The constant need for evolution is pertinent to the continued success of quality journalism.
That rings true, even in our little corner of southwestern North Carolina.
As publisher/editor of The Graham Star, I am often tasked with penning reflective, sentimental, feel-good columns about the current state of the county’s lone media outlet.
But after a while, it becomes a challenge to develop a new angle on such an unwavering topic.
When Gene Robinson launched The Graham Star, it was June 24, 1955. Dwight D. Eisenhower was president and one year away from signing the Federal Aid Highway Act, which opened the door for Interstate 40 to be built. The 1950 U.S. Census estimated 6,873 residents in Graham County, while the county itself had just went dry seven years prior.
Suffice to say, a lot has changed. Twelve more presidents have been sworn into office. Graham County has grown – a little (by about roughly 1,200, according to 2020 census figures). And as of November 2021, it is legal to sell unfortified wine and malt beverages within Robbinsville’s town limits, which – coupled with resorts at outlying points in the county already selling alcohol – bumped our official designation from “dry” to “moist.”
But through all the change, there has been one constant: The Graham Star.
Selfishly, I long to add the first eight years of our publication to our expansive archive shelf in the office for reflection and research, but there is little doubt in my mind that the news of 1955 was being covered just as well as it is today.
The product you hold in your hands – or view on your computer each week, depending on your preference – consistently provides unparalleled news coverage from around Graham County (that has a nice ring to it; feels like I have heard it before), week in and week out.
And we are not through yet.
This week’s edition ushers in the release of our latest installment of I Love Graham County, our annual information guide magazine that – again – constantly evolves and improves with each passing year.
You might have also noted a new font adorning the top of the front page – known in the newspaper world as a “masthead” – just to freshen things up.
So what lies ahead? More of the same … and, yet, more of the new.
For example, our five-part “Green Thumbs” series was a hit last July, so it will return in two weeks. Similar profiles on the greatest part of our county – our people – are in the works.
Faithful readers can expect more of a voice from myself and Staff Writer Randy Foster on local issues here on page 4 – something that is long overdue – and of course, even more quality, hard-hitting journalism on topics that others can only hope to imitate, but certainly not duplicate.
Along the way, we may call some audibles, where it be in print, our website or on social media.
There is a lot of trial and error in this business, but strap in: our 67th trip around the sun is going to be a fun ride.
As always, thanks for reading.
Kevin Hensley is the publisher/editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached via phone, 828-479-3383; email, editor@grahamstar.com; and on Twitter, @KevinHensleyCNI.