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Adorned with the Lady Knights' "Home Run Hat," Robbinsville senior Anna Williams celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the first inning of Friday's state-championship series opener. Williams finished the game with six RBIs. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Adorned with the Lady Knights' "Home Run Hat," Robbinsville senior Anna Williams celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the first inning of Friday's state-championship series opener. Williams finished the game with six RBIs. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights compete for softball state championship

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 29, 2026
Durham – Game 1 of the 2026, 1A state championship softball series went to the Robbinsville Lady Knights.And they made it look easy.
Veterans stand in front of the massive flag that was raised for the first time Memorial Day off Old Tallulah Road. All names are listed from left in each row. Front row: Amanda Gyongyos, Rudy Leopold, Barry Watkins and Billy Cable. Second row: Travis Brooks, Caleb Stiles, Joseph Vasquez, Hubert Merchant and Buddy Adams. Standing in back is Harold Phillips. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Veterans stand in front of the massive flag that was raised for the first time Memorial Day off Old Tallulah Road. All names are listed from left in each row. Front row: Amanda Gyongyos, Rudy Leopold, Barry Watkins and Billy Cable. Second row: Travis Brooks, Caleb Stiles, Joseph Vasquez, Hubert Merchant and Buddy Adams. Standing in back is Harold Phillips. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Freedom flies

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Sweetgum – The rainy weather that has loomed over the region gave away long enough for a proper spotlight to be cast.Veterans, family and friends gathered atop a mountain off Old Tallulah Road, where a 60-foot pole was adorned with a 12' x 18' flag.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather around the 2026 1A Western Regional championship plaque, minutes after clinching the program's first-ever state-title appearance. Photo courtesy of Sasha Watty/Contributing Photographer

The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather around the 2026 1A Western Regional championship plaque, minutes after clinching the program's first-ever state-title appearance. Photo courtesy of Sasha Watty/Contributing Photographer

No more delaying the inevitable

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Summerfield – For years, Robbinsville softball has been the standard-bearer for consistency and excellence across North Carolina.Yet, something was missing: a state championship.
Both the Bear Creek (pictured) and Snowbird sanitation centers will close July 1. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Both the Bear Creek (pictured) and Snowbird sanitation centers will close July 1. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Two sanitation sites closing July 1

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 28, 2026
After engaging with the public during a May 8 hearing, Graham County has announced new operational procedures for its sanitation sites.The biggest change involves the closure of Bear Creek and Snowbird's convenience centers, which becomes effective Wednesday, July 1.
Suri Watty celebrates after reaching second base in Robbinsville's second-round playoff rout of River Mill Academy on May 8. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Suri Watty celebrates after reaching second base in Robbinsville's second-round playoff rout of River Mill Academy on May 8. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

One for the road

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Robbinsville – If Tuesday's game is any indication, the Lady Knights are well on their way to a state finals appearance.The dynasty of Robbinsville softball has never reached the 1A championship series, but has mowed down postseason opponents in its current quest for a ring.
Attendees at Saturday's Stecoah 100th Anniversary Celebration gather to re-create the Dedication Day photo that was captured when the former school opened a century ago. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Attendees at Saturday's Stecoah 100th Anniversary Celebration gather to re-create the Dedication Day photo that was captured when the former school opened a century ago. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Stecoah celebrates 100-year anniversary

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Stecoah – Nostalgia filled the air both inside and outdoors Saturday, as friends, family and former school employees gathered to celebrate a century of community.
The Robbinsville Black Knights made history May 14, winning the program's first-ever team state championship.

The Robbinsville Black Knights made history May 14, winning the program's first-ever team state championship.

Knights win 1st team state championship

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Greensboro – Between three individual state champions and a plethora of high placements, the Robbinsville Black Knights mixed together the right formula for 1A immortality.

Town out $200K

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Robbinsville – A pair of unplanned expenditures have befallen the Town of Robbinsville.Mayor Shaun Adams revealed during May 6's board of aldermen meeting that the Local Government Commission will be freezing $83,000 in sales tax revenue, due to payments that have not been made.
Robbinsville senior Luke Lovin delivers a pitch during the Black Knights' second-round playoff game Friday at Andrews. Lovin struck out 11 Wildcats across 5 1/3 innings. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Robbinsville senior Luke Lovin delivers a pitch during the Black Knights' second-round playoff game Friday at Andrews. Lovin struck out 11 Wildcats across 5 1/3 innings. Photo by Cannon Crompton/Cherokee Scout

Knights fall in 2nd round

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Andrews – Down to their final three outs – and in a five-run hole – the Black Knights displayed the same tenacity Friday that propelled the program to just its third playoff appearance in 15 years.
Robbinsville freshman Ella Nelms returned to the circle for the Lady Knights' playoff opener against River Mill Academy. She combined for 20 strikeouts against both the Lady Jaguars and Tuesday's third-round opposition, Falls Lake Academy. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville freshman Ella Nelms returned to the circle for the Lady Knights' playoff opener against River Mill Academy. She combined for 20 strikeouts against both the Lady Jaguars and Tuesday's third-round opposition, Falls Lake Academy. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights back in regional series

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Robbinsville – The friendly confines of Judy Nichols Memorial Field played favorably into the Lady Knights' hands during their 2026 postseason openers.After enjoying a first-round bye, Robbinsville (No.