Local

Kadey Phillips Jones was recently announced as Graham County Schools' 2024-25 District Teacher of the Year.

Kadey Phillips Jones was recently announced as Graham County Schools' 2024-25 District Teacher of the Year.

Jones named Graham County Schools’ Teacher of the Year

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Robbinsville – Graham County Schools has announced third-grade instructor Kadey Phillips Jones as the 2024-25 District Teacher of the Year.  Jones began her 10th year as an educator this week.

Crews battle two fires

Marshall McClung
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Even though it is weeks until the usual start of the autumn fire season – and rain has fallen steadily – local crews were dispatched to a pair of separate outbreaks during the last week. Graham County Fire and Rescue – including a Meadow Branch unit – responded to a small brush fire around 1:20 p.

Fire and rescue squad receives $29K grant

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Raleigh – Graham County Fire and Rescue was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $28,694.67 from the office of the state fire marshal.  State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said in a May 15 press release that the grant was through the 2025 Volunteer Fire Grant Fund.
A new search and rescue boat – for use in both Graham and Swain counties – was unveiled on the shores of Fontana Lake on Aug. 14. From left are Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit; U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville), who helped obtain the funding to purchase the boat; and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

A new search and rescue boat – for use in both Graham and Swain counties – was unveiled on the shores of Fontana Lake on Aug. 14. From left are Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit; U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville), who helped obtain the funding to purchase the boat; and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Rescue boat revealed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Lemmons Branch – Three months of speculation regarding the purchase of a new search and rescue boat was cleared up at a quick convergence of local and regional officials Aug. 14.  Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland thanked U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.
The Graham County Farmers Market has successfully launched a youth entrepreneurship program, which has given local teenagers the opportunity to learn all the steps involved in running a business. Visitors to the weekly market can find booths such as Joshy Kamps' "Wunder Kinds." Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

The Graham County Farmers Market has successfully launched a youth entrepreneurship program, which has given local teenagers the opportunity to learn all the steps involved in running a business. Visitors to the weekly market can find booths such as Joshy Kamps' "Wunder Kinds." Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Teenagers turn a vision into a successful creation

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Robbinsville – Each Saturday, locals from the county and surrounding area set up to market their baked goods, produce and crafts to members of the community.

Speed humps to be re-installed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Robbinsville – Safety was at the forefront of a 2-0 vote by the Town of Robbinsville Board of Aldermen at its Aug. 6 meeting, as recently-detached speed humps will be placed back on Atoah, Circle and Ford streets.

GREAT news for county broadband

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Robbinsville – According to July 28's broadband meeting, the immediate future should usher in a competitive market; in turn, giving residents both lower pricing and better internet reliability across Graham County.
Johnny Harrison Holloway (seated, center) bravely served his country in the Vietnam War. On July 18, medals and honors lost throughout the years were re-issued during a ceremony at New Hope Baptist Church. Standing next to Holloway is his wife Kathy. Across the back are veterans Gerard Ball, Adam Wachacha, Warren Dupree and Josh Holloway.

Johnny Harrison Holloway (seated, center) bravely served his country in the Vietnam War. On July 18, medals and honors lost throughout the years were re-issued during a ceremony at New Hope Baptist Church. Standing next to Holloway is his wife Kathy. Across the back are veterans Gerard Ball, Adam Wachacha, Warren Dupree and Josh Holloway.

With honors

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Snowbird – Over 55 years after entering the service, Johnny Harrison Holloway was re-decorated with the honors and medals he received during the Vietnam War.

Tribal primary held

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Voters eyeing the 2025 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council race now have their finalists for the Sept. 4 general election.
Board of Education Chair Rodney Nelson (left) and Commission Chair Meggan Smith were all smiles while signing a contract Tuesday, which allows the county to purchase school-owned land to build a justice center. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Board of Education Chair Rodney Nelson (left) and Commission Chair Meggan Smith were all smiles while signing a contract Tuesday, which allows the county to purchase school-owned land to build a justice center. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

County, schools reach land deal for justice center

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Robbinsville – If it feels like deja vu, that’s because it is.