News

EMS pay concerns discussed

Charlie Benton
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Robbinsville – As the Graham County Board of Commissioners approved the county’s budget last week, some citizens are voicing concerns about the need for a pay raise for some of its most crucial workers.
Aynsley Fink was all smiles June 10, moments after being named the Most Valuable Wrestler of the 2020-21 Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament. Fink became the first female to win a Smoky Mountain Conference tournament championship. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Aynsley Fink was all smiles June 10, moments after being named the Most Valuable Wrestler of the 2020-21 Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament. Fink became the first female to win a Smoky Mountain Conference tournament championship. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

History in the making

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Robbinsville – It seems that every time Aynsley Fink steps on the mat, another chapter is added to the annals of North Carolina High School women’s wrestling history.
The Robbinsville Black Knights won nine of the 14 weight classes contested in June 10’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. All names are listed from left. Kneeling in front are Jaret Panama (152 pounds), Luke Wilson (113), Aynsley Fink (106) and Jayden Nowell (126). Standing in back are Kage Williams, Wade Hamilton, Ben Wachacha, Kyle Fink and Carlos Wesley. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights won nine of the 14 weight classes contested in June 10’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. All names are listed from left. Kneeling in front are Jaret Panama (152 pounds), Luke Wilson (113), Aynsley Fink (106) and Jayden Nowell (126). Standing in back are Kage Williams, Wade Hamilton, Ben Wachacha, Kyle Fink and Carlos Wesley. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

14 divisions, 9 champions

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Robbinsville – Another year, another thumping. For the fifth consecutive season, the Robbinsville Black Knights have laid claim to the Smoky Mountain Conference championship, after running up a team score of 230.5 points at June 10’s tournament.
One family, two awards, 30 years apart: Zoie Shuler (left) was named the Most Outstanding Female Track and Field Athlete of the Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet June 9. Her father Michael received the distinction of Most Outstanding Male Field Athlete in both 1991 and 1992. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

One family, two awards, 30 years apart: Zoie Shuler (left) was named the Most Outstanding Female Track and Field Athlete of the Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet June 9. Her father Michael received the distinction of Most Outstanding Male Field Athlete in both 1991 and 1992. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Family tradition

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Cherokee – The sudden emergence of a Robbinsville freshman over the last month has shaken up the hopes of many girls track and field athletes who were hoping for a state championship bid. And the success is coming exactly 30 years after her father made waves of his own.
The Robbinsville Black Knights gather for a celebratory photo after winning the June 10 regular-season finale in Hayesville 12-6. The win ended the Yellow Jackets’ undefeated season. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights gather for a celebratory photo after winning the June 10 regular-season finale in Hayesville 12-6. The win ended the Yellow Jackets’ undefeated season. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Giant slayers

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Hayesville – Full of emotion, Robbinsville senior Jeb Shuler made an astute observation after the June 10 upset over the then-No. 1 ranked 1A team in North Carolina.  “They didn’t really have anything to play for. We did.”  He hit the nail on the head.

County, Santeetlah pass 2021-22 budgets

Charlie Benton
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Robbinsville – The Graham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the county’s 2021-22 budget at its regular meeting Tuesday.  The general fund of the 2021-22 budget totaled $18,611,891, with property taxes making up the largest single piece, at just over 35 percent of the general fund.
Kyle Fink has North Henderson’s Felix Montiel in a compromising position during the 195-pound bout of June 3’s “Battle of the Knights.” Fink would pin Montiel in the second period. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Kyle Fink has North Henderson’s Felix Montiel in a compromising position during the 195-pound bout of June 3’s “Battle of the Knights.” Fink would pin Montiel in the second period. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

“The Ville” set to host conference tournament

Kevin Hensley
Friday, June 11, 2021
Robbinsville – The "Battle of the Knights" went to the visitors. Unfortunately, Robbinsville was the host. The Black Knights (16-4) dropped their only match of the week June 3, a 39-28 dual to North Henderson.
Cole Patterson makes sure that Cavan Reed’s clever attempt to avoid the tag is unsuccessful, during Tuesday’s home, regular-season finale against Cherokee. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Cole Patterson makes sure that Cavan Reed’s clever attempt to avoid the tag is unsuccessful, during Tuesday’s home, regular-season finale against Cherokee. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Have bats, will score

Kevin Hensley
Friday, June 11, 2021
Robbinsville – In a miraculous transformation, the Knights came out of a 20-minute rain delay Tuesday to score eight runs. Robbinsville (6-7, 6-7) trailed Cherokee 2-1 in the bottom of the second, when a weather delay halted the game.