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Paramedic Jay Chastain, EMT Jon Marsh and Graham County EMS Captain/Paramedic Leon Allen (from left) stand with several recent purchases the county has made to better serve first responders when called into service. In totality, the items pictured are worth over $80,000. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Paramedic Jay Chastain, EMT Jon Marsh and Graham County EMS Captain/Paramedic Leon Allen (from left) stand with several recent purchases the county has made to better serve first responders when called into service. In totality, the items pictured are worth over $80,000. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

24 hours of bravery

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 31, 2023
* Editor’s note: Graham County EMS Director Brian Stevens proposed a day of shadowing with those who work to save lives on a daily basis. This is a first-hand account from spending over half of a 24-hour shift with a rotation.

Precinct judges named

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Robbinsville – Ahead of two municipal contests rapidly approaching in Graham County, the local board of elections announced its selections for officials at the four precincts Monday.
Donovan Carpenter unleashes a pass during the first half of Friday's 26-0 rout over Franklin. Photo by Danielle Crabtree/The Graham Star

Donovan Carpenter unleashes a pass during the first half of Friday's 26-0 rout over Franklin. Photo by Danielle Crabtree/The Graham Star

Knights stifle Panthers on Youth Recognition Night

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 25, 2023
Robbinsville – On a night where the stars of tomorrow received pre-game acknowledgement, the Black Knights showed what the expectations are once you reach the high-school level.
Senior outside hitter Delaney Brooms rises for a spike Monday against Hiwassee Dam. Her kills were too much for the Lady Eagles to handle in the match – especially in the clinching set. Photo by Danielle Crabtree/The Graham Star

Senior outside hitter Delaney Brooms rises for a spike Monday against Hiwassee Dam. Her kills were too much for the Lady Eagles to handle in the match – especially in the clinching set. Photo by Danielle Crabtree/The Graham Star

Little Smoky Smackdown

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 25, 2023
The latest Robbinsville volleyball slate can be simplified as a cliche from another sport: nine up, nine down.
The 2023 Robbinsville High School cross-country team is comprised of (front row, from left): Skyler Oliver, Abby Wehr, Cassidy Kirkland, Kamree Oliver, Matilda Wehr and Oliver Wehr; (back row, from left): assistant coach Jessica Wehr, Zeb Stewart, Bruce Helms, Colt Colvin, assistant coach Sunny Pringle and head coach Emily Wehr. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The 2023 Robbinsville High School cross-country team is comprised of (front row, from left): Skyler Oliver, Abby Wehr, Cassidy Kirkland, Kamree Oliver, Matilda Wehr and Oliver Wehr; (back row, from left): assistant coach Jessica Wehr, Zeb Stewart, Bruce Helms, Colt Colvin, assistant coach Sunny Pringle and head coach Emily Wehr. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights set new pace with new coaches

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 25, 2023
* Robbinsville cross country season preview Robbinsville – Numbers may be low, but the Black Knights are used to defying expectations. A new variable in the equation looks to make success this year more seamless.

Last-second heroics stun Cougars

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 25, 2023
Robbinsville – In the first game contested with new seating hovering above the home sideline, the junior varsity Black Knights showed why a venture to their Thursday-night outings can prove to be just as thrilling as the rush felt on Fridays.
Robbinsville coaches Randy Moody, Lucas Ford and Dee Walsh (clockwise, from left) all commend senior Chase Calhoun (2) after his pivotal fourth-down tackle Friday against East Surry, which solidified a crucial goal-line stand for the Black Knights in the season-opening victory. Photo by Danielle Crabtree/The Graham Star

Robbinsville coaches Randy Moody, Lucas Ford and Dee Walsh (clockwise, from left) all commend senior Chase Calhoun (2) after his pivotal fourth-down tackle Friday against East Surry, which solidified a crucial goal-line stand for the Black Knights in the season-opening victory. Photo by Danielle Crabtree/The Graham Star

Doubters silenced

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 25, 2023
Robbinsville – It did not take long for the Knights to become accustomed to the unique atmosphere under the Big Oaks this year. Cuttler Adams trampled his way to three rushing touchdowns, while tacking on a 73-yard scoring reception and an interception to aid the cause.
Just 5 ½ months after Dr. David Booth took over as the lessee for Graham County Urgent Care & Family Practice, murmurs began to spread about a possible closure. The rumors were confirmed by local officials Aug. 17. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Just 5 ½ months after Dr. David Booth took over as the lessee for Graham County Urgent Care & Family Practice, murmurs began to spread about a possible closure. The rumors were confirmed by local officials Aug. 17. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Urgent care closing

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 25, 2023
Robbinsville – For the second time in 2023, the doors to urgent care will be locked. This time, the closure will last a bit longer – but Graham County has assured the pause is only temporary. In an official letter released by the Graham County Board of Commissioners on Aug.
Tanner Hedden (10) weaves through traffic during Friday’s season opener against East Surry. Photo courtesy of Danielle Crabtree

Tanner Hedden (10) weaves through traffic during Friday’s season opener against East Surry. Photo courtesy of Danielle Crabtree

Black Knights pour on in season opener

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 18, 2023
Robbinsville — It did not take long for the Knights to become accustomed to the unique atmosphere under the Big Oaks this year. Cuttler Adams trampled his way to three rushing touchdowns, while tacking on a 73-yard scoring reception and an interception to aid the cause.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights celebrate moments after clinching a 5-set comeback win Tuesday against Asheville. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Lady Knights celebrate moments after clinching a 5-set comeback win Tuesday against Asheville. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

‘Quit’ is not in their vocabulary

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Novie Dutcher prepares to serve during Tuesday’s JV match against the Lady Cougars. Robbinsville – Somebody forgot to tell the Lady Knights that 2-0 deficits do not often play in their favor.