Local

Fontana Dam eyeing $238K budget

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Fontana Dam – It’s no surprise that the county’s smallest municipality is relying largely on revenue from a popular vacation destination to shoulder the load of the 2023-24 budget.

Millage drops 10 cents in Robbinsville

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Robbinsville – Residents of the county seat will be enjoying a smaller tax burden next year. Interim finance officer Michael Richardson announced a 10-cent decrease in the town’s millage rate – from 0.60 to 0.50 – in a June 16 release.
The annual Elder Abuse Awareness Resources Fair was held June 15 at the Graham County Community Building, attracting a variety of vendors and resources. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

The annual Elder Abuse Awareness Resources Fair was held June 15 at the Graham County Community Building, attracting a variety of vendors and resources. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Elder Abuse Awareness Fair a success

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Robbinsville – June 15 has been designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by the UN General Assembly. The purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to provide communities around the world with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons.

UT student killed in crash

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Cherohala – A 19-year-old man passed away from injuries sustained in a June 16 motorcycle accident on the Cherohala Skyway. According to a report from the N.C. Highway Patrol, Luke Henry Pennington was the sole rider on a 2005 Harley Davidson that was traveling south on N.C.
The Delta Dental Foundation of North Carolina paid a visit to the Graham County Dental Clinic on June 13, to present a $5,000 check on behalf of the 2023 Smiles for Kids award program. From left are dental assistant Macy Rogers, Graham County Health Director Donna Stephens, Dr. Rory Frederick of the county dental office and Elaine Loyack, vice president of community engagement and community relations for Delta Dental Foundation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Delta Dental Foundation of North Carolina paid a visit to the Graham County Dental Clinic on June 13, to present a $5,000 check on behalf of the 2023 Smiles for Kids award program. From left are dental assistant Macy Rogers, Graham County Health Director Donna Stephens, Dr. Rory Frederick of the county dental office and Elaine Loyack, vice president of community engagement and community relations for Delta Dental Foundation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

5,000 reasons to smile

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Robbinsville – The Delta Dental Foundation of North Carolina paid the Graham County Dental Clinic a special visit on June 13, bringing along a $5,000 check to make the trip worthwhile.
Flanked by officers and representatives from both North Carolina and Tennessee, Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran speaks during the “Border to Border” Tail of the Dragon Education Campaign Launch at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on June 13. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Flanked by officers and representatives from both North Carolina and Tennessee, Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran speaks during the “Border to Border” Tail of the Dragon Education Campaign Launch at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on June 13. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘1 fatality is too many’

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 22, 2023
This map provides both an overview of the curves on the Tail of the Dragon – as well as a 26-year summary into the number of fatalities incurred on the road. Map courtesy of tailofthedragon.
Knoxville resident Bryan Hill (center) – the son of Graham County’s Keith and Karen Hill – recently joined an expedition to tame Mount Everest – a successful endeavor.

Knoxville resident Bryan Hill (center) – the son of Graham County’s Keith and Karen Hill – recently joined an expedition to tame Mount Everest – a successful endeavor.

Sightless Summits

Latresa Phillips
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Faith is a substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. It can move mountains and in May 2023, faith led a blind man to the peak of Mount Everest.