Local

Graduation is still on

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Robbinsville – The recent directive by Gov. Roy Cooper – for North Carolina to remain in Phase Two of COVID-19 re-opening protocol – had Graham County seniors fearing the worst. Under Phase Two, mass gatherings are limited to 25 people outdoors and 10 indoors.

Jones resigns as county Sheriff

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
In a move that caught everyone off guard, Graham County Sheriff Joseph Jones tendered his resignation early Monday afternoon. The action takes effect immediately.
Robbinsville Termite Black Knight Braylon Phillips weaves through the Copper Basin, Tenn., defense during a Sept. 28, 2019 showdown. The Smokey Mountain Youth Conference announced the cancelation of the 2020 football and cheerleading seasons on June 16. Photo courtesy of Jenny Millsaps

Robbinsville Termite Black Knight Braylon Phillips weaves through the Copper Basin, Tenn., defense during a Sept. 28, 2019 showdown. The Smokey Mountain Youth Conference announced the cancelation of the 2020 football and cheerleading seasons on June 16. Photo courtesy of Jenny Millsaps

Youth football, cheer season cancelled

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 25, 2020
It is a move all involved were hoping to avoid. The 2020 Smokey Mountain Youth Conference football and cheerleading seasons were officially canceled on June 16.

Sparks set to fly on 4th of July

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Robbinsville – Just when it looked like the Fourth of July holiday would be without a fireworks display in Graham County, the Town of Robbinsville worked out a deal. Graham County Festivals Director Brian Johnson confirmed a contract with Virginia Skypainters of South Boston, Va.

Local man gets 12 years for sexual abuse

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Asheville – A Robbinsville man has been sentenced to 144 months in prison for sexual abuse of a minor. Joseph Dwayne Jumper, 39, received his sentence in U.S. District Court on June 18. Additionally, U.S.

Case count hits 8

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Monday’s Graham County COVID-19 case count included the addition of two new confirmed cases over the weekend, bringing the total in Graham to eight. The last confirmed case was announced June 11, which capped off a week of four new cases. Before that, Graham’s last confirmed case was in early May.

Man drowns in Cheoah

Marshall McClung
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Tapoco – The latest Cheoah River Release was marred by tragedy. Around 3 p.m. Saturday, Graham County Emergency Management Services and Rescue Squad personnel responded to a possible drowning neat Bear Creek Falls on the Cheoah River.

Cawthorn wins Republican primary

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Madison Cawthorn’s bid for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 11 seat received an overwhelming nod of approval from Republicans on Tuesday night. The Henderson County resident earned a resounding victory over Haywood County’s Lynda Bennett, amassing 30,444 votes (65.