Graduation is still on

Robbinsville – The recent directive by Gov. Roy Cooper – for North Carolina to remain in Phase Two of COVID-19 re-opening protocol – had Graham County seniors fearing the worst. Under Phase Two, mass gatherings are limited to 25 people outdoors and 10 indoors.

Jones resigns as county Sheriff

In a move that caught everyone off guard, Graham County Sheriff Joseph Jones tendered his resignation early Monday afternoon. The action takes effect immediately.

Town of Fontana Dam to operate on interim budget

Fontana Dam – The Local Government Commission has advised one Graham County township to pivot on its budgetary course.

Sparks set to fly on 4th of July

Robbinsville – Just when it looked like the Fourth of July holiday would be without a fireworks display in Graham County, the Town of Robbinsville worked out a deal. Graham County Festivals Director Brian Johnson confirmed a contract with Virginia Skypainters of South Boston, Va.

Local man gets 12 years for sexual abuse

Asheville – A Robbinsville man has been sentenced to 144 months in prison for sexual abuse of a minor. Joseph Dwayne Jumper, 39, received his sentence in U.S. District Court on June 18. Additionally, U.S.

Case count hits 8

Monday’s Graham County COVID-19 case count included the addition of two new confirmed cases over the weekend, bringing the total in Graham to eight. The last confirmed case was announced June 11, which capped off a week of four new cases. Before that, Graham’s last confirmed case was in early May.

Man drowns in Cheoah

Tapoco – The latest Cheoah River Release was marred by tragedy. Around 3 p.m. Saturday, Graham County Emergency Management Services and Rescue Squad personnel responded to a possible drowning neat Bear Creek Falls on the Cheoah River.

Cawthorn wins Republican primary

Madison Cawthorn’s bid for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 11 seat received an overwhelming nod of approval from Republicans on Tuesday night. The Henderson County resident earned a resounding victory over Haywood County’s Lynda Bennett, amassing 30,444 votes (65.

Graham County, Brookfield $71 million apart

Brookfield Renewable Partners has lost its appeal on the values that have been placed on its Graham County assets. The Toronto-based company began the process of appealing to the Graham County Board of Equalization and Review on April 28, with the second conference taking place May 26.

Commissioners adopt $15 million budget

Robbinsville – Graham County will operate on a budget totaling $15,762,076 for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The county’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the budget as presented by county manager Becky Garland at Tuesday’s meeting.