Local

Zoning enforcement in township questioned

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 1, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – It’s only an issue in one of Graham County’s three incorporated areas, but it’s a biggie for residents of Lake Santeetlah: zoning ordinances. In fact, the town is the only one in the county with zoning. Neither Fontana Dam nor Robbinsville have it on the books.
Vicki Walsh had not been retired from the Graham County School System long before she quickly found another calling – tutoring children that need help in certain subject areas. Her tutoring program has grown significantly since its launch.

Vicki Walsh had not been retired from the Graham County School System long before she quickly found another calling – tutoring children that need help in certain subject areas. Her tutoring program has grown significantly since its launch.

Anchored in Hope

Latresa Phillips
Monday, May 1, 2023
Tallulah – What do you get when you take 40 students, 12 tutors and one retired educator with a desire to help children? Mathematically, you could say the answer is 53. However, if you are a resident of Graham County, the real answer is a new tutoring center.

Numbers don’t lie

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 1, 2023
* Conclusion of a 2-part report Robbinsville – Debra “Hank” Dinschel’s presentation at the March Graham County Board of Education meeting drew the ire of many people in the room, including those who work specifically to improve a child’s quality of life.
David Artiss, owner of Mountain Manor Hotel in Robbinsville, discussed an alternative location for the long-discussed Graham County Justice Center at the the board of commissioners meeting April 18. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

David Artiss, owner of Mountain Manor Hotel in Robbinsville, discussed an alternative location for the long-discussed Graham County Justice Center at the the board of commissioners meeting April 18. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Owner pitches new site for justice center

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 1, 2023
Robbinsville – After a public hearing about a planned justice center drew scattered attendance, one local business owner is claiming his concept was “misconstrued” by the county. David Artiss owns Mountain Manor Hotel on Ford Street.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (right) meets with a pair of constituents during his “Carolina Cruiser” visit to Robbinsville on April 12. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (right) meets with a pair of constituents during his “Carolina Cruiser” visit to Robbinsville on April 12. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Cruisin’ for information

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 21, 2023
Robbinsville – Around 15 constituents turned out for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ mobile unit visit to Robbinsville on April 12. Edwards and his traveling cabinet of four set up shop in the corner of the Ingles parking lot, right at the busy intersection of N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) and U.S.
One Graham County Board of Education member has started raising questions about the Erlanger School-Based Clinic being housed on school grounds. The center is open to any student, staff member or immediate faculty-member’s family in the school district. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

One Graham County Board of Education member has started raising questions about the Erlanger School-Based Clinic being housed on school grounds. The center is open to any student, staff member or immediate faculty-member’s family in the school district. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Clinic, school board member at odds

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 21, 2023
* Part 1 of a 2-part report Robbinsville – It’s no secret that Hank Dinschel vehemently opposes the use of masks as a safeguard against illness.
After 24 years of service, Wilma Carver Aiken clocked out at the Robbinsville Post Office for the last time Monday. A member of her family has worked the same route in Graham County since the 1940s. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

After 24 years of service, Wilma Carver Aiken clocked out at the Robbinsville Post Office for the last time Monday. A member of her family has worked the same route in Graham County since the 1940s. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail …

Kevin Hensley
Friday, April 21, 2023
Robbinsville – Wilma Carver Aiken could not help but smile when the cake was unveiled. “I don’t know how they did it, but this is my favorite picture,” Aiken said of the photo, which had the words “Happy retirement Wilma! We’re cheering you on!” above the memory.
The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is hosting the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow.

The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is hosting the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow.

Stecoah hosting Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow

News Staff
Friday, April 14, 2023
Stecoah – Ready to come out of hibernation, enjoy the great outdoors and listen to some mountain music? Then the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest at Stecoah is the place for you! This event is focused on outdoor activities and recreation with a selection of quality arts and craft vendors.

Rain halts brush fires

Marshall McClung
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Rain that began falling on Good Friday put a stop to the brush fires that have become an almost daily occurrence – at least temporarily. There were two more brush fires before the rain arrived. A debris-burning fire escaped control on Long Creek Road around 1 p.m. on April 4.