News

Municipal races finalized

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 24, 2025
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.
Gardening has been a lifelong love for Bear Creek resident Jean Taylor. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

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
Monday, July 21, 2025
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.

Volleyball hosting summer matches

Kevin Hensley
Friday, July 11, 2025
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.
Hugh Orr has a full-time job, tending five gardens in the East Buffalo community. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

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
Friday, July 11, 2025
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.
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

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
Thursday, July 3, 2025
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.
Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley discusses strategy with his players during a timeout at Monday's scrimmage against Murphy. Robbinsville finished its summer with 18 exhibitions under its belt. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley discusses strategy with his players during a timeout at Monday's scrimmage against Murphy. Robbinsville finished its summer with 18 exhibitions under its belt. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Practice makes perfect

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Robbinsville – If Monday's exhibitions are any indication, another Smoky Mountain Conference title could very well be in the immediate future of Black Knights basketball. Hosting Murphy and Andrews for a pair of scrimmages, Robbinsville went through its playbook with a roster of 10 at its disposal.
Lady Vols freshman Zoie Shuler stands at third in Tennessee's third game of the Women's College World Series June 1 against UCLA. Photo courtesy of Kylie Shuler

Lady Vols freshman Zoie Shuler stands at third in Tennessee's third game of the Women's College World Series June 1 against UCLA. Photo courtesy of Kylie Shuler

One story ends, another begins

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 26, 2025
At any given time between May 16 – June 2, one could simply turn on either the Super Regionals or the Women's College World Series and spot a Graham County native on the field.
The Dragon Pit might have a new identity, but the location and menu remain familiar. Former T Dubbs owner Tracy Williams (left) sold the popular barbecue stand to Aaron Bradley in February. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Dragon Pit might have a new identity, but the location and menu remain familiar. Former T Dubbs owner Tracy Williams (left) sold the popular barbecue stand to Aaron Bradley in February. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Different name, same menu

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Robbinsville – Aaron Bradley had no idea what he was getting into when he spotted something on the side of the road and turned his vehicle around some eight years ago. "God works in different ways," Bradley said. "He's got a path for everybody." Bradley was traveling with his family on U.S.

$25M budget adopted

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Robbinsville – Slight alterations are present in the budget adopted by the Graham County Board of Commissioners on Monday.