News

Earth-moving operations along “Corridor K” have been underway for months, but commuters have reported longer-than-anticipated wait times at the various checkpoints on Sweetwater Road. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Earth-moving operations along “Corridor K” have been underway for months, but commuters have reported longer-than-anticipated wait times at the various checkpoints on Sweetwater Road. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘K’ continues to cause delays

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Commuters and travelers alike have grumbled for months about the delays caused by the “Corridor K” expansion along both N.C. highways 143 (Sweetwater Road) and 28.
Robbinsville’s Fala Welch, Ryn Hooper, Anna Williams, Aubrie Wachacha, Olivia Lewis and Abby Adams (from left) celebrate after the tying run scored in the bottom of the second of May 11’s playoff game against Elkin. Photos by Montana Buchanan/The Graham Star

Robbinsville’s Fala Welch, Ryn Hooper, Anna Williams, Aubrie Wachacha, Olivia Lewis and Abby Adams (from left) celebrate after the tying run scored in the bottom of the second of May 11’s playoff game against Elkin. Photos by Montana Buchanan/The Graham Star

Elks bucked out of postseason

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights were subjected to a scrappy dogfight in round two of the state playoffs, hosting the No. 19-seeded Elkin Buckin’ Elks on May 11. Robbinsville ultimately prevailed 6-4, in a game that reads like the truest definition of a “team” win.

2nd ‘death by distribution’ charges filed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 18, 2023
West Buffalo – For just the second time in history, charges of “death by distribution” have been filed in Graham County, after a local man overdosed on a lethal combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine last year.
Freshman Lady Knight Anna Williams turns on a pitch during May 11's home playoff game against Elkin. Photo by Montana Buchanan/The Graham Star

Freshman Lady Knight Anna Williams turns on a pitch during May 11's home playoff game against Elkin. Photo by Montana Buchanan/The Graham Star

Lady Knights continue postseason run

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights ran into a Division I-committed pitcher and a potent Union Academy offense in the third round of the state playoffs Wednesday, as Gracie Hollingsworth both homered and struck out 11 Robbinsville batters in a 10-1 loss on Judy Nichols Memorial Field. Robbinsville (No.
Lady Knights senior Desta Trammell was named as the 2023 Wells Fargo Advisors/Aiken, Meyer, Whatley Division II Female Athlete of the Year, Major Sport at Sunday’s WNC Sports Awards Banquet. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights senior Desta Trammell was named as the 2023 Wells Fargo Advisors/Aiken, Meyer, Whatley Division II Female Athlete of the Year, Major Sport at Sunday’s WNC Sports Awards Banquet. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Shuler, Trammell honored as best in WNC

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 15, 2023
Asheville – Sunday’s 61st WNC Sports Awards Banquet simply confirmed to the rest of Western North Carolina what the Knights’ fanbase already knew: Zoie Shuler and Desta Trammell are two of the most elite athletes to ever wear a Robbinsville uniform.

Knights fall in finale

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 15, 2023
Hayesville – The 2023 Robbinsville High School baseball season will always be the year remembered for a near-miraculous turnaround.
Haden Key signed to play football at Brevard College on May 3. Sitting with Key are his mother Joanna and coach Wren Millsaps. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Haden Key signed to play football at Brevard College on May 3. Sitting with Key are his mother Joanna and coach Wren Millsaps. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Key opens next door

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 15, 2023
Robbinsville – Perhaps the most important players on the gridiron rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve.
Desta Trammell signed to play basketball at Lenoir-Rhyne University on May 3. Seated with her are mother Kimm (left) and father Ritchie. Standing in back (from left) are cousin Shayla Bush, grandmother Beverly Camden, grandfather Wesley Trammell and grandmother Lib Trammell. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Desta Trammell signed to play basketball at Lenoir-Rhyne University on May 3. Seated with her are mother Kimm (left) and father Ritchie. Standing in back (from left) are cousin Shayla Bush, grandmother Beverly Camden, grandfather Wesley Trammell and grandmother Lib Trammell. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Grin and Bear it

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 15, 2023
Robbinsville – It was really just a formality. After all, Desta Trammell has known for years that she wanted to play for the Lenoir-Rhyne University Lady Bears, a NCAA Division II program out of Hickory. She entertained offers from six different institutions.
Brock Adams and Zoie Shuler were named the respective Male and Female Most Outstanding athletes of the 2023 Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet, which was held May 3 at Cherokee. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Brock Adams and Zoie Shuler were named the respective Male and Female Most Outstanding athletes of the 2023 Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet, which was held May 3 at Cherokee. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Against the wind

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 15, 2023
Cherokee – Between just two Robbinsville High athletes, five total Most Outstanding Athlete of the Smoky Mountain Conference Track & Field Championship Meet distinctions exist. There was really no need to have a coaches poll at the conclusion of May 3’s meet: their results spoke for themselves.