Opinion

Western fires share local connection

Marshall McClung
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Readers are no doubt aware of all the large wildfires that have burned most of the summer in the western states.  They may not be as aware that there is a long-standing connection with firefighters in Graham County.

The fallout from Copenhagen

Maeburl Tincher
Thursday, September 5, 2024
My family lived on Anthony Branch for several years before moving to Jutts Creek. My best friend at the time was Grace West. Almost every day, we got off the school bus together where U.S. Highway 129 and Jack Branch Road intersected. The picturesque Bob West Farm also ran alongside Jack Branch.

The pursuit of happiness and education

Scott Kamps
Thursday, August 29, 2024
* Final in a 3-part series Our founders “pursuit of happiness” was the quest for the good/virtuous life.    Virtue wasn’t viewed merely as an individual pursuit not affecting others; it was a necessity for a functioning republic.

Gorilla in the room

Lynne Stevens
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Why is it for the last decades we still have a 500-pound gorilla in every political room; not just in the United States, but all over the world? The gorilla has divided cultures in European countries, overwhelmed human resources and created divisions everywhere.

Never forget that prayer is a privilege most do not have

Eric Reece
Thursday, August 22, 2024
In recent months, I have felt it necessary to spend more time in prayer.  Whether it is the state of things in society – or the constant concern for people who are in my heart – I have appreciated the words of the Apostle who wrote, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Meeting up with Matthew Osborne and his son Cal for a pro wrestling show in Greenville on July 31 felt like just another day in our fandom. There was no indication that it was the last time we would all be together. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Meeting up with Matthew Osborne and his son Cal for a pro wrestling show in Greenville on July 31 felt like just another day in our fandom. There was no indication that it was the last time we would all be together. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Newspapers and Arnold Palmers: so long, Matthew

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Where do I even begin? There is no way to properly summarize the positive influence Matthew Osborne had on me as an editor, colleague and, most importantly, a friend.
Ferd Colvin in the Hemlock Fire Lookout, c. 1930. Photo courtesy of Pam Hall Mathews/Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center

Ferd Colvin in the Hemlock Fire Lookout, c. 1930. Photo courtesy of Pam Hall Mathews/Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center

Tower operator led to crash discovery

Marshall McClung
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Ferd Colvin began his career with the U.S. Forest Service in 1928 on the Tellico Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest, located in eastern Tennessee. Colvin served as the lookout in the Hemlock Fire Tower near Eagle Gap until near his death on Dec. 26, 1945.

Lessons to be learned from ‘down under’

Lynne Stevens
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Everyone has had a moment in time from childhood when we did wrong and had to face the music and pay the piper.  When I was a kid in elementary school, we were having afternoon snacks and my classmate said something I didn’t like.

AdventHealth continues long tradition

Eric Reece
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Jesus was a healer. Healing the illnesses of men, women and children were born out of His compassion for people. He did not want people to suffer unnecessarily.  These signs opened the hearts and minds of people when they realized that they too could be healed in body and mind by God’s mercy.