News

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.

Baseline results look good for local town

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
Lake Santeetlah – A baseline has been established for a new water quality testing program, and the results look good. At its meeting on May 13, the Town of Lake Santeetlah’s council heard an update on the program from Councilman Roger Carlton, who is spearheading it.  “We’re clean,” Carlton said.
Debbie Buchanan and her one-year-old niece, Sadie Buchanan, check out a hot rod on display at Saturday’s Drag-on Car Show. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Debbie Buchanan and her one-year-old niece, Sadie Buchanan, check out a hot rod on display at Saturday’s Drag-on Car Show. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Get your motor runnin’

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – Gearheads from across the region had a chance to come together and show off their rides Saturday at the Drag-On Car Show, hosted by the Robbinsville Tourism Authority.
Robbinsville High School Valedictorian Dalson Jordan (left) and Salutatorian Kolby Brooks have been close friends throughout their entire school careers. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville High School Valedictorian Dalson Jordan (left) and Salutatorian Kolby Brooks have been close friends throughout their entire school careers. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Good students; better friends

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
Robbinsville – When the Class of 2021 walks across the stage on Sunday, it will be led by two longtime best friends.  Carrying with them a list of impressive accolades, Robbinsville High School’s Dalson Jordan and Kolby Brooks will serve as respective valedictorian and salutatorian of the class.

Friends, colleagues remember former commissioner, manager

Charlie Benton
Friday, May 21, 2021
West Fort Hill – An iconic presence in Graham County recently passed away. Former County Manager and longtime County Commissioner Raymond Williams died on May 7. Williams was heavily involved in the community and was known to many as “Big Bird.” In addition to his civic responsibilities.