Opinion

Old Roughy

Marshall McClung
Friday, July 11, 2025
N.C. Forest Service Ranger John McKeldrey fought many fires on Old Roughy. Photo courtesy of N.C. Forest Service Old Roughy is a mountain located along U.S. 129, some six miles north of Robbinsville across from the town of Santeetlah.

Speak up

Eric Reece
Friday, July 11, 2025
As a child, I was watching my grandfather plow with his mule. He would plow a row and holler, “gee,” or “haw,” and turn and plow another.  I asked my father why Papa plowed with a mule when he had a tractor? My father said, “He had a foot in both worlds.

Transparency is key

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Several months ago, I scrambled to take down all the equipment used to livestream a meeting through our  Facebook page. The Graham County Board of Commissioners had entered a closed session, which meant it was time for yours truly to head to the lobby.

Happy times spent in Daddy’s garden

Maeburl Tincher
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of summer is green grass, blue skies, plenty of sunshine and daddy’s garden.  He used to say, “I grow vegetables and Ada grows blossoms – but vegetables taste better than blossoms.
The Young Adult Conservation Corps Trail Crew work on Cedar Top in April 1981. From left are crew leader G.D. Phillips; Kathy Wachacha; and Lorita Wall (Eller). Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

The Young Adult Conservation Corps Trail Crew work on Cedar Top in April 1981. From left are crew leader G.D. Phillips; Kathy Wachacha; and Lorita Wall (Eller). Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

Young Adult Conservation Corps benefitted county, forest service

Marshall McClung
Thursday, June 26, 2025
In 1977, the federal government began a program known as the Young Adult Conservation Corps. The purpose of this program was to provide one year of employment for young people 16-23 years of age on forest conservation projects.

Welcome Father Wasswa to WNC

Eric Reece
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Rev. Father Joseph Wasswa has been appointed by Bishop Michael T. Martin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, to serve as the Parochial Administrator of Holy Redeemer Parish in Andrews and Prince of Peace Mission in Robbinsville.  He will begin his work here on Tuesday, July 8.

History (almost) complete

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 19, 2025
It is no secret that yours truly is on a quest to complete the archives of The Graham Star. When I arrived for duty in August 2019, I was 30 pounds lighter, one hair color darker and without the first nine years of our publication in our bound volumes. As a history buff, this irked me.
Shown atop the Hangover in October 1970 are (front row, from left): Tony Colvard, Jackie Gibbs and Danny Siler. Back row are Marshall Brooks (left) and David Hollifield. Photo courtesy of Hoot Gibbs

Shown atop the Hangover in October 1970 are (front row, from left): Tony Colvard, Jackie Gibbs and Danny Siler. Back row are Marshall Brooks (left) and David Hollifield. Photo courtesy of Hoot Gibbs

Hangover hike was Sunday ritual

Marshall McClung
Thursday, June 12, 2025
A favorite Sunday tradition of Hoot Gibbs and several young boys back in the 1970s was to hike to the Hangover.  This was no ordinary Sunday stroll, as this is a mountain rising 5,160 feet in elevation, located on the dividing ridge between Big Santeetlah and Slickrock.

The Sacred Harp

Eric Reece
Thursday, June 12, 2025
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God" (Colossians 3:16). I was serving in Jackson County when I first heard someone sound out a hymn by shaped-note singing.