Local

This building in downtown Robbinsville has a massive field of kudzu growing adjacent to the structure. Photos by John Colwell/Contributing Photographer

This building in downtown Robbinsville has a massive field of kudzu growing adjacent to the structure. Photos by John Colwell/Contributing Photographer

Just say no to change

News Staff
Thursday, January 16, 2020
By John Colwell REVVED UP *Editor’s note: The views expressed in this op-ed do not reflect those of The Graham Star. Your hometown newspaper remains neutral on these topics and will continue to impartially print both sides of the issue.
A bald eagle, in-flight over Lake Junaluska in Haywood County. Photo by Amy Boggan/Contributing Photographer

A bald eagle, in-flight over Lake Junaluska in Haywood County. Photo by Amy Boggan/Contributing Photographer

Soaring from brink of extinction

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 16, 2020
The most majestic of birds, the symbol of our nation, the most sacred bird in Cherokee culture – crouched by the side of the highway, choking down hunks of roadkill opossum – has prompted Graham County residents to wonder: is this normal?  Is the bald eagle population increasing?

Census needs workers

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 16, 2020
As the U.S. Census Bureau prepares for this year’s count, Murphy and Andrews have only half the number of census workers needed. Graham County has even fewer.  Though temporary, these jobs pay well, at $17 per hour and 58 cents per mile.
Lex Hooper, Wade Hamilton, Samson Jones Candler Edwards and Drey Keener (from left) handle some weaponry, which was part of the Civil War unit at Robbinsville High School on Monday. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Lex Hooper, Wade Hamilton, Samson Jones Candler Edwards and Drey Keener (from left) handle some weaponry, which was part of the Civil War unit at Robbinsville High School on Monday. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Civil unit

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Robbinsville – The Civil War came alive Monday inside the Robbinsville High School auditorium, as re-enactors Austin Walls, Carol Hensley and Annette Hensley shared both their knowledge and extensive collection of artifacts with students and teachers.
Heavy public interest in the Town of Robbinsville meeting on Jan. 8 – originally believed to be the session a resolution that would allow alcohol sales to appear on the next ballot – forced a last-minute relocation to the nearby Graham County Courthouse. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Heavy public interest in the Town of Robbinsville meeting on Jan. 8 – originally believed to be the session a resolution that would allow alcohol sales to appear on the next ballot – forced a last-minute relocation to the nearby Graham County Courthouse. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

No alcohol sales – for now

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Robbinsville – Formal at times – contentious at others – the Jan. 8 town Board of Aldermen meeting was spearheaded by a 45-minute public comment period on a proposal that would allow voters to decide on alcohol sales within the city limits.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and an aide get acquainted with (from left) ARC Community Development Planner Ann Bass, Clerk of Court Tammy Holloway, Commissioner Connie Orr and Robbinsville Mayor Steve Hooper during his visit to Graham County on April 12. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and an aide get acquainted with (from left) ARC Community Development Planner Ann Bass, Clerk of Court Tammy Holloway, Commissioner Connie Orr and Robbinsville Mayor Steve Hooper during his visit to Graham County on April 12. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

A look back at 2019

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 9, 2020
The final year of the decade made for a news-filled campaign inside the pages of The Graham Star. While it is impossible to decipher which stories are the tops for 2019, here are 10 noteworthy events involving Graham County that took place during the last 12 months.
The Robbinsville Middle School eighth-grade basketball players were recognized at Monday’s game against Cullowhee Valley. From left are Zeke Silvers, Donovan Carpenter, Xander Wachacha, Tylie Bridges, Aubrie Wachacha, Noelle Orr, Emma Beasley, Zoie Shuler, Karlee Stewart, Memory Frapp, Linsey Orr and Taelyr Jackson. Photo by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

The Robbinsville Middle School eighth-grade basketball players were recognized at Monday’s game against Cullowhee Valley. From left are Zeke Silvers, Donovan Carpenter, Xander Wachacha, Tylie Bridges, Aubrie Wachacha, Noelle Orr, Emma Beasley, Zoie Shuler, Karlee Stewart, Memory Frapp, Linsey Orr and Taelyr Jackson. Photo by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Knights run over Cullowhee Valley

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Robbinsville – As Robbinsville Middle School’s basketball program enter the final week of the regular season, both teams are in a prime position for a top seed in the championship tournament.
Robbinsville’s Kyle Fink prepares to pin Cherokee’s Ian Crowe during a Dec. 17 home dual against the Braves. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Kyle Fink prepares to pin Cherokee’s Ian Crowe during a Dec. 17 home dual against the Braves. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville competes in dual, tournament

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 9, 2020
The Robbinsville wrestling teams split its duties Saturday, with one crew traveling to the Enka Duals and another taking part in the Osley B. Saunooke Tournament at Cherokee. Robbinsville went 2-3 at the Enka Duals.

Black Knights fall at Rosman

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Rosman – In a battle of winless teams, something has to give. Unfortunately for the Robbinsville Black Knights (0-7, 0-3), the win went in-favor of the home team in Tuesday’s battle at Rosman (1-10, 1-5), with the Knights falling to the Tigers, 53-50.