News

Have wood, will carve

Robbi Pounds

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Stecoah – Bill Prather of Ol’ Man Hickory has been working with wood since he was a boy. Recently retired, he has dedicated himself to making “all types of creative items, all the way from dining room sets down to children’s wooden toys.

Trees surrounding Lake Santeetlah display some late-blooming fall colors. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Fall color comes late

Robbi Pounds

Thursday, November 7, 2019

As any resident of western North Carolina is aware, fall color has come late to the mountains this year. The combination of record-setting high temperatures in September – along with the drought that followed – both slowed and muted the changing of the leaves.

Fontana welcomes new chef

News Staff

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Fontana Dam – Alex Henry recently joined the team at Fontana Village Resort as the Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Director. He brings with him a passion for fresh food and a creative flair that makes even the most common food seem new and exciting.

Pair of big amendments struck down at meeting

Robbi Pounds

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Robbinsville – Tuesday’s meeting of the Graham County Board of Commissioners included a presentation by Rose Bauguess of the Southwestern Commission Council of Governments and Wanda Austin of Division 14 of the NCDOT.

Brian Cable, Greg Davidson and Carl Ferguson (from left) unload just a small portion of trash collected during last weekend’s Fontana Lakes’ Clean-Up. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

3 days of cleaning

Robbi Pounds

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Fontana – “It’s not my trash, but it is my planet,” said Brandon Jones, manager of the Fontana Village Resort and Marina and co-organizer of the the Fontana Lakes’ 2nd Annual Lake-Shore Cleanup. The clean-up spanned three clear but very crisp days, with volunteers collecting trash from 9 a.m.

Pennsylvania residents Jo and Tony Stefanon (left, center) chat with Texas native Aja Stefanon about the breathtaking views at the Maple Springs Observation Deck. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Observe the beauty

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Cheoah – After a nearly three-year wait, the Maple Springs Observation Deck is back open. Located 6 1/2 miles off the Cherohala Skyway, the scenic views offered by the destination make the site a must-stop for those wanting to take in the beauty of Graham County.

WNC offers admission to community college graduates

Robbi Pounds

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Cullowhee – Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and Southwestern Community College President Don Tomas established the Catamount Compass Program on Oct. 1, which guarantees admission to Western Carolina for all Southwestern graduates who meet certain criteria.

Road repairs coming soon to 129

Robbi Pounds

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Robbinsville – The Town of Robbinsville continued its Oct. 2 meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23. * The board passed a DOT assistance request for $14,795. The request was in regard to the Five Points Intersection repair, as well as patching pavement on Rodney Orr Bypass at El Pacifico restaurant.

Kristie Sluder (far left) poses with her friends at the new Hope Counseling & Recovery Center in Robbinsville.

Bringing 'Hope' to addiction

Ana Williams

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Robbinsville – Kristie Sluder, clinical director of Hope Counseling & Recovery Center, Inc., said their new office has a lot of things to be offered for people who lost hope in their lives and wanted to be free from the bondages of addiction.

Governor forms council to expand film industry

Robbi Pounds

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Wilmington – Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order creating the Governor’s Advisory Council on Film, Television and Digital Streaming on Oct. 22. The 15-person council will spearhead efforts to expand the state’s film industry.