News

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.
Structural issues has given Robbinsville First Baptist Church reason to remove “The Hut” from the property. However, the announcement drew a bevy of criticism. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Structural issues has given Robbinsville First Baptist Church reason to remove “The Hut” from the property. However, the announcement drew a bevy of criticism. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

First Baptist Church seeks to remove ‘The Hut’

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 17, 2023
* Elders explain decision in public letter, page 4 Robbinsville – While the renovations at Big Oaks Stadium this summer led to a spirited debate about where priorities should lie, another location not a ½-mile away has been subjected to the same division.
The 2023 Robbinsville Lady Knights volleyball team is comprised of (from left): assistant coach Kensley Phillips, Ryn Hooper, Liz Carpenter, Claire Barlow, Delaney Brooms, Aubrie Wachacha, Tia Hall, Anna Williams, Olivia Lewis, Suri Watty and head coach Kadey Phillips. Not pictured is assistant coach Dede Brooms. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The 2023 Robbinsville Lady Knights volleyball team is comprised of (from left): assistant coach Kensley Phillips, Ryn Hooper, Liz Carpenter, Claire Barlow, Delaney Brooms, Aubrie Wachacha, Tia Hall, Anna Williams, Olivia Lewis, Suri Watty and head coach Kadey Phillips. Not pictured is assistant coach Dede Brooms. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights embark on conference-title defense

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 10, 2023
* Robbinsville volleyball season preview Robbinsville – For just the second time in program history, the Lady Knights ended a season atop the Smoky Mountain Conference standings.
Though it may appear from this photo that plenty of food is in stock for free distribution at the Five Points Center, there can never be enough for those in need. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Though it may appear from this photo that plenty of food is in stock for free distribution at the Five Points Center, there can never be enough for those in need. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Help is a one-stop shop

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, August 10, 2023
West Fort Hill – Life in a small town is – to many of us – a blessing. But at times, it can be a challenge financially, physically and emotionally. Some of us are blessed with family, neighbors and our local church, or maybe all three.

Beasley resigns as tourism director, chair

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Robbinsville – Citing what she felt was a lack of support from the board of aldermen, Debbie Beasley tendered her resignation from the Robbinsville Tourism Authority during Aug. 2’s town meeting. Beasley was serving the tourism board in a dual capacity: as both the chair and interim director.