News

Three volunteers in the annual Fontana Lakeshore Cleanup haul garbage aboard their vessel. The event was held from Friday-Sunday and removed more than 170,000 pounds of trash from the lake.

Three volunteers in the annual Fontana Lakeshore Cleanup haul garbage aboard their vessel. The event was held from Friday-Sunday and removed more than 170,000 pounds of trash from the lake.

Annual cleanup nets 170,000 pounds of trash

Charlie Benton
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Fontana Dam – Those exploring and enjoying Fontana Lake may notice how immaculate the body of water now is, following the fourth annual Fontana Lakeshore Cleanup, which was held Friday-Sunday. Approximately 45 people per day participated, with many being boat owners.
Preliminary sketches of the butterfly garden that will be located at the Graham County Public Library.

Preliminary sketches of the butterfly garden that will be located at the Graham County Public Library.

New details on butterfly garden revealed

Koda Moody
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Robbinsville – The Graham County Travel & Tourism board held a meeting Nov. 4. Friends of the Library president Maegan Shoemaker was invited to discuss funding for the local butterfly garden project, which will be located at the Graham County Public Library.

COVID cases continue to decline

Charlie Benton
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Fort Hill – Graham County is currently seeing a downward trend in COVID-19 cases, as it begins to ramp up a county-wide vaccine initiative.  At the Graham County Board of Health meeting on Nov. 1, Health Director Beth Booth discussed the county’s current position with the virus.

Aldermen take no action on shutoff ordinance

Charlie Benton
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Robbinsville – One local municipality took no action on changing the town’s water shutoff rules, following a disagreement at its October meeting.  At its Nov. 3 regular meeting, the Town of Robbinsville Board of Aldermen discussed the water and sewer shutoff code of ordinance.
Vicki Walsh (left) presents a check to Robbinsville High School Band before Oct. 29’s home football game against Amber Watkins. At the time, the community-wide effort to raise money for new band uniforms had netted $22,133 – but now, the total has eclipsed $23,000. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Vicki Walsh (left) presents a check to Robbinsville High School Band before Oct. 29’s home football game against Amber Watkins. At the time, the community-wide effort to raise money for new band uniforms had netted $22,133 – but now, the total has eclipsed $23,000. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Community bands together

Charlie Benton
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Robbinsville – The Black Knight Marching Band is going to look sharp on the field in new uniforms, thanks to the support of the community.

EMS shifts now on 24/72 rotation

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Robbinsville – Some much-needed rest is coming for Graham County EMS personnel. The county’s board of commissioners called a special meeting Monday morning to discuss a shift to a longer rotation for emergency personnel, who have been stretched thin due to staffing issues.

Smith trial postponed again

Charlie Benton
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Robbinsville – A trial set to start in Graham County Superior Court on Monday was pushed back yet again, after the defendant’s counsel expressed concerns over the timeframe for trying the case.
Graham Star publisher/editor Kevin Hensley (left) was selected to flip the coin that would break the tie for a seat on the Town of Lake Santeetlah council at Tuesday’s Graham County Board of Elections canvassing meeting. Observing the flip are election board chairman Juanita Colvard (center) and Town of Lake Santeetlah mayor Jim Hager. Photo courtesy of Beefy Rogers/Contributing Photographer

Graham Star publisher/editor Kevin Hensley (left) was selected to flip the coin that would break the tie for a seat on the Town of Lake Santeetlah council at Tuesday’s Graham County Board of Elections canvassing meeting. Observing the flip are election board chairman Juanita Colvard (center) and Town of Lake Santeetlah mayor Jim Hager. Photo courtesy of Beefy Rogers/Contributing Photographer

Election draws ire of Lake Santeetlah

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Robbinsville – The results are certified. Now the challenges can begin. An unusually-high number of write-in candidates for the Town of Lake Santeetlah council popped up on the unofficial results after the general election Nov.
Abby Wehr searches for an open option during Monday’s season opener against Cherokee. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Abby Wehr searches for an open option during Monday’s season opener against Cherokee. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights outpaced by Cherokee in season opener

Kevin Hensley
Friday, November 5, 2021
Robbinsville – Things got off to a rocky start for the Robbinsville Middle School basketball program this season. The Lady Knights fell 55-7 to the Cherokee Braves in Monday’s season opener, while the Black Knights were upended 58-22 in the nightcap.