Local

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.
The Graham County Clerk of Court office shut down after an employee with the Judicial Branch – who was recently present in the office – tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10.

The Graham County Clerk of Court office shut down after an employee with the Judicial Branch – who was recently present in the office – tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10.

Office closed after COVID exposure

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Robbinsville – Those needing services from the Graham County Courthouse – or preparing to go before a judge – may have to wait a bit, following a COVID-19 related closure.  On Friday, the N.C.
Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

All they do is win, win, win

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 11, 2020
Robbinsville – Home course advantage aside, the Black Knights’ varsity performance at the Currahee Classic turned heads across the Smoky Mountain Conference.

Eight’s a crowd

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 11, 2020
Raleigh – In a move that has sparked both outcry and praise, the look of the 2021 state football playoffs will change significantly. Following the conclusion of its 2020 Board of Directors’ winter meeting last week, the N.C.

Net worth

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 11, 2020
Bryson City – When adversity displayed on the line, Robbinsville answered the call. For only the second time this season, the Lady Knights (5-1, 4-1) were pushed to four sets in a crucial Smoky Mountain Conference showdown Friday night.

Aldermen approve tablet purchase, employee raises

Charlie Benton
Friday, December 11, 2020
Robbinsville – The town’s utility workers will soon have an updated system for meter reading and recording, replacing obsolete equipment.  Robbinsville’s Board of Aldermen voted 2-0 to purchase new handheld tablets from Southern Software, at a cost of $11,350.

COVID vaccines: safe or not?

Ana Williams
Friday, December 11, 2020
Internal Medicine-Adult Cardiologist Bernard Chiew, M.D. said vaccines are safe and effective. They have been around for more than a century and has been proven to save millions of lives.