Local

Fontana Dam in financial trouble

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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

Latresa Phillips
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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'

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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.
The teams formed for Nov. 14’s inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” flexed their creative muscle, both over a stove and when selecting a name for their ensemble. Pictured are the “Gangster Grinches,” which are comprised of (from left): Alexis Miller, Zeyli Williams, Alyssa Bohn, Dreydon Conley and Bella Coats. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

The teams formed for Nov. 14’s inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” flexed their creative muscle, both over a stove and when selecting a name for their ensemble. Pictured are the “Gangster Grinches,” which are comprised of (from left): Alexis Miller, Zeyli Williams, Alyssa Bohn, Dreydon Conley and Bella Coats. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

1, 2, 3, 4: it’s a cupcake war!

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Robbinsville – Nov. 14 marked the inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” at Robbinsville High School.  It was a sweet competition between Ms. Lorie Waldroup’s culinary classes and the foods 2 and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) Club from Hayesville High School.
Graham County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jacob Nelms (left) shakes hands with departing commissioner Keith Eller on Tuesday. Eller did not seek re-election, which made Tuesday his final meeting. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Graham County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jacob Nelms (left) shakes hands with departing commissioner Keith Eller on Tuesday. Eller did not seek re-election, which made Tuesday his final meeting. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Remodel back to bid

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Robbinsville – In the first two attempts by Graham County to find a contractor willing to made several necessary upgrades to the antiquated detention center, just one bid has been received. The sole bid came in from an unidentified party Oct.

Push for animal officer grows

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
A local animal advocate has launched an online petition, which hopes to bring a full-time animal control officer to Graham County. Brittney Holder owns and operates B’s Pet Grooming out of her home.
Jenni Junaluska and Cecilia Arrowood lay the ceremonial wreath on Chief Junaluska’s grave to help memorialize the famed Native American on Nov. 13. Jenni is a sixth-generation descendant of the chief. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Jenni Junaluska and Cecilia Arrowood lay the ceremonial wreath on Chief Junaluska’s grave to help memorialize the famed Native American on Nov. 13. Jenni is a sixth-generation descendant of the chief. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Wrapped in tradition

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Vice Chief Alan B. Ensley delivers some remarks during Nov. 13’s Junaluska Wreath Laying Ceremony. Robbinsville – He was an unsung hero in one of the greatest Native American battles in the history of the United States.

Final poll numbers unveiled

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Robbinsville – Provisionals and lingering absentees made little impact on a pair of local races in the 2024 general election. Following Nov. 14’s provisional meeting and Friday’s canvassing, the Graham County Board of Elections officially certified the final voting numbers for Nov. 5’s ballot.
This dilapidated motel near the southern outskirts of Robbinsville has received a grant for renovation into a boutique. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

This dilapidated motel near the southern outskirts of Robbinsville has received a grant for renovation into a boutique. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘Graham Motel’ set to receive facelift

Kevin Hensley
Monday, November 18, 2024
Robbinsville – The intersection of Five Points Road and U.S. 129 North will soon have a fresh coat of paint. An Oct. 17 announced from the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority revealed that 22 grant requests had been approved, statewide.
As a mist rises off the water, volunteers sift through garbage strewn about a bank that normally is underwater during warm months on Fontana Lake during last month’s clean-up. Photos courtesy of Brandon Jones/Fontana Village Marina

As a mist rises off the water, volunteers sift through garbage strewn about a bank that normally is underwater during warm months on Fontana Lake during last month’s clean-up. Photos courtesy of Brandon Jones/Fontana Village Marina

Beauty preserved

Latresa Phillips
Monday, November 18, 2024
Fontana – In 2017, community members and volunteers in the Fontana Dam area joined Brandon Jones for the inaugural lake clean-up.  In a day and a half, 12 people had collected 22,000 pounds of garbage.  It was a start.