Local

Trash ordinance to receive overhaul

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Robbinsville – “This board has to create an ordinance that it will stand by.” Almost 24 years ago, the Graham County Board of Commissioners made its latest amendment to a detailed breakdown of fees to be assessed for the disposal of solid waste. Dated Dec.
An infant tragically drowned in the Cable Cove section of Fontana Lake on Saturday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

An infant tragically drowned in the Cable Cove section of Fontana Lake on Saturday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Infant drowns in Fontana Lake

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Cable Cove – A Swain County family experienced an unimaginable loss Saturday, as a day of fun turned into tragedy. Around 5 p.m., the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission was notified of a distressed vessel near the Cable Cove section of Fontana Lake in Graham County.

Dry conditions stoke fire

Marshall McClung
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Santeetlah – With Graham County in the early stages of a drought, local forest land has become dry enough for brush fires. Local firefighters with the Graham County and Snowbird Fire departments – as well as the U.S.
Teresa and David Widmeyer traded in sandy beaches for the rugged terrain of Graham County – and have not regretted a single moment since. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Teresa and David Widmeyer traded in sandy beaches for the rugged terrain of Graham County – and have not regretted a single moment since. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Fruits, vegetables ... rocks?

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Tallulah – David and Teresa Widmeyer thought the beach would be a great place to retire; so as early seniors, they relocated to Brunswick County. It didn’t take them long to realize that as the cost of living increased – and the number of residents began to soar – it was time to move.
On-hand for the launch of the new eCourts system Monday in Graham County were (from left) North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts Director Ryan Boyce; Graham County Clerk of Court Tammy Holloway; North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby,; and N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts Chief Business Officer Brad Fowler.

On-hand for the launch of the new eCourts system Monday in Graham County were (from left) North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts Director Ryan Boyce; Graham County Clerk of Court Tammy Holloway; North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby,; and N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts Chief Business Officer Brad Fowler.

eCourts now accessible in Graham County

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Robbinsville – There have been plenty of instances through the years where elbows have brushed together inside the Graham County Clerk of Court office, as visitors and employees alike exchange pleasantries inside the cramped quarters.

New industry eyeing county

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Robbinsville – What might seem like wishful thinking to some could become a reality to everyone in the next few years. It’s no secret that Graham County’s economy relies heavily on tourism, since industry has all but abandoned the area.
For more than 70 years, Jay Stewart has made sure to not let one piece of produce from his garden go to waste. He sees the ability to give away the majority of his crops as a testimony to the Lord. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

For more than 70 years, Jay Stewart has made sure to not let one piece of produce from his garden go to waste. He sees the ability to give away the majority of his crops as a testimony to the Lord. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Blessed to give

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, July 18, 2024
West Fort Hill – He started hoeing in the garden before he began school.  By the age of eight, he could plow with a logging horse behind a No.
Claudia, Adriana and Roman (from left) are students from Spain who spent time in America thanks to the Internal Cultural Exchange Service.

Claudia, Adriana and Roman (from left) are students from Spain who spent time in America thanks to the Internal Cultural Exchange Service.

Building relationships, one student at a time

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Franklin – When Donna Bell invited an exchange student into her home years ago, she never dreamed it would make such a lasting impact on her family. She discovered a newfound passion for the exchange program and eventually began to work for the company.

Bear Creek site to re-open

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Robbinsville – Plans were set in motion Tuesday night for the county to begin re-opening its closed sanitation centers. For the second time in 2024, the Graham County Board of Commissioners shut down five of the county’s dumpster sites June 15. The first closure occurred Jan.