News

This sharps container at a local playground was allegedly broken into March 9, with used needles from the box left scattered on the ground. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Local man charged with vandalizing needle box

Kevin Hensley

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Robbinsville – A resident allegedly broke into a sharps container at a local park and left used needles on the ground, leading to his arrest four days after the discovery.

Lady Knight Ella Nelms has struck out a combined 18 batters in her first two starts of the 2025 season. Photo by Kyla Garland/The Graham Star

Middle school girls rally to beat Devils

Kevin Hensley

Friday, March 14, 2025

Bryson City – Trailing Swain County 5-3 at the dawn of the seventh Friday, Robbinsville (2-0) manufactured a four-run rally to pull ahead of the hosts and cement a season sweep over the stunned Lady Devils by picking up a 7-5 road victory.

Avery Webster makes a running catch in right field Monday against Rosman. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Black Knights drop slugfests

Kevin Hensley

Friday, March 14, 2025

Robbinsville – Even with 20 combined runs in their last two games, the Black Knights are still on a quest for win No. 1 this season.

Dreylee Webster drives the ball during Friday’s loss to Enka. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Lady Knights split 3A slate

Kevin Hensley

Friday, March 14, 2025

Webster – Fresh off the losing end of a pitching duel, the Lady Knights took out their frustrations in a three-inning road game Monday. Carrying a 3-2 lead as the game went into the top of the third, Robbinsville took off the kiddie gloves and unloaded 14 runs on Smoky Mountain.

Fontana Ventures responds to council’s allegations

Kevin Hensley

Friday, March 14, 2025

Fontana Dam – Amid rampant speculation that a county municipality could cease to exist in just a few months, the lessee of a popular local resort appeared at a recent council meeting. The first 15 minutes of Feb. 26’s Town of Fontana Dam assembly were arguably the most contentious on record.

As part of a statewide initiative, Robbinsville Elementary School teacher Robin Welker will travel to the Netherlands this summer. Photo courtesy of Latesha Wiggins/Graham County Schools

Broad horizons

Latresa Phillips

Friday, March 14, 2025

Robbinsville – Third grade teacher Robin Welker is brushing up on her Dutch. As one of the Global Leaders recognized by the state of North Carolina, the language will come in handy in June – when she and other Global Leaders across the state will travel to the Netherlands.

Rylen Orr was named the Opening Day starter for the Robbinsville Black Knights in Feb. 27’s season debut at Towns County, Ga. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights begin season with tough losses

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Benton Gibby fires the ball from the warning track during Monday’s home opener against Towns County. Photo by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star Hiawassee, Ga.

Naomi Taylor delivers a pitch during Tuesday’s season opener against Polk County. The senior hurler finished the game with 10 strikeouts. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights zing Wolverines in season debut

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Robbinsville – Strong hitting combined with strong pitching to create a resounding season opener for Robbinsville softball Tuesday. Hosting the previously-undefeated Polk County Lady Wolverines, the Lady Knights delivered a quick dose of reality to the visitors with a four-run first inning.

A U.S. Forest Service helicopter drops water on a brush fire off Gunter Gap Road on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Jade Teasdale/U.S. Forest Service

Fires pop up across county

Marshall McClung

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Despite dry, windy conditions and burn bans across the region, debris fires were set in Graham County during the last week – resulting in crews staying more than active.

SROs shift to sheriff’s office

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Robbinsville – In a complete 180-degree turn from events that transpired just one year ago, Graham County Schools will shift the oversight of its resource officers to the sheriff’s office.