Local

Pastell indicted for death by distribution

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Mountain Creek – Just 2 ½ weeks after the second charge of death by distribution against a local man was dropped, a grand jury indicted the suspect on the same offense. Bobby Huel Pastell, 32, was handed another death by distribution charge Jan. 14, following the Dec.

Fires continue

Marshall McClung
Saturday, March 22, 2025
There was little rest for the weary, as U.S. Forest Service firefighters were atop Graham County’s highest mountain – Big Huckleberry – off the Cherohala Skyway on March 10.  A campfire had escaped into the grassy area and was controlled after burning less than an acre.
Robbinsville High School freshman Nick Wilson has been selected to participate in the Western North Carolina Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program. He is pictured alongside Robbinsville High agricultural teacher Adrienne Watts. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Robbinsville High School freshman Nick Wilson has been selected to participate in the Western North Carolina Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program. He is pictured alongside Robbinsville High agricultural teacher Adrienne Watts. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Young cattleman

Latresa Phillips
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Robbinsville – Nick Wilson has been chosen from among 45 applicants to participate in the 2025 Western North Carolina Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program.
This sharps container at a local playground was allegedly broken into March 9, with used needles from the box left scattered on the ground. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

This sharps container at a local playground was allegedly broken into March 9, with used needles from the box left scattered on the ground. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Local man charged with vandalizing needle box

Kevin Hensley
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Robbinsville – A resident allegedly broke into a sharps container at a local park and left used needles on the ground, leading to his arrest four days after the discovery.

Fontana Ventures responds to council’s allegations

Kevin Hensley
Friday, March 14, 2025
Fontana Dam – Amid rampant speculation that a county municipality could cease to exist in just a few months, the lessee of a popular local resort appeared at a recent council meeting. The first 15 minutes of Feb. 26’s Town of Fontana Dam assembly were arguably the most contentious on record.
As part of a statewide initiative, Robbinsville Elementary School teacher Robin Welker will travel to the Netherlands this summer. Photo courtesy of Latesha Wiggins/Graham County Schools

As part of a statewide initiative, Robbinsville Elementary School teacher Robin Welker will travel to the Netherlands this summer. Photo courtesy of Latesha Wiggins/Graham County Schools

Broad horizons

Latresa Phillips
Friday, March 14, 2025
Robbinsville – Third grade teacher Robin Welker is brushing up on her Dutch.  As one of the Global Leaders recognized by the state of North Carolina, the language will come in handy in June – when she and other Global Leaders across the state will travel to the Netherlands.
Dr. Jaime Hooper’s dissertation was recently selected for publication in a national journal.

Dr. Jaime Hooper’s dissertation was recently selected for publication in a national journal.

Published educator

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, March 6, 2025
As Jaime Hooper entered the last 10-year mark as an educator at Graham County Schools, she challenged herself to finish well. She didn’t want to find herself with regrets. “I didn’t want to leave anything on the table left undone. I didn’t want to grow stagnant,” Hooper explained.
Only one lane of traffic will be the standard pattern for a 12-mile segment of Interstate 40 in North Carolina and Tennessee, as the road was back open for travelers Saturday following a five-month closure. Photos courtesy of Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Only one lane of traffic will be the standard pattern for a 12-mile segment of Interstate 40 in North Carolina and Tennessee, as the road was back open for travelers Saturday following a five-month closure. Photos courtesy of Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Pigeon River Gorge re-opens to travelers

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Jonathan Creek – It may seem bizarre to navigate a two-lane interstate with the typical speed limit cut in half, but it beats the detour that has become the norm. Closed since Hurricane Helene literally destroyed portions of roadway when passing through the region Sept.
A U.S. Forest Service helicopter drops water on a brush fire off Gunter Gap Road on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Jade Teasdale/U.S. Forest Service

A U.S. Forest Service helicopter drops water on a brush fire off Gunter Gap Road on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Jade Teasdale/U.S. Forest Service

Fires pop up across county

Marshall McClung
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Despite dry, windy conditions and burn bans across the region, debris fires were set in Graham County during the last week – resulting in crews staying more than active.