Local

Voice of the voiceless

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Robbinsville – Now’s the perfect time to “Meet a G.A.L.” But probably not the one that immediately comes to mind. This G.A.L. works for the better good, speaking for those that can’t. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The setup for a Jeff Foxworthy performance in 2020 is very ordinary: a stool, a water bottle and a microphone. A simple set for a simple man. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

More than just a redneck

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Cherokee – It has often been said that comedians get their best material from their everyday lives. Jeff Foxworthy subscribed to that very formula in 1984, and 36 years later the Hapeville, Ga., native is still creating new ways to solicit laughter from his audience.

A computer-generated look at the Lakeside Lodge Condominium at Lake Santeetlah, which received a special zoning-height variance at the Feb. 11 Lake Santeetlah Council meeting. Photo courtesy of TSW Architecture

Condo zoning variance passed

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Lake Santeetlah – A 2001 brainstorm took a step in the right direction, 19 years after it was initially discussed. After a lengthy public hearing – which included a continued session from January – the Town of Lake Santeetlah voted 4-1 during its Feb.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail Partial Closure

News Staff

Friday, February 14, 2020

Cherohala – The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest on the Nantahala National Forest, Cheoah Ranger District was impacted by the recent heavy rainfall. The significant rainfall resulted in retaining wall failures and unstable trail conditions.

Two games, two wins

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Robbinsville – For the first time this season, the Black Knights strung together back-to-back wins. A big conference victory over Rosman (2-18, 1-10) on Tuesday, Feb.

Early success not enough

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Robbinsville – The second meeting of the season between Murphy and Robbinsville was surrounded by a lot of hype. For the first quarter, it appeared the Lady Knights had things well in-hand. For the remaining three quarters, the Lady Bulldogs proved different.

Robbinsville Middle School’s Kage Williams (left) and Koleson Dooley pause between bouts at Saturday’s state championship tournament in Concord. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Williams becomes 2X champ

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Concord – It was a long day, but the end result made it worth the wait. Robbinsville Middle School’s Kage Williams and Koleson Dooley competed in the 38th annual Junior High State Championship Tournament, which was held Saturday at Carolina Courts.

Fink finishes 2nd at state

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Concord – In just the second year of the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s Women’s Invitational, Robbinsville made a statement.

Robbinsville’s Kyle Fink controls Mount Airy’s Eric Olvera during the second round of the 1A state duals on Feb. 4. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights fall in Western final

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Newland – Robbinsville High School’s dual-team wrestling season came to an abrupt end on Feb. 6, when the Black Knights fell in the 1A Western Regional Finals at Avery County High School.

'Boomers' of a different breed

Robbi Pounds

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

While the false feud between young millennials and aging boomers continues, western North Carolina has another boomer debate: why do we call the tiny American red squirrels of the mountain “boomers?” And do they really bite bits off of gray squirrels?