News

This photo shows a 5-foot-deep pit filled with a mix of hydraulic fluid and water, where two dogs drowned earlier this month.

This photo shows a 5-foot-deep pit filled with a mix of hydraulic fluid and water, where two dogs drowned earlier this month.

State comes down hard on owner of Oak Valley

Randy Foster
Friday, September 30, 2022
Robbinsville – The owner of an unused industrial site in Robbinsville – where two dogs drowned in a pit of industrial waste earlier this month – has been put on notice by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality about serious violations and has 30 days to fix problems or face mounting penalties.
Nothing was going to erase the smile off Destanee Shay Trammell’s face Friday, after the Robbinsville High School senior was announced as the 2022-23 Homecoming Queen. Photo courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Nothing was going to erase the smile off Destanee Shay Trammell’s face Friday, after the Robbinsville High School senior was announced as the 2022-23 Homecoming Queen. Photo courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Destined to be Queen

Kevin Hensley
Friday, September 30, 2022
Robbinsville – Ten members of the senior class experienced a whirlwind Friday. Hair. Nails. Make-up. A parade. Pause for five seconds, then don a dress for photos. Before you know it, halftime arrives and it is time to await the outcome of a vote from your peers.
One of two dumpsters sits full on the shores of Lake Santeetlah, following an unload of garbage collected during a community clean-up Saturday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

One of two dumpsters sits full on the shores of Lake Santeetlah, following an unload of garbage collected during a community clean-up Saturday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Trash by the boatload

Randy Foster
Friday, September 30, 2022
Lake Santeetlah – More than 70 people combed the shores of Lake Santeetlah on Saturday, collecting enough garbage, debris and discards to fill two large industrial garbage containers.
With Murphy’s Jude Pinkerton (78) in pursuit – and Robbinsville’s Owen Blevins (77) scanning the field for any signs of disruption – JV Black Knight Tillman Adams works his way upfield Sept. 15 at Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

With Murphy’s Jude Pinkerton (78) in pursuit – and Robbinsville’s Owen Blevins (77) scanning the field for any signs of disruption – JV Black Knight Tillman Adams works his way upfield Sept. 15 at Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Show up, show out

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Murphy – It was a bad night to be a Bulldog. From the opening whistle on Sept. 15, the junior varsity Robbinsville Black Knights dictated control over Murphy, with a mixture of solid rushing and stubborn defense stalling the hosts in a 22-16 triumph.

More Santeetlah roads to be repaired

Randy Foster
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Lake Santeetlah – With falling asphalt prices, a road crew already set to do another job and enough time left in the paving season, the Town of Lake Santeetlah added several streets for repairs during a special called Town Council meeting on Monday.
Robbinsville Elementary School Principal Dr. Jaime Hooper address parents and family members of students at the Sept. 13 “Breakfast of Champions,” a one-hour Q&A session with school officials. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville Elementary School Principal Dr. Jaime Hooper address parents and family members of students at the Sept. 13 “Breakfast of Champions,” a one-hour Q&A session with school officials. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘Champions’ meal yields fruitful insight from faculty, parents

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Robbinsville – Officials with Robbinsville Elementary School made one thing abundantly clear Sept. 13: the facility is working every day toward the betterment of each and every pupil.
This photo, edited to omit the remains of dogs that died there around Sept. 10, shows the sludge-filled pit at the old Oak Valley Hardwoods plant off Snowbird Road. Photo courtesy of Donnie Burchfield

This photo, edited to omit the remains of dogs that died there around Sept. 10, shows the sludge-filled pit at the old Oak Valley Hardwoods plant off Snowbird Road. Photo courtesy of Donnie Burchfield

Sludge-filled pit claims two dogs

Randy Foster
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Robbinsville – Two dogs fell into a sludge-filled pit and drowned this month, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has issued a notice of violation to the property owner demanding action be taken.
Robbinsville senior Desta Trammell (6) could not contain her excitement after the final point of the Lady Knights’ 4-set victory at Smoky Mountain on Monday. Also soaking up the moment was Tai Owle (14), Kensley Phillips (4), assistant coach Dede Brooms, Aubrie Wachacha (16), Suri Watty (2) and Delaney Brooms. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville senior Desta Trammell (6) could not contain her excitement after the final point of the Lady Knights’ 4-set victory at Smoky Mountain on Monday. Also soaking up the moment was Tai Owle (14), Kensley Phillips (4), assistant coach Dede Brooms, Aubrie Wachacha (16), Suri Watty (2) and Delaney Brooms. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Righting the ship

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Sylva – Twice the Robbinsville Lady Knights traveled to Jackson County last week. Twice, they returned home with victories. Coming off a tough sweep at Asheville Christian Academy on Sept.
Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight will be the grand marshal of Friday’s homecoming parade. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight will be the grand marshal of Friday’s homecoming parade. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

School superintendent named grand marshal

Randy Foster
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Robbinsville – Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight – recognized by her peers as Superintendent of the Year in the western region earlier this year – has had another honor bestowed upon her.
With Kellen Ensley (52) running interference, JV Black Knights quarterback Luke Lovin rolls out for a pass Sept. 8 at Cherokee. Photo courtesy of Haden Key/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

With Kellen Ensley (52) running interference, JV Black Knights quarterback Luke Lovin rolls out for a pass Sept. 8 at Cherokee. Photo courtesy of Haden Key/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

JV Knights edge Cherokee

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Cherokee – Much like their varsity counterparts would do the next night, the junior varsity Black Knights won a game on a post-touchdown play. Taking on Cherokee in a pivotal Smoky Mountain Conference showdown on Sept.