News

Eight days after a fire destroyed the Stecoah Diner, officials are still trying to determine what started the blaze. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Eight days after a fire destroyed the Stecoah Diner, officials are still trying to determine what started the blaze. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Wiring being explored as cause of fire

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Stecoah – Investigators are still trying to narrow down the culprit behind a fire that destroyed a long-time staple of the community. Around 9:30 p.m. Aug. 2, crews from seven different fire departments – in two counties – were dispatched to the Stecoah Diner on U.S. 28 North.
Though sparsely attended, the Stecoah School Reunion returned Saturday, after a one-year absence. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Though sparsely attended, the Stecoah School Reunion returned Saturday, after a one-year absence. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Those were the days

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Stecoah – It was a happy reunion for all.  Alumni from the former Stecoah School gathered Saturday to reminisce about their time attending the old school, which was closed for consolidation in 1994 after 68 years of operation.

Stolen property, narcotics recovered in recent crime sweep

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 5, 2021
The Graham County Sheriff’s Office has had a busy few weeks. From July 20-30, arrests have been made that resulted in the recovery of stolen property and narcotics.  Tools recovered Officers were dispatched to an ongoing breaking and entering at a residence on Lower Tuskeegee Road on July 20.

Annual fishing derby rescheduled

Koda Moody
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Robbinsville – The Robbinsville Tourism Authority covered several topics at its July 27 meeting, including the postponement of the ever-popular fishing derby. The event – which was penciled in for Saturday, Sept.
Billy Holder shows off a large tomato growing in one of his three gardens on family land in Stecoah. The 87-year-old has gardened his entire life. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Billy Holder shows off a large tomato growing in one of his three gardens on family land in Stecoah. The 87-year-old has gardened his entire life. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Lifetime of growth

Charlie Benton
Thursday, August 5, 2021
* Green Thumbs: Conclusion of a 5-part series Stecoah – Even at 87 years old, Billy Holder hasn’t yet stepped back from tending his gardens throughout the year.
Stecoah Diner was fully engulfed Monday night, shortly after a fire started in the kitchen of the longtime local establishment. Crews deemed the structure a total loss in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Stecoah Diner was fully engulfed Monday night, shortly after a fire started in the kitchen of the longtime local establishment. Crews deemed the structure a total loss in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Popular restaurant lost to late-night blaze

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Stecoah – Some 12 hours after a fire drew the attention of a small Graham County community, smoke still lingered in the valley. Stecoah Diner – formerly known as Tooties Cafe at the intersection of U.S.
New Graham County Schools music educator Amber Watkins (right) works one-on-one with freshman tenor saxophonist Ryan Lynn Monday. The band is currently preparing its marching show for the upcoming season. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

New Graham County Schools music educator Amber Watkins (right) works one-on-one with freshman tenor saxophonist Ryan Lynn Monday. The band is currently preparing its marching show for the upcoming season. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Putting in the work

Charlie Benton
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Robbinsville – After a turbulent year, the Black Knight Band is gearing up for its 2021-22 marching season as its camp continues through the month of July.

Superintendent discusses adjunct instructor bill

Charlie Benton
Thursday, July 29, 2021
As a bill in the General Assembly allowing for adjunct instructors in public schools becomes law, Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight said she saw some ways that the district could take advantage of the new rules.  Gov. Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 582 into law on June 21.