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The intersection of Rodney Orr Bypass and Laura Street will be busier than ever next year, thanks to the addition of a 32,000 square-foot retail store that will occupy the space on the left. The upgraded buildings on the right will serve as an annex of the effort. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The intersection of Rodney Orr Bypass and Laura Street will be busier than ever next year, thanks to the addition of a 32,000 square-foot retail store that will occupy the space on the left. The upgraded buildings on the right will serve as an annex of the effort. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Changes ahead at 'Conley's Corner'

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Robbinsville – Passers-by have no doubt see the upgraded aesthetics to buildings along the southbound lane of Rodney Orr Bypass, near Laura Street. There's more on the horizon than just a fresh paint job, as local business Lovin Contracting is expanding its footprint.
Naomi Taylor wrapped up her career with the Robbinsville Lady Knights in Friday’s second-round playoff loss to South Stokes. The Maryville College-commit homered at the plate and finished the year with a 1.53 ERA inside the circle. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Naomi Taylor wrapped up her career with the Robbinsville Lady Knights in Friday’s second-round playoff loss to South Stokes. The Maryville College-commit homered at the plate and finished the year with a 1.53 ERA inside the circle. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Sauras spoil season – again

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Robbinsville – South Stokes cannot reclassify to a 2A program quickly enough.
Senior Quinn Jumper finished with a .411 average in 2025, leading the Black Knights in that category. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Senior Quinn Jumper finished with a .411 average in 2025, leading the Black Knights in that category. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Diamond Knights shine in season finale

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Cherokee – Despite being left out of the playoffs this season, the Black Knights had plenty to hang their hats on after May 1's season finale.
The Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights repeated as Smoky Mountain Conference champions this season. All names are listed from left. Front row: Bella Ford, Mylee Webster, Aaliyah Wolfe, Lakelynn Drake, Makenna Stewart and Lakin Orr. Second row: Allie Phillips, Balee Odom, Ophelia Beasley, Bristol Odom and Bently Lambert. Third row: Ty Chekelelee, Haizleigh Driver, Ella Nelms, Natalee Myers and Myah Winfrey. Back row: Assistant coach Ivy Odom, manager Caislee Lane and head coach Lauren Silvers.

The Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights repeated as Smoky Mountain Conference champions this season. All names are listed from left. Front row: Bella Ford, Mylee Webster, Aaliyah Wolfe, Lakelynn Drake, Makenna Stewart and Lakin Orr. Second row: Allie Phillips, Balee Odom, Ophelia Beasley, Bristol Odom and Bently Lambert. Third row: Ty Chekelelee, Haizleigh Driver, Ella Nelms, Natalee Myers and Myah Winfrey. Back row: Assistant coach Ivy Odom, manager Caislee Lane and head coach Lauren Silvers.

Lady Knights back at the mountaintop

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Robbinsville – Last year's middle school softball team had seven players who are now competing in the varsity ranks. The 2024 squad was the first to win a divisional title for Robbinsville since 2017.
Members of the Stecoah JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program kept attendees entertained at Saturday's SpringFest. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Members of the Stecoah JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program kept attendees entertained at Saturday's SpringFest. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Spring has sprung

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, May 8, 2025
N.C. Forest Service Ranger Frank Cline and Smokey the Bear were on-hand for Saturday's SpringFest. Stecoah – Visitors did not let the rain spoil their plans to attend this year’s Smoky Mountain SpringFest, which was held Saturday at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.

Unattended campfire spreads into woods

Marshall McClung
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Milltown – Despite recent rains and a rapid greening of woodlands, the spring fire season is still with us at least for a while. Local firefighters with Graham County Fire and Rescue – as well as the N.C. and U.S. Forest services – responded to a small brush fire around 5:10 p.m., April 30.
Sydney Adams was 1-of-4 Lady Knights to double in Tuesday’s 15-0, first-round playoff rout of Mitchell. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Sydney Adams was 1-of-4 Lady Knights to double in Tuesday’s 15-0, first-round playoff rout of Mitchell. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Mountaineers conquered

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights spent more time scoring runs in the bottom of the first Tuesday than the visitors did warming up for the game.
Lexie Williams, Sydney Adams and Anna Williams (from left) complete their outfield warm-ups in a unique manner prior to Tuesday's first-round playoff game against Mitchell. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Lexie Williams, Sydney Adams and Anna Williams (from left) complete their outfield warm-ups in a unique manner prior to Tuesday's first-round playoff game against Mitchell. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Lady Knights continue 2025 playoff journey

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights' hopes of a state championship will have to wait at least one more year. Hosting the South Stokes Sauras (No. 13 seed, 17-8) in the second round of the postseason Friday, Robbinsville (No.
Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor signed to play with Maryville College on Monday. Seated with Naomi are father Bo (left) and mother Esther. Standing in back are grandparents Joyce and Bob Taylor. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor signed to play with Maryville College on Monday. Seated with Naomi are father Bo (left) and mother Esther. Standing in back are grandparents Joyce and Bob Taylor. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Taylor-made decision

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 2, 2025
Robbinsville – The softball career of Naomi Taylor will continue beyond high school. The ace of the Lady Knights' rotation signed Monday with Maryville (Tenn.) College, an NCAA Division III program connected directly to Robbinsville via U.S. 129.