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Robbinsville seniors Cambrie Lovin (left) and Karlyn Matheson eye an East Surry player during Thursday's game in Pilot Mountain. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville seniors Cambrie Lovin (left) and Karlyn Matheson eye an East Surry player during Thursday's game in Pilot Mountain. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights work through playoff bracket

Pilot Mountain – Robbinsville's hopes for a state championship were dashed Thursday night. The Lady Knights (No. 13 seed, 22-7) traveled to East Surry (No. 4 seed, 19-5) for the second round of the 1A playoffs.
Thanks to Clayson Lane (left) setting a screen on Andrews’ Kabe Ellis, Robbinsville’s Brock Adams finds some open court during Saturday’s Smoky Mountain Conference quarterfinal tournament game against the Wildcats.

Thanks to Clayson Lane (left) setting a screen on Andrews’ Kabe Ellis, Robbinsville’s Brock Adams finds some open court during Saturday’s Smoky Mountain Conference quarterfinal tournament game against the Wildcats.

Robbinsville hoops experiences tournament blues

Rosman – It wasn’t exactly the ending Robbinsville basketball was hoping for. The Knights began the 2019-20 Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament on Friday and by Monday night, had no teams left on the bracket. The Lady Knights (20-6, No. 4 seed) knocked off Swain County (5-18, No.
These five Robbinsville High School grapplers qualified for the 1A state tournament at the Western Regional tournament, which was held at Mount Airy this year. From left are Luke Wilson, Kyle Fink, Nathan Fisher, Justin Stewart and Jayden Nowell. Photo by Todd Odom/Contributing Photographer

These five Robbinsville High School grapplers qualified for the 1A state tournament at the Western Regional tournament, which was held at Mount Airy this year. From left are Luke Wilson, Kyle Fink, Nathan Fisher, Justin Stewart and Jayden Nowell. Photo by Todd Odom/Contributing Photographer

Fearsome fivesome heading to state

Mount Airy – After a grueling, two-day tournament, five Robbinsville Black Knight wrestlers emerged as state qualifiers. Two emerged as 1A Western Regional champions.
Graham County resident Aaron Bradley speaks during the public comment portion of Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Graham County resident Aaron Bradley speaks during the public comment portion of Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Alcohol sales tabled by commissioners

Robbinsville – The topic of alcohol sales continues to play a game of hot-potato.

Voice of the voiceless

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.