Local

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (left) is given a tour of the newly-completed wing at Robbinsville Middle School by Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight (center) and middle school principal Tonia Walsh on Tuesday morning. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (left) is given a tour of the newly-completed wing at Robbinsville Middle School by Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight (center) and middle school principal Tonia Walsh on Tuesday morning. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Congressman visits new middle school wing

Robbinsville – Freshman U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards spent part of Day 2 of his first tour of his sprawling 17-county congressional district with a visit to Robbinsville Middle School on Tuesday.

New finance officer resigns in first week

Robbinsville – It’s back to the drawing board for the Robbinsville Board of Aldermen to fill the top staff position at Town Hall. Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams said Annette Carver – who the board hired to be the town’s finance officer – has already stepped down from the position.
Standing with a portrait of J.S. Hyde, the first sheriff of Graham County in 1872, are law-enforcement ‘grandsons’ living in Graham County.

Standing with a portrait of J.S. Hyde, the first sheriff of Graham County in 1872, are law-enforcement ‘grandsons’ living in Graham County.

Can’t beat ‘em? Join ‘em

Robbinsville – In 1872, J.S. “Jason” Hyde was named the first sheriff of Graham County, a fledgling county split off from Cherokee County. Although Sheriff Hyde would later have a spotty record, his role as sheriff would inspire many of his descendants to pursue careers in law enforcement.

‘Taco’ resigns as alderman

Robbinsville – Just a year into his second term, Alderman Brian “Taco” Johnson resigned Monday from the Town of Robbinsville Board of Aldermen, citing personal issues.
Graham County acting manager Kim Crisp, commissioners Natasha Williams, Jacob Nelms, Connie Orr (seated), Lynn Cody and Keith Eller (from left) appear with Dr. David Booth and his wife Cora Booth (right), following contract negotiations Monday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County acting manager Kim Crisp, commissioners Natasha Williams, Jacob Nelms, Connie Orr (seated), Lynn Cody and Keith Eller (from left) appear with Dr. David Booth and his wife Cora Booth (right), following contract negotiations Monday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Plans for new provider underway

Robbinsville – Graham County commissioners are in final negotiations with a physician to take over urgent-care services, after Bryson City-based Smoky Mountain Urgent Care closes its Robbinsville practice at the end of this month.
John Colwell has served as executive director of REVVED UP since August 2020, but recently announced his intent to step down from the post. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

John Colwell has served as executive director of REVVED UP since August 2020, but recently announced his intent to step down from the post. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

REVVED UP starts year surrounded by questions

Robbinsville – John Colwell, chairman of the board of REVVED UP, did more than plan the organization’s annual Christmas dinner in December; he was planning his future.
Fire engines from around the county were dispatched to a home fire in the Santeetlah area Dec. 29. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Fire engines from around the county were dispatched to a home fire in the Santeetlah area Dec. 29. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Hot ashes spark grass fire

Santeetlah – The Graham County 911 Center received a report of a fire spreading out of control around 2 p.m. Dec. 29. Firefighters with the Graham County and Santeetlah Fire departments, N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Forest Service responded to Golf Course Circle off U.S.