Local

The Leary’s (couple at right) were frequently asked by travelers who stopped at Deals Gap to pause for a photograph in front of the sign outside their store, Crossroads of Time. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Leary’s (couple at right) were frequently asked by travelers who stopped at Deals Gap to pause for a photograph in front of the sign outside their store, Crossroads of Time. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Real Dragon (Part 2 of 2)

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Cathy Mathews remembers her father Pete Leary waking up to cook for the anglers staying at the Deals Gap motel around 5 a.m. each day. He also reached out to fishing publications, spreading the word about the nest-egg sitting in the northwestern corner of North Carolina.

County, Stecoah discuss new lease

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Robbinsville – The renewal of a lease between Graham County and the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center needs to be completed within the next month. All indicators are that the final paperwork will come just in time.

Santeetlah hires new zoning administrator

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Lake Santeetlah – Just a couple of weeks removed from agreeing to hire a new zoning administrator, the town moved forward with finalizing the paperwork. At a special called meeting on Aug. 24, council members discussed Bryan Farley’s contract.

Nursing home resident tests positive

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Following the reveal that two nursing home employees tested positive for COVID-19, eight more residents were recorded positive in Graham last week, which included a resident at Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation receiving a positive return Friday.
The Tail of the Dragon attracts thousands of riding enthusiasts each year. But in 1980, a Florida family began leaving their mark on the famous stretch of highway. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Tail of the Dragon attracts thousands of riding enthusiasts each year. But in 1980, a Florida family began leaving their mark on the famous stretch of highway. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Real Dragon (Part 1 of 2)

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 3, 2020
It was 1975. Peter and Doris Leary, residents of Sanibel Island, Fla., were searching for a mountain retreat.  Recently retired, former owners of a remodeling business, the Leary’s wanted an escape from the south Florida sun, but Pete had a requirement.

Fleeing, theft leads to arrests

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 3, 2020
The Graham County Sheriff’s Office has had a busy past few weeks. Following an individual taking off during a traffic stop, two more suspects were apprehended and charged with breaking and entering. Deputies pulled over Gregory A. Orr, 41, of Spring Hill Road, on Ford Street on Aug.
“The Rock” – an indoor softball facility – cannot be located on a map, but you can pinpoint much of Robbinsville’s success on the diamond to the hours spent putting in reps at the building. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

“The Rock” – an indoor softball facility – cannot be located on a map, but you can pinpoint much of Robbinsville’s success on the diamond to the hours spent putting in reps at the building. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Secret to success

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Robbinsville – If you want to trace the recent uptick in success for Lady Knights’ softball, it all starts downtown. For the past 2 ½ years, Brian “Petey” Millsaps has operated “The Rock,” an indoor softball facility.

Para-Medicine now available in Graham County

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
A free health-care program is becoming increasingly popular in Graham County.  Thanks to funding from the Duke Endowment, Appalachian Regional Commission, Harris Regional Hospital system and others, the Community Para-Medicine program is only one doctor’s referral away.