Opinion

The Cole Carver Cabin, located off Massey Branch Road.

Land records a source for history

Marshall McClung

Friday, February 17, 2023

Land records – especially older ones – are a good source of local history. This is especially true if you are looking for information on a certain area. That was the case when Hoot Gibbs and I decided to look up the history of a tract of land located in the Massey Branch area.

Paying tribute to African American hymns

Eric Reece

Thursday, February 9, 2023

February is Black History Month. Over the years, I have had the privilege to worship in many African-American churches. As a brother in Christ, they always treated me with honor and respect. There, I first heard the “old lining-out” singing.

Never underestimate the power of the words you use

Scott Kamps

Thursday, February 2, 2023

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” So goes the saying many of us learned in our youth; but anyone who has lived long enough knows the old adage is far from accurately conveying life’s experience in our world.

Civil War left local mysteries

Marshall McClung

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Even though what is now-Graham County did not see any large-scale battles during the Civil War, it certainly did not escape roaming gangs of outlaws – such as the Kirkland Bushwhackers: Captain Tim Lyons, whose group went by the name of Company C, Third Tennessee Mounted Calvary.

A good start

Eric Reece

Thursday, January 26, 2023

In the early years of the Methodist Church in Robbinsville, ministers were often appointed one year at a time. As some churches used to say, “We get the newly-wed or nearly-dead preachers.” Rev. Oscar F.

The Lady Knights’ collaboration of Katie-Lyn Gross, Kensley Phillips, Zoie Shuler and Delaney Brooms (from left) broke the 4x400, indoor-track school record Jan. 11 at Swain County, clocking in with a time of 4:34.98. The previous mark was 4:45.20, set by Ashlyn Waldroup, current coach Kaitlyn Carringer, Meghan Myler and Shawnda Martin during the 2015-16 season. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

400 meters, 4 segments: 1 record obliterated

Kevin Hensley

Friday, January 20, 2023

I’ve often called the 4x400 relay the “most exciting five minutes in sports.” Maybe it is because after three-plus hours, the competition draws a track meet to a close. Maybe it is because it comes after the single-longest track event of the day: the 2-mile run.

Fannie Eller’s homeplace, taken in May 1964. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Neighborhood moms carried us through childhood

Marshall McClung

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Most are familiar with the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child.” There wasn’t a village located in the Atoah section of Graham County where I grew up, but there was a community. All of us kids had several “mothers” scattered throughout Atoah.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

Scott Kamps

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Only two individuals – Martin Luther King, Jr., and Christopher Columbus – have federal holidays in their honor. Both influenced society for better, in significant ways. We ought not hesitate to recognize individuals – even though flawed – who’ve changed the world and emulate the good in them.

Assess how you divide your finances

Eric Reece

Thursday, January 12, 2023

The beginning of the year is a time many take stock of their finances. Last year was a volatile year and this coming year, inflation does not seem to be losing any steam. I remember having conversations with friends talking about having, “More month than money.

The spectacular year of 2022 A.D.

Scott Kamps

Thursday, January 5, 2023

In reflecting on 2022, our nation had a historic year. Hands down, the most-dubious moment of the year came June 24, when the Supreme Court released the Dobbs v. Jackson decision that overturned Roe and Casey, and returned the issue of abortion to the states.