News

This is all that remains of the house at 1368 Meadow Branch Road, which burned to its foundation early Wednesday, June 1. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

This is all that remains of the house at 1368 Meadow Branch Road, which burned to its foundation early Wednesday, June 1. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Fire destroys Meadow Branch home

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Meadow Branch – A Meadow Branch home burned to its foundation early Wednesday morning, June 1. There were no injuries and no one was home, according to the Graham County Fire Department, but the house was a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown. Firefighters were called out at 6:09 a.m.

Dog owner rejects plea deal

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Robbinsville – A Robbinsville couple facing misdemeanor barking dog violations turned down an offer from an assistant district attorney to have charges dropped if they have their dog’s vocal cords removed. Mike Eddings is charged in the misdemeanor case.
Jayden Nowell (left) and other seniors watch confetti peak and descend during Friday’s commencement at Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium. Robbinsville High School graduated 86 seniors at the ceremony. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Jayden Nowell (left) and other seniors watch confetti peak and descend during Friday’s commencement at Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium. Robbinsville High School graduated 86 seniors at the ceremony. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Finishing strong

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Robbinsville – A graduating class of 86 seniors – their time at Robbinsville High School punctuated by COVID-19 – received their diplomas at Big Oaks Stadium on Friday.

June 9 showdown set for Santeetlah budget, town zoning

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Lake Santeetlah – Two public hearings, two days apart last week set the stage for one day – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9, when the Town of Lake Santeetlah Town Council will decide the fate of zoning that controls development of some of the most valuable residential real estate in Graham County.
The 2021-22 Robbinsville High School wrestling coach staff was recently named the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Boys Assistant Staff of the Year for North Carolina. From left are Colby White, D.J. Robinson, Weston Haney, Josh Winfrey, head coach Todd Odom, James Keifer, Travis Hooper, Billy Knight, Irvin Portugal, Wren Millsaps and Josiah Phillips. Not pictured are Jason Tom Sawyer, Brandon Lee and Carter Williamson. Photo courtesy of Maria Shook Photography

The 2021-22 Robbinsville High School wrestling coach staff was recently named the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Boys Assistant Staff of the Year for North Carolina. From left are Colby White, D.J. Robinson, Weston Haney, Josh Winfrey, head coach Todd Odom, James Keifer, Travis Hooper, Billy Knight, Irvin Portugal, Wren Millsaps and Josiah Phillips. Not pictured are Jason Tom Sawyer, Brandon Lee and Carter Williamson. Photo courtesy of Maria Shook Photography

The Dirty (Baker’s) Dozen

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Manheim, Pa. – It’s hard to argue the logic. The Robbinsville Black Knights’ coaching staff has been named the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Boys Assistant Staff of the Year for North Carolina.
Cody Cline (left) and Sarah Gibby proudly represent the Robbinsville High School Class of 2022 as its respective valedictorian and salutatorian. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Cody Cline (left) and Sarah Gibby proudly represent the Robbinsville High School Class of 2022 as its respective valedictorian and salutatorian. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Being the elite

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Robbinsville – So what exactly does it take to become the valedictorian and salutatorian of your peers?
A breakdown of voting throughout the county, organized by precinct. Graphic by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

A breakdown of voting throughout the county, organized by precinct. Graphic by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Williams prevails in commissioner primary

News Staff
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Robbinsville – Every vote counts. In a race that literally went down to the final ballot reviewed, Natasha Williams bested Andy Lynn for the third Republican slot on the November general ballot for Graham County Board of Commissioners, 697-696. Provisional ballots almost mattered.
Robbinsville Middle School’s Daphne Barlow (second from right) is mobbed by teammates Kynadee Spencer, Khaygen Buchanan and Dreylee Webster (from left) after her walk-off hit May 11 against Cherokee, which lifted Robbinsville to a 2-1 victory in the season finale. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville Middle School’s Daphne Barlow (second from right) is mobbed by teammates Kynadee Spencer, Khaygen Buchanan and Dreylee Webster (from left) after her walk-off hit May 11 against Cherokee, which lifted Robbinsville to a 2-1 victory in the season finale. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Future stars shine bright

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Robbinsville – After the first inning of the May 11 season finale, the middle school Lady Knights and Cherokee were tied 1-1. By the bottom of the seventh, the game was stuck in the same deadlock.
On this attempt, Lady Knights sophomore Zoie Shuler broke the 1A state record in the triple jump, setting a new standard of 39 feet, 9 ¼ inches at Saturday’s championship meet in Greensboro. It was her second state championship of the day. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

On this attempt, Lady Knights sophomore Zoie Shuler broke the 1A state record in the triple jump, setting a new standard of 39 feet, 9 ¼ inches at Saturday’s championship meet in Greensboro. It was her second state championship of the day. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

2 competitors; 4 titles

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Greensboro – One successfully defended his crown, while another fully redeemed a pair of second-place finishes from 2021. Black Knights junior Brock Adams and Lady Knights sophomore Zoie Shuler dominated their individual events at the N.C.