Local

Raymond Norton fell in love with farming at an early age. Retirement has only given him more time to work at the hobby he loves. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Raymond Norton fell in love with farming at an early age. Retirement has only given him more time to work at the hobby he loves. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Life on the farm

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, July 24, 2025
* 4th in a 5-part series Mill Creek – If you are a farmer in Graham County, there is a good chance Raymond Norton is a familiar name.  Norton has been farming and helping farmers of Graham County for 55 years, with 30 years spent working for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Office.

Municipal races finalized

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 24, 2025
A total of 20 local residents threw their names in the hat for the 2025 municipal elections.  The filing period closed at noon Friday, with the following candidates emerging as contenders for the Nov. 4 ballot.
Construction was already underway at the former home of Stanley Furniture and Oak Valley Hardwoods off Snowbird Road on Tuesday, as EcoKing Solutions begins preparations to establish its first manufacturing plant in the United States. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Construction was already underway at the former home of Stanley Furniture and Oak Valley Hardwoods off Snowbird Road on Tuesday, as EcoKing Solutions begins preparations to establish its first manufacturing plant in the United States. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

EcoKing coming to town

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Robbinsville – It's hard to keep such good news under wraps for so long, but the Mountain West Partnership did an excellent job subduing the rumblings from what was going on for a number of months at 68 Snowbird Road. To many, that address will forever be associated with Stanley Furniture.
Gardening has been a lifelong love for Bear Creek resident Jean Taylor. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Gardening has been a lifelong love for Bear Creek resident Jean Taylor. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Big garden, big heart

Latresa Phillips
Monday, July 21, 2025
Bear Creek – Jean Taylor can be described as an experienced gardener, an entrepreneur and someone who preserves history.  “I’ve experienced gardening since before I started school,” Taylor said.
Hugh Orr has a full-time job, tending five gardens in the East Buffalo community. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Hugh Orr has a full-time job, tending five gardens in the East Buffalo community. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

1 man, 5 gardens

Latresa Phillips
Friday, July 11, 2025
East Buffalo – What started out as a hobby for Hugh Darold Orr has turned into a full-time job.  For the past 25 years of retirement, Orr has enjoyed planting a garden or two and watching it grow. He shares with neighbors and friends.

Swain sheriff retires

Kevin Hensley
Friday, July 11, 2025
Bryson City – On the same day that Curtis Cochran made his first court appearance related to a June 27 arrest on four charges related to alleged sexual misconduct, he retired from his role as Swain County Sheriff. The 72-year-old Cochran was suspended the same day of his arrest.

Stewart sentenced for sex crimes

Kevin Hensley
Friday, July 11, 2025
Robbinsville – An Alabama man will spend at least the next 30 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to committing statutory sex crimes over three years ago. Roderick Christopher Stewart, 34 of Luverne, Ala.
Even at the age of 87, James Crisp works with his wife Sara to raise a garden each year that catches the eye of anyone who turns onto Mill Creek Circle. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Even at the age of 87, James Crisp works with his wife Sara to raise a garden each year that catches the eye of anyone who turns onto Mill Creek Circle. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Bountiful blessings

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Mill Creek – Just off Tallulah Road, you will find the home of James and Sara Crisp.  You don’t have to see their name on the mailbox to know you have arrived at their residence.