Local

Through a court order, this property at 349 Five Points Road in Robbinsville has been earmarked with a “nuisance abatement.” It is believed to be the first such instance of the ruling in Graham County history. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

1st nuisance abatement issued

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Any property in Graham County that has been declared a “nuisance” will be flagged with one of these signs from the sheriff’s office.

Town to hold public hearing concerning sleeping ordinance

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Robbinsville – The county seat is one step closer to adopting an ordinance that would charge those caught sleeping on public sidewalks, streets and benches. But no matter which side of the proposal you are on, fret not: You will have a chance to make your voice heard.

From left are Graham County Rescue Squad members Larry Crisp, Brent Eller and Zeb Hutchisen with “victim” David Grant on the stretcher during a Saturday training exercise on Stratton Bald Trail. Photo courtesy of Tory Lynnes/Graham County Rescue Squad

Rescue squad gets new equipment

Marshall McClung

Thursday, March 16, 2023

The Graham County Rescue Squad recently received a new piece of equipment that will be used in rescuing injured persons from woodland areas. The new wheeled-basket stretcher was purchased from Cascade Rescue in Sand Point, Idaho.

Frequent tavelers of both N.C. 143 and N.C. 28 have undoubtedly encountered sights like this one near the Johnson Gap intersection, as crews have been working feverishly to clear trees and other roadside foliage in anticipation of the Corridor K expansion. Complaints about lengthy wait times have steadily increased since clearing began in the fall. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Tree clearing for Corridor K to cease in May

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Stecoah – If your daily commute includes a trip across Stecoah Gap, chances are you have learned to insert a 20- to 30-minute buffer for your arrival time. Before earth-moving operations can begin for the long-awaited Corridor K expansion along N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) and N.C.

Another vote, another stalemate

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Lake Santeetlah – The agenda for a local municipality’s March 9 council meeting included several items of interest. One in particular expressed optimism: No. 7, under “Old Business,” which said, “Acceptance of Ralph Mitchell’s request for medical leave of absence.

An aerial view of Robbinsville, after the now-infamous “Blizzard of ‘93” originally dumped well over three feet of snow in Graham County.

Infamous ‘Blizzard of ’93’ recalled, 30 years later

Marshall McClung

Thursday, March 16, 2023

* Editor’s note: In March 1993, Marshall McClung was working for the U.S. Forest Service when a snowstorm unlike any other seen in the Southeast swept across the region. This is his account of the impact the storm had on Graham County.

Flanked by a documentary team, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Senior Program Officer Alfred Mays greets Robbinsville High School Science Teacher Ben Davis on March 9. Mays and the film crew had traveled from Research Triangle Park to present Davis with a $175,000 check – one of just four awarded statewide. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

District STEM teacher receives $175K award

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Robbinsville – David Matheson had the entire scenario planned to perfection. Representatives from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund arrived right on-schedule, including a two-man film crew.

Graham County resident Aron Wehr has endured an 18-year battle with multiple sclerosis. His latest attempt to curb the disease took him to Mexico, where he underwent stem-cell treatments that included heavy doses of chemotherapy.

Home is Wehr the Heart is

Latresa Phillips

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Aron Wehr’s 18-year battle with multiple sclerosis may not be over, but there is an 80-percent chance that he has stopped the disease’s progression in its tracks.

Wreckage of Life Force 6 blocks Middle Burningtown Road in Macon County on Friday on the morning following a crash. All four aboard survived. Photo by Mia Overton/The Franklin Press

Andrews-based air ambulance crashes in Macon County

News Staff

Friday, March 10, 2023

Franklin – Four people survived when an air ambulance en route from Murphy to Asheville crashed in Macon County about 7 p.m. Thursday. Investigators were on scene Friday following the crash of Life Force 6, a medical helicopter based at Western Carolina Regional Airport near Andrews.

Keith McAlum builds portable chicken coops in shop space off Long Branch Road near Robbinsville. Photo by Randy Foster/Cherokee Scout

Business is a drag

Randy Foster

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Tallulah – Keith McAlum realizes that the fruit of his labor is a drag on his customers, but he’s happy about it – and so are his customers. McAlum is a carpenter who builds chicken coops with a twist: they have wheels on one end and a sturdy handle on the other (or two for the larger versions).