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Kindergartners Braxton Clark, Jack Portal, Hunter Gonzalez and Axel Orr (from left) work with Legos as part of STEAM activities at Robbinsville Elementary School. Photo by Dusty Orr/Robbinsville Elementary School

Kindergartners Braxton Clark, Jack Portal, Hunter Gonzalez and Axel Orr (from left) work with Legos as part of STEAM activities at Robbinsville Elementary School. Photo by Dusty Orr/Robbinsville Elementary School

STEAM funding afforded to Graham County Schools

Graham County Schools was one of several area school systems awarded the “Cultivating STEAM Literacy” grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
Children and adults alike gather to decorate cookies Saturday at Stecoah’s Christmas in the Mountains. Photos by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Children and adults alike gather to decorate cookies Saturday at Stecoah’s Christmas in the Mountains. Photos by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Breakfast, crafts, Santa, vendors – oh my!

Mr. and Mrs. Claus greeted everyone on the stage inside the Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.
Robbinsville native Courtney Anderson has been  announced as the new librarian at the Graham County Public Library. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Robbinsville native Courtney Anderson has been announced as the new librarian at the Graham County Public Library. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Anderson named new librarian

Robbinsville – Instilling the love of reading and fostering the pursuit of knowledge is one of the many responsibilities of a county librarian.  The library is a place where everyone is welcome to gather for social interaction, cultural exchange, community connections, knowledge and instruction.
A ribbon cutting was held as part of Monday’s Snowbird NEST Open House. From left are Janell Rattler, Leslie Oswalt McEntire, Erik Oswalt and Jazlyn McEntire. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

A ribbon cutting was held as part of Monday’s Snowbird NEST Open House. From left are Janell Rattler, Leslie Oswalt McEntire, Erik Oswalt and Jazlyn McEntire. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

N.E.S.T. open for business

Tallulah – Monday’s rain could not dampen the Open House at the new Snowbird NEST (Native Education Snowbird Traditions) learning facility.
Gabrielle Sunny Jenkins is a popular face to Graham County students. Her work as a mental health liaison for the system has led to recognition from the Region A Children’s Partnership. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Gabrielle Sunny Jenkins is a popular face to Graham County students. Her work as a mental health liaison for the system has led to recognition from the Region A Children’s Partnership. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Sunny Days are here again

Robbinsville – Graham County Schools’ Mental Health Liaison Sunny Jenkins is known by students and faculty for her friendliness, willingness to help and love for all children.
Authorities from multiple regional agencies travel through the Corridor K roadwork in Stecoah for the execution of “Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2” on Nov. 26. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Authorities from multiple regional agencies travel through the Corridor K roadwork in Stecoah for the execution of “Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2” on Nov. 26. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

More 'Dirty Laundry' aired out

Kmart might have shuttered all of its continental stores in the United States, but the spirit of the “blue-light special” lives on. A convoy of authorities from multiple agencies rolled into Graham County just after 8 a.m., Nov.
Graham County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jarod Lovelace encounters one of the individuals authorities were searching for around 1 p.m., Tuesday, as part of "Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2." The suspect was apprehended just outside the Robbinsville city limits, after being spotted on foot walking north off U.S. Highway 129 (Tapoco Road). Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Graham County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jarod Lovelace encounters one of the individuals authorities were searching for around 1 p.m., Tuesday, as part of "Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2." The suspect was apprehended just outside the Robbinsville city limits, after being spotted on foot walking north off U.S. Highway 129 (Tapoco Road). Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

More 'Dirty Laundry;' more arrests

Three full days removed from launching "Operation Dirty Laundry," the Graham County Sheriff's Office again combined forces with regional agencies Tuesday to conclude Phase 2 of the 11-month investigation.

Fontana Dam in financial trouble

Fontana Dam – Almost five years ago to the date, Fontana Village Resort & Marina owed the Town of Fontana Dam $95,000 in unpaid user fees. Fast forward to Nov.
Dorothy Rogers remains busy almost daily by continuing an almost life-long hobby of quilting. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Dorothy Rogers remains busy almost daily by continuing an almost life-long hobby of quilting. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Measure twice, cut once

Dorothy Rogers has made over 300 quilts in her 91 years. She began quilting as a teenager.  Rogers was raised by her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilt making. It was a time when everyone made quilts to keep their families warm.
The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

'Dirty Laundry'

A nearly 11-month, undercover investigation culminated Friday with the execution of search warrants at a total of 10 different locations across three counties and two states.