Local

Potential appeal loss could cost county $500,000

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Robbinsville – Graham County is exploring its options in the dispute of Brookfield Renewable Partners. At Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, county manager Becky Garland discussed the latest steps taken in preparation. Garland joined attorneys J.K.
Robbinsville’s Ivy Odom (front) and Kensley Phillips work through a drill at a July 23 workout. Knights volleyball and cross-country will begin their 2020-21 season next month, but COVID-19 restrictions will keep spectators at a minimum. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Ivy Odom (front) and Kensley Phillips work through a drill at a July 23 workout. Knights volleyball and cross-country will begin their 2020-21 season next month, but COVID-19 restrictions will keep spectators at a minimum. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Spectators limited for fall sports

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Raleigh – An Oct. 15 announcement from the N.C. High School Athletic Association confirmed what many had feared: sports will begin next month, but crowds will be sparse. In the release, the association maintained its desire to mirror both advice from the N.C.

Fontana to operate on $239K budget

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Fontana Dam – After a slight delay, the town has finally adopted its 2020-21 fiscal year budget. Town Administrator Zelerie Rogers presented a breakdown of the expected $239,169.

Legal costs continue to plague town

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Lake Santeetlah – Pending litigation continues to force Lake Santeetlah to move money around, to cover costs. During their Oct. 15 meeting over Zoom, council members approved a $58,000 budget amendment, to cover more anticipated legal costs, as well as to increase advertising and promotion.

Cluster identified at school

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Thirty cases in one week. Fueled by outbreaks at both Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation and a local church, Graham County’s COVID-19 case count has been on a meteoric rise over the last month. The surge has also forced Graham County Schools to switch to remote learning until Monday, Oct.

Town discusses latest audit

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Robbinsville – “Good financial position” and “No compliance violations” are just some of the phrases used when the 2019-20 Town of Robbinsville was presented at the Oct. 7 Board of Aldermen meeting.
The Robbinsville High School Student Council raised and donated $100 toward the purchase of the food truck for Graham County Schools. From left in the photo is Robbinsville Student Council members Lina Pagan, Lindsey Brittain, Student Body President Dalson Jordan, Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight, Ally Ayers, Ivy Odom, Caylin Lunsford and Keylie Jordan.

The Robbinsville High School Student Council raised and donated $100 toward the purchase of the food truck for Graham County Schools. From left in the photo is Robbinsville Student Council members Lina Pagan, Lindsey Brittain, Student Body President Dalson Jordan, Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight, Ally Ayers, Ivy Odom, Caylin Lunsford and Keylie Jordan.

County schools tightening down on attendance policy

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Robbinsville – Citing a lack of participation from remote learning only students, Graham County Schools is amending its attendance policy.

Beginning a new chapter

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Stecoah – A local resident has released a continuation to a book published 19 years ago. The Nantahala River, A History and Guide is the latest work from Stecoah resident Lance Holland.

Sheriff’s office launches security camera prevention program

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Want to help put a stop to nefarious crimes? The Graham County Sheriff’s Office has launched a camera registration program, where residences, businesses or places of worship can allow the office permission to view security camera footage that may be pertinent to solving an investigation.