News

Fire, rescue squads have busy weekend

Marshall McClung
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Last weekend proved to be a busy time for local fire and rescue personnel. Graham County Rescue Squad members responded to the Appalachian Trail in Graham County on Saturday, to help locate a hiker around 1:15 p.m. Saturday.
A crack monitor measures the expansion around the foundation of Robbinsville Elementary School’s gymnasium. The facility has been closed since late February, when Graham County School officials began to notice the floor was beginning to shift. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

A crack monitor measures the expansion around the foundation of Robbinsville Elementary School’s gymnasium. The facility has been closed since late February, when Graham County School officials began to notice the floor was beginning to shift. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Gym foundation source of major concern

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Robbinsville – Some three months after the discovery of a potentially hazardous situation, Graham County School officials remain baffled.
Robbinsville High School graduates begin celebrating their achievement at the end of Sunday’s commencement. For more photos from the evening, see page 3. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville High School graduates begin celebrating their achievement at the end of Sunday’s commencement. For more photos from the evening, see page 3. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Starting a new chapter

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Robbinsville – The Robbinsville High School Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement on Sunday, inside Big Oaks Stadium.  The Class of 2021 included 88 graduates and was led by Valedictorian Dalson Jordan and Salutatorian Kolby Brooks.
Jason Duke (left) takes the oath of office from Town of Fontana Dam Administrator Zelerie Rogers at the May 19 council meeting. With the addition of Duke, the town council is back at its full, five-member complement. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Jason Duke (left) takes the oath of office from Town of Fontana Dam Administrator Zelerie Rogers at the May 19 council meeting. With the addition of Duke, the town council is back at its full, five-member complement. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Fontana council fills vacancy

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Fontana Dam – One county township is once again operating with a complete board.  The Town of Fontana Dam Council is back at full strength, following the swearing-in of Jason Duke at its May 19 regular meeting.

Budget process underway

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Robbinsville – As budget season begins, Graham County has heard some good news on its potential 2021-22 budget.  County finance officer Becky Garland told the Graham County Board of Commissioners that the county would likely have a surplus for the first time in a dozen years.
More than 120 citizens joined N.C. Senate Representative Kevin Corbin, District Attorney Ashley Welch and N.C. House Representative Karl Gillespie (seated, front) Friday, for a town hall concerning Graham County’s rampant drug issue. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

More than 120 citizens joined N.C. Senate Representative Kevin Corbin, District Attorney Ashley Welch and N.C. House Representative Karl Gillespie (seated, front) Friday, for a town hall concerning Graham County’s rampant drug issue. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

'We need a miracle'

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Robbinsville – A coalition hoping to shed light on the worsening substance problem in Graham County held its first official meeting in the Robbinsville High School gymansium on Friday.
Robbinsville freshman Zoie Shuler eyes a throw to first base during April 28’s home game against Rosman. Shuler led the Lady Knights this season with 25 defensive assists. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville freshman Zoie Shuler eyes a throw to first base during April 28’s home game against Rosman. Shuler led the Lady Knights this season with 25 defensive assists. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

7 Lady Knights get All-Conference nod

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 21, 2021
With the conclusion of the 2021 high school softball season occurring over the weekend, the Smoky Mountain Conference has released its All-Conference list. As expected, the line-up is full of Robbinsville Lady Knights.
Avery Webster connects for an RBI single during the May 13 win over Cherokee. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Avery Webster connects for an RBI single during the May 13 win over Cherokee. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights thump Cherokee in season finale

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – The middle school Black Knights finished their abbreviated season on a high note Friday, knocking off visiting Cherokee 19-6. “I’m happy that this group got to finish their season at home, with a win,” said Robbinsville head coach Tommy Adams. “They deserve it.
Robbinsville’s Alexis Panama maintains top control over Swain County’s Owen Craig during May 13’s match with the Maroon Devils. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Alexis Panama maintains top control over Swain County’s Owen Craig during May 13’s match with the Maroon Devils. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Exorcising the demons

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – The two toughest programs in the Smoky Mountain Conference met head-to-head May 13. And at the end of the match, it was clear who was the top dog. Robbinsville (10-3) more than took care of business against the Swain County Maroon Devils, handing the visitors a 63-10 loss.
Robbinsville’s Cole Patterson crouches in preparation of thwarting Andrews’ A.J. Weaver on a stolen base attempt during May 11’s road game against the Wildcats. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Robbinsville’s Cole Patterson crouches in preparation of thwarting Andrews’ A.J. Weaver on a stolen base attempt during May 11’s road game against the Wildcats. Photos by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Knights stung by Jackets

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – Despite 12 strikeouts, Hayesville prevailed. The Black Knights (3-4, 3-4) were shutout in their first pairing against the Smoky Mountain Conference-leading Yellow Jackets (6-0, 6-0) on Tuesday, mustering just five hits in a 3-0 loss.