Local

Drone interferes with EMS helicopter

West Fort Hill – Someone operated a remote-controlled drone near the Graham County Emergency Medical Services base between 9-10 p.m. Aug. 23, as a medical helicopter was at the base preparing to transport a patient with a serious medical condition.
Members of the Graham County Board of Commissioners discussed an alternative plan to the construction of the Graham County Justice Center – a remodel of the  current courthouse – at the Aug. 16 board meeting. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Members of the Graham County Board of Commissioners discussed an alternative plan to the construction of the Graham County Justice Center – a remodel of the current courthouse – at the Aug. 16 board meeting. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Orr pushes for downtown justice center

Robbinsville – Amid a flurry of discussion over conceptual plans for a new Graham County Justice Center – which would be built off West Fort Hill Road – Commissioner Connie Orr asked a question a lot of people have been probably wondering themselves: why not build a new courthouse right where the...

Low-cost housing nearly ready to unveil

Robbinsville – The Graham County Rural Development Authority is putting the finishing touches on Azalea Hill – an affordable housing development off Moose Branch Road – with lots being made available in the next couple of months.
This map from the N.C. Department of Transportation – dated May 23 – shows the path the Corridor K improvements will take through Graham County (green line). Map courtesy of N.C. Department of Transportation

This map from the N.C. Department of Transportation – dated May 23 – shows the path the Corridor K improvements will take through Graham County (green line). Map courtesy of N.C. Department of Transportation

First round of Corridor K bidding concludes

Raleigh – The first contracts for the Corridor K expansion in Graham County have been unsealed. The N.C. Department of Transportation closed the “letting” (acceptance of bids) period for the first of three planned roadway improvements Aug.
The winners for the inaugural “Graham County’s Got Talent” fundraisers were (from left): Helen Ward, pop; Megan Brooks, gospel; Tracy Kirkpatrick, instrumental; and Gage Hill, country/bluegrass. Not pictured is Ariana Roberts, dance. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

The winners for the inaugural “Graham County’s Got Talent” fundraisers were (from left): Helen Ward, pop; Megan Brooks, gospel; Tracy Kirkpatrick, instrumental; and Gage Hill, country/bluegrass. Not pictured is Ariana Roberts, dance. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

‘Talent’ raises $9.3K for cancer support

Robbinsville – More than $9,333 was raised – and four talented vocalists and one talented dancer were recognized – during the first-ever “Graham County’s Got Talent” event Saturday, which served as a fundraiser for the Graham Cancer Support Group.
Robbinsville Elementary School faculty members Shayla Bush (background) and Lynn Lynn (right) were all smiles while greeting McKynlee Adams (left) and Maverick Ayers (center) at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year Monday. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville Elementary School faculty members Shayla Bush (background) and Lynn Lynn (right) were all smiles while greeting McKynlee Adams (left) and Maverick Ayers (center) at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year Monday. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Schools finally open as normal

Robbinsville – Nearly 1,200 Graham County children ended their summer break Sunday night, and got up bright and early Monday to a cool, foggy morning for the first day of school.
In a fitting tribute to late Black Knights megafan Billy Ed Queen, spectators attending Friday’s  kickoff to the two-day 150th anniversary celebration in Robbinsville were given white towels to toss into the air – a move patented by Queen whenever Robbinsville would score a touchdown. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

In a fitting tribute to late Black Knights megafan Billy Ed Queen, spectators attending Friday’s kickoff to the two-day 150th anniversary celebration in Robbinsville were given white towels to toss into the air – a move patented by Queen whenever Robbinsville would score a touchdown. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Turn the page

Robbinsville – Graham County proved its resilience during a kickoff event Friday, and its love of community during a daylong celebration Saturday observing the county’s 150th anniversary.

Santeetlah rejects sheriff’s surveillance camera system

Lake Santeetlah – The Town of Lake Santeetlah council turned down an offer by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office to participate in a video surveillance program, concerned about cost, privacy issues and whether the town has enough crime to justify the cost.
The Town of Robbinsville is looking to apply for a grant to pay for a stormwater management master plan, which can be used to guide infrastructure improvements to avoid localized flooding – such as this situation on Ford Street following heavy rains two weeks ago. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

The Town of Robbinsville is looking to apply for a grant to pay for a stormwater management master plan, which can be used to guide infrastructure improvements to avoid localized flooding – such as this situation on Ford Street following heavy rains two weeks ago. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Town seeks grant for stormwater management

Robbinsville – The Town of Robbinsville will be applying for a grant to develop a stormwater management master plan to help solve flooding within town limits. Grant money is available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the COVID-19 relief law.