Local

Eastern Band reacts to new cabinet member

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 31, 2020
As the new presidential administration prepares to take office, with it will come the first Native American to ever serve on a Presidential Cabinet. In December, President-Elect Joe Biden, D-Delaware, announced that he had nominated Rep.
In this March 29 photo, Graham County Deputy Jim Hyde (left) and Graham County Land’s Quinn Carver help man one of the five entry points into the county, which were closed to non-residents in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

In this March 29 photo, Graham County Deputy Jim Hyde (left) and Graham County Land’s Quinn Carver help man one of the five entry points into the county, which were closed to non-residents in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

A look back at 2020

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 31, 2020
The dawn of the new decade was seemingly dominated by a worldwide pandemic. And while the coronavirus has certainly made its presence felt in the area, Graham County still had a bevy of impactful events occur within its borders.
Graham County officials are still working to gather intel on who is responsible for vandalizing the new “Welcome to Graham County” sign near the U.S. 74 intersection in Topton over the holiday weekend. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County officials are still working to gather intel on who is responsible for vandalizing the new “Welcome to Graham County” sign near the U.S. 74 intersection in Topton over the holiday weekend. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Short-lived welcome

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Topton – Like many things in 2020, a sign welcoming drivers to Graham County on Hwy. 129 has had a difficult year.  The sign – located near the intersection with U.S.
Robbinsville’s Nathan Collins plucks a steal away from Hiwassee Dam’s Michael Simms during a preseason scrimmage Saturday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Nathan Collins plucks a steal away from Hiwassee Dam’s Michael Simms during a preseason scrimmage Saturday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knocking off the rust

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 28, 2020
Hiwassee Dam – If Saturday was any indication, Robbinsville basketball looks primed to move into the upper echelon of competition in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Graham County’s contribution to the division bused both varsity squads to Hiwassee Dam for a preseason scrimmage against the Eagles.

Eyes on the prize

Kevin Hensley
Monday, December 28, 2020
Nantahala – In pre-COVID times, a 2-loss volleyball team from the Smoky Mountain Conference was all but guaranteed a spot in the 1A state playoffs. However, as the virus has altered the way high school athletics are being conducted this year, that guarantee has been kissed goodbye.
This Dec. 14 accident on Tallulah Road sent a local man to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

This Dec. 14 accident on Tallulah Road sent a local man to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Accident sends one to hospital

Charlie Benton
Monday, December 28, 2020
Tallulah – A local man is recuperating in Chattanooga, after sustaining serious injuries in a car crash on Tallulah Road on the night of Dec.14.  According to an accident report provided by the N.C.