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Luke Lovin was Robbinsville's lone All-Conference selection for the 2026 season. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Luke Lovin was Robbinsville's lone All-Conference selection for the 2026 season. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

All-Conference baseball, softball teams announced

Robbinsville – With the 2026 baseball and softball seasons now in the rearview mirror, the annual All-Smoky Mountain Conference awards have been announced.

Commission chair speaks on draft budget

Robbinsville – A public hearing regarding Graham County's proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget is set to be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, in conjunction with the regularly-scheduled board of commissioners meeting.

Draft county budget unveiled

Robbinsville – After much discussion and several public hearings, Graham County released its draft budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year Monday.Based on the projection, county officials are estimating $65,561,685 in revenues and expenditures.

Town not out $200K – yet

Robbinsville – The Local Government Commission has refuted statements made by Town of Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams during a May 6 meeting."I got an email from the LGC yesterday that they're going to freeze some of our taxes that's redistributed; some of our sales tax," Adams told the board.
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. Photos 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. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights compete for softball state championship

Durham – The program of the decade has its state championship.It just took the right mixture to create the perfect compound for success.
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

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

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

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.