises help wanted, as Graham County continues to have the highest unemployment numbers in the Southwestern region. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

A sign at the Robbinsville Wendy’s restaurant advertises help wanted, as Graham County continues to have the highest unemployment numbers in the Southwestern region. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

A complex picture

While people in western North Carolina are indeed returning to work, compared to the initial drastic dip with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic approximately a year ago, experts familiar with the local job market say the picture is more complicated.
Robbinsville's Sydney Farley, Maggie Knight and Gabby Hooper (from left) celebrate Senior Night on April 29. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Sydney Farley, Maggie Knight and Gabby Hooper (from left) celebrate Senior Night on April 29. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights begin postseason trek

Robbinsville – The Lady Knights' postseason journey was derailed Wednesday night, as Robbinsville fell to the visiting South Stokes Sauras (No. 15 seed, 10-4) in the first round of the 1A state playoffs, 3-0. The Lady Knights (No.
Taelyr Jackson prepares for a connection during Friday’s home game against Andrews. Jackson’s cut would result in an RBI for the Lady Knights. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Taelyr Jackson prepares for a connection during Friday’s home game against Andrews. Jackson’s cut would result in an RBI for the Lady Knights. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Green, green grass of home

Robbinsville – Everything is clicking at the right time. As the Robbinsville Lady Knights (11-1, 11-1) look ahead at the final two games of the regular season – Rosman after press time Wednesday and Hayesville on Friday, both at home – the team is firing on all cylinders.
Jeb Shuler prepares to fire a pitch at Hiwassee Dam on March 9, 2020. The senior hurler looks to be the ace of Robbinsville’s pitching staff this season.

Jeb Shuler prepares to fire a pitch at Hiwassee Dam on March 9, 2020. The senior hurler looks to be the ace of Robbinsville’s pitching staff this season.

Batter up

* Robbinsville baseball season preview Out of all the sports affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Knights’ baseball team may be the one left with the biggest argument of “What if?” Robbinsville sat at 3-1 when the virus canceled the remainder of the 2020 season.

Santeetlah budget hearing continued until May

Lake Santeetlah – One county township has continued its budget hearing to May 15, after many citizens asked for a second hearing.  The Town of Lake Santeetlah held its first budget hearing on Saturday, giving details of its proposed 2021-22 town budget. As it was a hearing, no action was taken.