Calling for more individual holidays

Does Christopher Columbus still matter? Is he worth celebrating after 530 years? We need to sort through history and the bias of what’s written in our day. Older history books may have downplayed the faults/sins of past heroes of Western civilization, but that’s no longer typical.

Slickrock borders sparked controversy

The Slickrock section of Graham County has made the news in The Graham Star numerous times over the years, with articles about lost and/or injured hikers or old logging stories. But there was a time when this remote, rugged section of mountain land made news in the U.S. Supreme Court.

New Church of God pastor in town

It is an honor to welcome the Rev. James Toler, the new pastor of the Robbinsville Church of God to our community. Rev. Toler and his wife Clanny began their ministry here in September. James was called to ministry in 2010.

‘Jeffrey’s Hell’ lives up to its name – again

Across the edge of the Slickrock Creek area of Graham County – and just in Tennessee – is an area known as “Jeffrey’s Hell.” It has lived up to its foreboding name again and again.

Constitutional clarity

The two main political movements in America today are best described as conservative and progressive. These ideologies are not defined simply – especially since there is a spectrum of positions that conservatives/progressives take on many issues.

Rosh Hashanah set to begin

Adam Clarke was a 18th-century British Biblical scholar who was well known for his influential Bible commentary. His six volumes took him 40 years to complete. Back in the day, many preachers carried two books: the Bible and Clarke’s commentary.

Facebook is killing the newspaper star

Whatever happened to the “community” aspect of your community newspaper?

First Western fire was an adventure

As fires in the western United States continue to make the news, I am reminded again of my first western fire experience. I had been with the U.S. Forest Service for a little over three years – and had been on several local fires – but nothing like what was ahead. On Aug.

Constitutional crisis

Saturday begins Constitution Week. The holiday commemorates the signing of our Constitution 235 years ago in Philadelphia. Constitution Week reminds us of America’s great heritage and the foundations to our way of life.

The insanity of secularizing

One of clearest signs of the irrationality of an ideology is when its proponents can’t live in the world their beliefs create.