Town holds 1st council meeting in months
Kevin Hensley
Fontana Dam – After lying dormant for almost four months, the town held a council meeting last week.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
News
Scott Roper has a long-standing tradition of involving his grandchildren in helping with his garden. Five years ago, he proudly brought along Lennox Burke for a ride on his tractor.
Bountiful harvest
Latresa Phillips
Scott Roper's garden: a product of hard work and what Roper attributes to help from God.
East Buffalo – Sundays and Wednesdays are not the only busy days of the week for Scott Roper, pastor of Lone Oak Baptist Church.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
County officials voted Friday to temporarily close the booking office at the Graham County Detention Center, in order to eradicate lead-based paint inside the facility. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com
Portion of jail to close for repair
Kevin Hensley
Robbinsville – Though it remains unclear exactly when efforts will begin, the Graham County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Friday to move those employed inside the detention center to a different location inside the courthouse while crews work to remediate lead-based paint in the...
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Raymond Norton fell in love with farming at an early age. Retirement has only given him more time to work at the hobby he loves. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star
Life on the farm
Latresa Phillips
* 4th in a 5-part series
Mill Creek – If you are a farmer in Graham County, there is a good chance Raymond Norton is a familiar name.
Norton has been farming and helping farmers of Graham County for 55 years, with 30 years spent working for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Office.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Municipal races finalized
Kevin Hensley
A total of 20 local residents threw their names in the hat for the 2025 municipal elections.
The filing period closed at noon Friday, with the following candidates emerging as contenders for the Nov. 4 ballot.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Customer calls for Milltown upgrades
Kevin Hensley
Robbinsville – The county seat has been proactive over the last several years, making much-needed upgrades to outdated portions of its water and sewer system.
Monday, July 21, 2025
Gardening has been a lifelong love for Bear Creek resident Jean Taylor. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star
Big garden, big heart
Latresa Phillips
Bear Creek – Jean Taylor can be described as an experienced gardener, an entrepreneur and someone who preserves history.
“I’ve experienced gardening since before I started school,” Taylor said.
Monday, July 21, 2025
Volleyball hosting summer matches
Kevin Hensley
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights are opening the doors of the high school gym this month for a program fundraiser.
Athletes in grades K-4 can register for practices and matches that will occur every respective Monday and Tuesday throughout the month.
Friday, July 11, 2025
Hugh Orr has a full-time job, tending five gardens in the East Buffalo community. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star
1 man, 5 gardens
Latresa Phillips
East Buffalo – What started out as a hobby for Hugh Darold Orr has turned into a full-time job.
For the past 25 years of retirement, Orr has enjoyed planting a garden or two and watching it grow. He shares with neighbors and friends.
Friday, July 11, 2025
Even at the age of 87, James Crisp works with his wife Sara to raise a garden each year that catches the eye of anyone who turns onto Mill Creek Circle. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star
Bountiful blessings
Latresa Phillips
Mill Creek – Just off Tallulah Road, you will find the home of James and Sara Crisp.
You don’t have to see their name on the mailbox to know you have arrived at their residence.
Thursday, July 3, 2025