News

The 1982 Robbinsville Black Knights state-championship football team.

3 athletes, 2 teams set to be enshrined

Kevin Hensley

Friday, October 20, 2023

Robbinsville – A pair of hard-nosed gridiron stars; a coach that dared to break down traditional barriers; and teams that rounded out perhaps the dominant run in state history are all set to be recognized for their athletic endeavors.

Members of the Black Knights’ defense – Blake Powers (7), Chase Calhoun (2), Jonah Teesateskie (62) and John Dominguez (74) – crunch Andrews senior running back Dalton Rose during Friday’s homecoming win over the Wildcats. Photos courtesy of Maria Shook Photography

Every Rose has its thorn

Kevin Hensley

Friday, October 20, 2023

Robbinsville – For every question posed by Andrews, the Black Knights had an answer.

A genetic mutation discovered years prior kept Janie Haney mentally preparing for the inevitable. But her breast-cancer diagnosis in 2010 failed to weaken her faith; rather, the battle made her stronger.

Survivors: Janie Haney

Latresa Phillips

Friday, October 20, 2023

Sweetgum – Janie Haney was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45. Even though she had experienced no symptoms, she wasn’t completely surprised with the finding that showed up on her annual mammogram: Haney’s sister Becky had been diagnosed with the same cancer in her 30’s.

No meeting? Let’s talk about fiber!

Ruby Annas

Friday, October 20, 2023

Lake Santeetlah – One local municipality’s council had intentions to hold an official town meeting Oct. 12 – but for the second time in recent memory, the whole council was not present.

Water projects flow forward

Ruby Annas

Friday, October 20, 2023

Robbinsville – The Town of Robbinsville Board of Aldermen held special meetings on Oct. 4 and Oct. 10, with one goal in mind: moving ahead on lingering water-system improvements. The board opened three bids on repairs for Junaluska water tank, with the lowest bid at $88,250 on Oct. 4.

Robbinsville's Donovan Carpenter (11) delivers a handoff to Cuttler Adams during the waning moments of the first half Friday against Andrews. The Black Knights scalded the Wildcats 36-19 on homecoming. Photo courtesy of Maria Shook Photography

Conference champs tamed

Kevin Hensley

Friday, October 13, 2023

Robbinsville – For every question posed by Andrews, Robbinsville had an answer. By the closing moments of the third quarter, the Black Knights had amassed a 36-0 advantage over the visiting Wildcats.

Career bragging rights have been surpassed by a pair of seniors within the last week: Delaney Brooms cleared 1,000 digs and 1,000 kills Oct. 5 at Hayesville. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

2 athletes, 3 milestones

Kevin Hensley

Friday, October 13, 2023

Robbinsville – While sprinting through a hectic stretch of action, two Lady Knights seniors cemented their legacy in Robbinsville volleyball history. Delaney Brooms surpassed 1,000 digs and kills in the same match – a 4-set triumph at Hayesville on Oct.

Dodging steady rainfall for much of the evening proved to be a challenge for both Robbinsville and Murphy on Friday. Here, Bulldogs quarterback Brady Grant could not get enough traction to escape Koleson Dooley (55) and Chase Calhoun (2), as the duo dropped Grant for a sack moments later. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Rainin’ on their parade

Kevin Hensley

Friday, October 13, 2023

The box score from Friday's game. Murphy – There was steady rainfall; tempers flaring on the field; and a thrilling conclusion. In other words, a fitting chapter in the long-standing rivalry between the Robbinsville Black Knights and the Murphy Bulldogs.

Robbinsville Black emerged as champions of the 2023 Smokey Mountain Youth Conference Volleyball Tournament, which was held Saturday at Cherokee. Robbinsville Black swept another Graham County program – Snowbird – to capture the gold. From left are assistant coach Allison Rogers, Mercy Nelms, McKynlee Adams, Natalie Swimmer, Kamry Rogers, Amiyah Collins, head coach Holly Jackson and Lexi Crisp. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights; Lady Warriors; oh my!

Kevin Hensley

Friday, October 13, 2023

Cherokee – All told, three different teams from Graham County suited up for Smokey Mountain Youth Conference volleyball action this season: two from Robbinsville and one representing Snowbird.

Jenkins, Wiggins receive new court dates

Ruby Annas

Friday, October 13, 2023

Robbinsville – A pair of prominent cases received some attention during Monday’s district-court calendar. Among the many defendants present were John Mark Jenkins, 54, of Robbinsville and William Lon Wiggins, 21, of Provo, Utah. Jenkins had his court date changed to Monday, Dec.