Local

Louisiana man dies in two-vehicle accident 

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Santeetlah – A 31-year-old Louisiana man was killed in a two-vehicle accident Friday on U.S. 129.  Lafayette resident James B. Mills II was traveling southbound toward Robbinsville among a string of motorcycles around 3 p.m.

County says sheriff not eligible for buyback

Randy Foster
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Robbinsville – Graham County Sheriff Jerry Crisp has dropped his lawsuit against the county and its commissioners for back retirement payments, but an affidavit filed by the county’s finance officer contends that Crisp was never eligible for the benefits in the first place.
Alumni, family and former faculty of Stecoah Union School pose for pictures by photographer Katie Beasley (foreground), during a reunion at the former school Saturday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Alumni, family and former faculty of Stecoah Union School pose for pictures by photographer Katie Beasley (foreground), during a reunion at the former school Saturday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Remembering the good ol’ days

Randy Foster
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Stecoah -- Stecoah Union School alumni and family members gathered for their annual reunion Saturday at their old school, now known as the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. The annual celebration brought together former students, their families and a couple of former faculty members.
This photo, taken Monday afternoon off Rodney Orr Bypass, shows gas prices of $3.79 per gallon at the Shell (front) and 76 stations. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

This photo, taken Monday afternoon off Rodney Orr Bypass, shows gas prices of $3.79 per gallon at the Shell (front) and 76 stations. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Drivers get relief as gas prices ease

Randy Foster
Thursday, August 18, 2022
If you drive, gas prices have probably been on your mind recently, especially if you live in Robbinsville or are motoring your way through Graham County.
The county’s 150th anniversary celebration officially began Friday at Fontana Dam. The Gunter Cabin was opened for public exploration throughout the evening. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The county’s 150th anniversary celebration officially began Friday at Fontana Dam. The Gunter Cabin was opened for public exploration throughout the evening. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Celebration wraps up Saturday

Randy Foster
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Robbinsville – Graham County turned 150 in January, and the county kicked off celebrations with observance events in Fontana Village and Stecoah last weekend, with the main event — a two-day celebration in Robbinsville — kicking off Friday evening and continues throughout the day on Saturday.
Town of Lake Santeetlah Mayor Connie Gross (right) presents a donation of $4,500 to Santeetlah Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian Johnson at Aug. 4’s appreciation dinner. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Town of Lake Santeetlah Mayor Connie Gross (right) presents a donation of $4,500 to Santeetlah Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian Johnson at Aug. 4’s appreciation dinner. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Santeetlah thanks firefighters with $4.5K

Randy Foster
Thursday, August 11, 2022
*Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct an error that appeared in its original publication. Lake Santeetlah – Town of Lake Santeetlah residents showed up to a community dinner at Col. Ernest Manierre Memorial Park on Aug.
The Primitive Quartet (left) returns to its Graham County roots for the Mountain Homecoming next week at Fontana Village Resort.

The Primitive Quartet (left) returns to its Graham County roots for the Mountain Homecoming next week at Fontana Village Resort.

‘This is our heritage’

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Fontana Dam – The hills around Fontana Lake will be reverberating next week. The four-day Mountain Homecoming kicks off at Fontana Village Resort on Thursday, Aug. 18, and ends Sunday, Aug. 21.

County celebrates 150th birthday … and you’re invited

Randy Foster
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Graham County’s 150th anniversary celebration events kick off this weekend in Fontana Dam and Stecoah, with two days of celebration in Robbinsville the following weekend. Here’s what’s on tap: Friday, Aug. 12: Fontana Village Resort, Town of Fontana Dam, N.C.