Opinion

5-year check-up, according to AI

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Five years and 30 pounds ago, a sprightly 30-year-old sat nervously as his supervisor conducted a budget meeting with the staff of The Graham Star. Introductions were made and … my boss left me to it.

Links laid well before Skyway

Marshall McClung

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Robbinsville and Tellico Plains were connected in other ways long before the Cherohala Skyway was constructed. In fact, they were connected by a narrow gravel road that ran through the mountains from Stratton Meadows (also called John Meadows) on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line.

‘Pursuit of happiness’ has deep roots

Scott Kamps

Thursday, August 1, 2024

* 1st in a 3-part series What is the unalienable right of “the pursuit of happiness,” from the Declaration of Independence? The vast majority of Americans seem to assume that happiness flows from the accumulation of things, money or some other source of short-term pleasure.

‘Deference’ seems to have shifted

Lynne Stevens

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Let’s talk about Chevron! No, it’s not a gas station – but a court case that will directly affect your life likely for decades: Chevron USA Inc. vs. Natural Resources Defense Counsel Inc. In recent years, I tried to warn anyone who will listen how dangerous this Supreme Court is and why.

Treat one another with ‘lovingkindness’

Eric Reece

Thursday, July 25, 2024

One of King David’s well known Psalms is chapter 51. It begins, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness.” It was Miles Coverdale’s translation of the Hebrew word chesed – or hesed as lovingkindness that the King James version used.

Catching glimpses of the Smoky Mountain Tours Company’s limo-esque vehicles traversing through Graham County was not an uncommon sight during the writer’s childhood.

Fetching the mail

Maeburl Tincher

Thursday, July 25, 2024

In the summer months, Momma would send me to fetch the mail at the mouth of Jutts Creek. I loved this chore, because it afforded me the opportunity to visit with neighbors, friends and relatives. There was always the chance for a good laugh or a mindful conversation.

The U.S. Forest Service “Hotshot” fire crew inside the Angeles National Forest, 1979. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Fire camp memories linger

Marshall McClung

Thursday, July 25, 2024

During my 50 combined years of fighting forest fires with both the United States and North Carolina Forest services, I spent a lot of time on large forest fires in the Western United States. Many of them were in excess of 100,000 acres in size.

We can’t lose Social Security, Medicare

Lynne Stevens

Thursday, July 18, 2024

On July 30, 1965, Democratic President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law in a non-partisan vote. In 1972, Republican President Richard Nixon expanded Medicare to include end stage renal treatment and included long term disability coverage. Social Security was signed into law on Aug.

‘Livin’ right and bein’ free’

Scott Kamps

Thursday, July 18, 2024

An important truth is freedom isn’t for everyone; not everyone can/should be free. While this might sound controversial as we celebrate liberty this month, it’s common sense. If you’ve ever taken a toddler to a potluck, you know this experientially.

County residents first gathered for meeting at Sweetwater Baptist Church in 1873. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Sweetwater Baptist a long-time congregation

Eric Reece

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Where Beech Creek and Sweetwater Creek meet in the Cheoah Valley is a majestic hallowed sanctuary, Sweetwater Baptist Church. This congregation was organized in 1873 to serve the people of the community.