Local

Tourism authority narrows down potential new members

Charlie Benton
Friday, February 26, 2021
Robbinsville – The Robbinsville Travel and Tourism Authority has taken its next steps in appointing a new member to replace Alderman Shaun Adams, who officially stepped down in January.  At its regular meeting Tuesday, the board narrowed town its top three choices to fill the seat.

FAFSA completion day scheduled for regional students

Charlie Benton
Friday, February 26, 2021
Murphy – Anyone in the area needing to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in preparation for college – will have an opportunity to get help doing so Saturday, at a Tri-County completion day held by advisors from the Appalachian College Advising Corps.

DSS director appointed to foster care task force

Charlie Benton
Friday, February 26, 2021
Graham County Department of Social Services Director Chris Weatherford plans to use his seat on a statewide task force, to help solve the backlog of court dates plaguing the foster care system in western North Carolina and across the sate.  Weatherford announced at the department’s Feb.
Joshua Kamps (left) and Calista Holder – both 9 – refine their mandolin craft as part of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program on Feb. 17. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Joshua Kamps (left) and Calista Holder – both 9 – refine their mandolin craft as part of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program on Feb. 17. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Time to JAM

Charlie Benton
Friday, February 26, 2021
Stecoah – As parts of the Graham County community slowly come back to life, 11 young students are back to learning how to play the music endemic to this region.  The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program resumed on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The N.C.
Robbinsville's Kensley Phillips (24) and Gabby Hooper (3) kick off the victory celebration as the official signals the end of the Lady Knights' 72-60 comeback win at East Surry on Thursday night. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Kensley Phillips (24) and Gabby Hooper (3) kick off the victory celebration as the official signals the end of the Lady Knights' 72-60 comeback win at East Surry on Thursday night. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights hit the road for playoffs

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights held all the cards: home-court advantage, two wins over their opponent earlier this year and a wave of momentum, coming off a huge road victory Feb. 25. But it was not meant to be. Robbinsville (No. 8 seed, 15-2) fell 49-37 to the visiting Murphy Lady Bulldogs (No.
Robbinsville Lady Knight players and staff gather to celebrate the program's first Smoky Mountain Conference title since 2010, clinched tonight with a 67-50 win at Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville Lady Knight players and staff gather to celebrate the program's first Smoky Mountain Conference title since 2010, clinched tonight with a 67-50 win at Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Mission accomplished

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Murphy – For the first time since 2012, the Robbinsville Lady Knights can add "Smoky Mountain Conference Champions" to their resume.
Jeb Shuler puts up a first-half jumper against Swain County on Friday. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Jeb Shuler puts up a first-half jumper against Swain County on Friday. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Knights fall victim to near-miss in home finale

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Robbinsville – It was the shot every basketball player dreams of making: the game-winning 3, at the final buzzer.
Robbinsville senior Gabby Hooper (center, seated) signed her letter of intent to play college softball with Brevard on Monday. Sitting with Hooper are parents Gabe and Crystal Hooper. Standing in back (from left) are brother Loxston Hooper, grandparents Clayton and Lana Hooper, sister Delaney Hooper, grandparents Patricia and Donald Cable, and brother Lleyton Hooper. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville senior Gabby Hooper (center, seated) signed her letter of intent to play college softball with Brevard on Monday. Sitting with Hooper are parents Gabe and Crystal Hooper. Standing in back (from left) are brother Loxston Hooper, grandparents Clayton and Lana Hooper, sister Delaney Hooper, grandparents Patricia and Donald Cable, and brother Lleyton Hooper. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Putting a new spin on her career

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Robbinsville – Make that two Lady Knights in three months that have opted to take their softball talents to the next level. Senior Gabby Hooper put her name on the dotted line with Brevard College on Monday, joining Maggie Knight (Chattanooga State) as Robbinsville’s two signees this school year.
Amid heavy pressure from Swain County, Quinn Jumper eyes the bucket during a loss to the Maroon Devils on Feb. 11. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Amid heavy pressure from Swain County, Quinn Jumper eyes the bucket during a loss to the Maroon Devils on Feb. 11. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Dreams dashed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Robbinsville – Hopes of another conference title for Robbinsville’s middle school boys basketball squad were swiftly erased on Feb. 11. The Black Knights (9-2) fell behind early against Swain and were unable to rally, dropping a 46-43 game to the Maroon Devils.

Senate weighs occupancy tax

Charlie Benton
Thursday, February 18, 2021
A bill in the North Carolina General Assembly might lead to occupancy taxes being equalized between Graham County’s municipalities and the unincorporated area of the county.