Local

Members of the Graham County Sanitation Department make a living by cleaning up the county. From left are Harvey Bollinger, Richard Millsaps, Junior Shaffer, Chris Williams, Gavin Colvard and Scott Hooper. Not pictured are Samuel Shope, Bill Self and Myron Hidden. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Members of the Graham County Sanitation Department make a living by cleaning up the county. From left are Harvey Bollinger, Richard Millsaps, Junior Shaffer, Chris Williams, Gavin Colvard and Scott Hooper. Not pictured are Samuel Shope, Bill Self and Myron Hidden. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Someone’s got to do it

Charlie Benton
Thursday, April 1, 2021
* Unsung Heroes: Part 1 in a 5-part series Every day, Graham County’s sanitation workers oversee the disposal of waste in the county, and ensure that dump sites are kept clean and safe.

New tourism member begins

Charlie Benton
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Robbinsville – The Robbinsville Tourism Authority met Tuesday evening, marking its newest member’s first time at the table.  Blevins Tire and Automotive owner Richard Blevins took his seat as the board’s new member, after being approved by the Robbinsville Board of Aldermen.

Fancy Feast

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – In a season full of ultra-rarities, a Monday afternoon junior varsity football game in the spring might take the cake. But in the face of the unusual hand they were dealt, the Robbinsville Black Knights laid down a royal flush.
The Lady Knights’ varsity cheerleaders perform their virtual, state routine Sunday at Robbinsville High School. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Lady Knights’ varsity cheerleaders perform their virtual, state routine Sunday at Robbinsville High School. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

They’ve got spirit; how about you?

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – What would normally be prepped for with weeks – even months – of preparation instead occurred after just two practices. Welcome to the N.C. Cheerleading Coaches Association’s yearly competition, in the COVID-19 era.

Shining brighter than the diamond

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – It’s been a while. But after 22 months without playing an official game on its home field, the Robbinsville varsity softball program has finally gotten back on the diamond. “I’m so thankful for every day that we get to be out here,” said Lady Knights head coach Billy Knight.
Black Knights quarterback Nathan Collins (5) leaves Cherokee’s Chase Calhoun (8) in the dust during Saturday’s home game against the Braves. Collins had two rushing touchdowns in Robbinsville’s 35-14 victory. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Black Knights quarterback Nathan Collins (5) leaves Cherokee’s Chase Calhoun (8) in the dust during Saturday’s home game against the Braves. Collins had two rushing touchdowns in Robbinsville’s 35-14 victory. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Saturday Knight delight

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – Line the opposition up, and Robbinsville keeps taking them down. The Black Knights (4-0, 3-0) shut out the Cherokee Braves (1-3, 1-3) for the entire first half of a special Saturday showcase, compiling another convincing win in the process, 35-14.
Defense attorney Rich Cassady (left) speaks with his client, Jackie Slaughter, at trial last week in the Cherokee County Courthouse. Photo courtesy of Quintin Ellison Photography

Defense attorney Rich Cassady (left) speaks with his client, Jackie Slaughter, at trial last week in the Cherokee County Courthouse. Photo courtesy of Quintin Ellison Photography

Slaughter convicted of lesser charge in Cherokee

News Staff
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
By Penny Ray Cherokee Scout Murphy – On each day of the trial charging Jackie Slaughter with attempted murder, the judge instructed jurors not to research media reports about the defendant’s past.

Several indicted during superior court term

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Robbinsville – Superior Court took place in Graham County in late February and early March, with 23 indictments being handed down, some for crimes going back as far as 2019:  * Robert Michael Phillips, 33 of Robbinsville, was indicted three times for separate incidents, including possession of a...

New diversion program begins operation in county

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
A new program aims to help residents of Graham County who have been in trouble with the law – and are dealing with substance issues – get back on their feet.  For approximately two months, a grant-funded Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program has been operating in the county.