Local

Have wood, will carve

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Stecoah – Bill Prather of Ol’ Man Hickory has been working with wood since he was a boy.  Recently retired, he has dedicated himself to making “all types of creative items, all the way from dining room sets down to children’s wooden toys.
Trees surrounding Lake Santeetlah display some late-blooming fall colors. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Trees surrounding Lake Santeetlah display some late-blooming fall colors. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Fall color comes late

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, November 7, 2019
As any resident of western North Carolina is aware, fall color has come late to the mountains this year.  The combination of record-setting high temperatures in September – along with the drought that followed – both slowed and muted the changing of the leaves.

Fontana welcomes new chef

News Staff
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Fontana Dam – Alex Henry recently joined the team at Fontana Village Resort as the Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Director. He brings with him a passion for fresh food and a creative flair that makes even the most common food seem new and exciting.

Pair of big amendments struck down at meeting

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Robbinsville – Tuesday’s meeting of the Graham County Board of Commissioners included a presentation by Rose Bauguess of the Southwestern Commission Council of Governments and Wanda Austin of Division 14 of the NCDOT.
Brian Cable, Greg Davidson and Carl Ferguson (from left) unload just a small portion of trash collected during last weekend’s Fontana Lakes’ Clean-Up. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Brian Cable, Greg Davidson and Carl Ferguson (from left) unload just a small portion of trash collected during last weekend’s Fontana Lakes’ Clean-Up. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

3 days of cleaning

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Fontana – “It’s not my trash, but it is my planet,” said Brandon Jones, manager of the Fontana Village Resort and Marina and co-organizer of the the Fontana Lakes’ 2nd Annual Lake-Shore Cleanup.  The clean-up spanned three clear but very crisp days, with volunteers collecting trash from 9 a.m.
Tatham Gap Road was built as part of the Trail of Tears in 1836. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Tatham Gap Road was built as part of the Trail of Tears in 1836. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Rough road, dark history

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Robbinsville – There is an alternative route between Andrews and Robbinsville: one not burdened with traffic, but fraught with history.  Tatham Gap Road, known to sports enthusiasts as the “Gravel Dragon,” is a U.S.
Surrounded by a pack of Wildcats – six to be exact – Robbinsville senior Rylee Anderson trucks ahead during Friday’s 28-7 win over Andrews. Anderson broke the all-time Black Knights rushing record in the fourth quarter of the game. Photo by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Surrounded by a pack of Wildcats – six to be exact – Robbinsville senior Rylee Anderson trucks ahead during Friday’s 28-7 win over Andrews. Anderson broke the all-time Black Knights rushing record in the fourth quarter of the game. Photo by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

5,614 steps to history

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Robbinsville – Rylee Anderson entered Friday’s regular-season home finale against Andrews just 152 yards shy of rewriting the record books. Anderson broke free on the third Robbinsville snap from scrimmage for a 68-yard rushing touchdown.
Pennsylvania residents Jo and Tony Stefanon (left, center) chat with Texas native Aja Stefanon about the breathtaking views at the Maple Springs Observation Deck. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Pennsylvania residents Jo and Tony Stefanon (left, center) chat with Texas native Aja Stefanon about the breathtaking views at the Maple Springs Observation Deck. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Observe the beauty

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Cheoah – After a nearly three-year wait, the Maple Springs Observation Deck is back open. Located 6 1/2 miles off the Cherohala Skyway, the scenic views offered by the destination make the site a must-stop for those wanting to take in the beauty of Graham County.

WNC offers admission to community college graduates

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Cullowhee – Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and Southwestern Community College President Don Tomas established the Catamount Compass Program on Oct. 1, which guarantees admission to Western Carolina for all Southwestern graduates who meet certain criteria.

Road repairs coming soon to 129

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Robbinsville – The Town of Robbinsville continued its Oct. 2 meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23.  * The board passed a DOT assistance request for $14,795. The request was in regard to the Five Points Intersection repair, as well as patching pavement on Rodney Orr Bypass at El Pacifico restaurant.