Local

County slated to receive COVID vaccine

Charlie Benton
Monday, December 28, 2020
The light at the end of the pandemic tunnel may be nearing, as doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are scheduled to arrive.  Graham County Health Director Beth Booth said the county was slated to receive its first 100 doses of the newly-approved Moderna vaccine soon after Christmas.
United Community Bank representatives Adara Crisp and Monica Farley (back left, center) teamed up with Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation’s Tim Adams to spread Christmas joy to residents at the long-term care facility. Standing in front is bank manager Pam Shaffer.

United Community Bank representatives Adara Crisp and Monica Farley (back left, center) teamed up with Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation’s Tim Adams to spread Christmas joy to residents at the long-term care facility. Standing in front is bank manager Pam Shaffer.

Good Tidings

Charlie Benton
Monday, December 28, 2020
Even in the midst of a global pandemic, several community groups are supporting those who may need a little extra help this holiday season.  At least three local groups have spent the season supporting those in need in Graham County, both old and young.

Rosman could leave Smoky Mountain Conference

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Raleigh – It appears that the geographical oddity of the Smoky Mountain Conference could soon be moving. The N.C. High School Athletic Association released the first draft of its 2021-25 Conference Realignment Plan on Dec. 10.

Clash of the Champions

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Robbinsville – Fresh off a four-set, comeback victory at Swain County on Dec. 4, the Lady Knights seemed to have all the momentum needed to prevail.

Santeetlah council weighs septic easement

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Lake Santeetlah – Dec. 10’s Town of Lake Santeetlah council meeting featured a substantial amount of discussion on a septic tank easement.  Lake Santeetlah homeowner Tonya Bassett requested a variance for a septic tank installation.

Graham County named as part of rural broadband grant

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Graham County may see noticeable increases in internet quality over the next few years, following the announcement of a $9.2 billion Federal Communications Commission grant called the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.  The agency announced the grant on Dec.
A native of Nantahala, Joshua Grant’s instruments come fret-free and are furnished with the finest animal hide around. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

A native of Nantahala, Joshua Grant’s instruments come fret-free and are furnished with the finest animal hide around. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Link to yesteryear

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Almond – Even in 2020, a tangible connection to at least two centuries of Appalachian tradition can be found.  Nantahala native – and now Almond resident – Joshua Grant builds banjos similar to those played in the region between 1820-50.

Keeping the home fires burning

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Yellow Creek – Forty No. 1 hits. Six Grammy awards. A member of the  Country Music Hall of Fame. And 77-year-old Ronnie Milsap is about to get another feather in his cap, and in the very area where he plied his craft. The N.C. Department of Transportation announced in a Dec.