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A replica Cherokee winter house stood at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah, Okla. Photo by Cindy Downes/Contributing Photographer

A replica Cherokee winter house stood at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah, Okla. Photo by Cindy Downes/Contributing Photographer

Winter houses helped Cherokee survive cold

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 30, 2020
As winter began to show its teeth over the last few weeks, mountain-dwellers may have felt tempted to crawl in a hole in the ground and not come out until spring.  The instinct to hibernate can be strong this time of year.
Dean Castaldo and his arson companion Dante (right) present a Fire Prevention Class at the Graham County Public Library on Monday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Dean Castaldo and his arson companion Dante (right) present a Fire Prevention Class at the Graham County Public Library on Monday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Arson detection team visits Graham library

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Robbinsville – A very special guest visited the Graham County Public Library on Monday, to help educate members of the 4-H Club during their first meeting of the year.  This visitor detects chemicals from two miles away, helps put arsonists in jail and once proved the FBI wrong.
Jason William Burrell’s five-day crime spree ended Wednesday, Jan. 22, when the Volkswagen he had stolen crashed in Bellvie’s Curve on Junaluska Road in Cherokee County. Photo by Robbi Pounds/rpounds@grahamstar.com

Jason William Burrell’s five-day crime spree ended Wednesday, Jan. 22, when the Volkswagen he had stolen crashed in Bellvie’s Curve on Junaluska Road in Cherokee County. Photo by Robbi Pounds/rpounds@grahamstar.com

Crash ends five-day saga

News Staff
Thursday, January 30, 2020
By Penny Ray and Robbi Pounds Community Newspapers, Inc. Andrews – A five-day caper concluded on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 22, when an armed robbery suspect flipped the getaway car into Junaluska Creek around 1 p.m..  “We took him to the hospital. He’s fine, and he’s in jail,” said Lt.
The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights pose with the 2019-20 championship tournament bracket, moments after defeating the Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Eagles to win the title on Jan. 23 in Hayesville. From left are Dane Knott, Roman Jones, Luke Lovin, Tytan Teesateskie, Donovan Carpenter, Bryce Adams, Zeke Silvers, Xander Wachacha, Quinn Jumper, Andrew Scrivner, Drake Anderson, Austin Colangelo, Hugh Forbes and Isiac Collins. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

The Robbinsville Middle School Black Knights pose with the 2019-20 championship tournament bracket, moments after defeating the Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Eagles to win the title on Jan. 23 in Hayesville. From left are Dane Knott, Roman Jones, Luke Lovin, Tytan Teesateskie, Donovan Carpenter, Bryce Adams, Zeke Silvers, Xander Wachacha, Quinn Jumper, Andrew Scrivner, Drake Anderson, Austin Colangelo, Hugh Forbes and Isiac Collins. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Champions!

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Hayesville – For the first time since 2014, Robbinsville can lay claim to the Smoky Mountain Conference Middle School Title. A 43-41 win over the Hiwassee Dam/Ranger Eagles (No. 3 West seed) Jan. 23 in Hayesville secured the Black Knights’ basketball bragging rights.

'Armed' man arrested on school grounds

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Robbinsville – A 31-year-old man was arrested Friday morning, when officials say he was spotted with a weapon on school grounds. Jesse James Pratt – who gave an address of 22 Doug Sneed Garage Drive in Murphy – was spotted on the campus of Robbinsville’s Four Square Head Start around 8:29 a.m.

General fund at $10 million

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Robbinsville – During Tuesday’s meeting with the Graham County Board of Commissioners, County Manager and Finance Officer Becky Garland was “very proud to report” that Graham County’s general fund holds over $10 million.

Graham shows support for Medicaid expansion

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Raleigh – Graham County Manager Becky Garland and Board of Commissioners Chairman Dale Wiggins made the six-hour drive to Raleigh on Wednesday, Jan. 15, to participate in a press conference addressing the need for Medicaid Expansion.
A celebration of Linda Buchanan’s 31 years of service at Tallulah Health Clinic will take place Saturday at Robbinsville High School. Buchanan is pictured with Dr. Patricia Johnson, who has organized the event.

A celebration of Linda Buchanan’s 31 years of service at Tallulah Health Clinic will take place Saturday at Robbinsville High School. Buchanan is pictured with Dr. Patricia Johnson, who has organized the event.

"Party for Poss" Saturday

News Staff
Thursday, January 23, 2020
By Dr. Patricia Johnson Special to The Graham Star   On Saturday, our community – led by Dr.
Pinto beans are a pivotal part of any Appalachian diet. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Pinto beans are a pivotal part of any Appalachian diet. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Pinto beans, the winter staple

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 23, 2020
“No matter the day, no matter the weather, no matter what else was happening in the world, I was sure of this: cracklin’ cornbread and pinto beans with fat back would always be found in her house.