Opinion

Good heavens, we’re 67!

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 23, 2022
The constant need for evolution is pertinent to the continued success of quality journalism. That rings true, even in our little corner of southwestern North Carolina.
Jade Teasdale was recently named Graham County’s first-ever female “smokechaser.” Photo courtesy of Frank Cline/N.C. Forest Service

Jade Teasdale was recently named Graham County’s first-ever female “smokechaser.” Photo courtesy of Frank Cline/N.C. Forest Service

County gets first female ‘Smokechaser’

Marshall McClung
Thursday, June 23, 2022
When Jade Teasdale was hired by the N.C. Forest Service as a “smokechaser,” she probably didn’t realize she was making history in the local firefighting realm; she just wanted to help fight wildfires.

How to turn good into evil

Scott Kamps
Thursday, June 23, 2022
My oldest son recently decided on the college he will attend in the fall. Interesting fact: the college he will be going to is on a list of worst colleges!

How to fix eroding trust in government

Roger Carlton
Monday, June 20, 2022
This week marks the 50th anniversary of a group breaking into the Democratic National Committee offices in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. This crime was funded and sponsored by the Committee to Re-Elect President Richard Nixon.
Farm scenes – such as this one of haystacks, in a field on Hares Creek – were common during the “hayday” of farming in Graham County. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Farm scenes – such as this one of haystacks, in a field on Hares Creek – were common during the “hayday” of farming in Graham County. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Graham County fact list

Marshall McClung
Thursday, June 9, 2022
* Final of a 10-part series This is the final of a series of historical stories about Graham County. This series was from a history project I did at age 14, in 1958.

Band-Aids and root causes

Scott Kamps
Thursday, June 9, 2022
The tragedy in Uvalde, Texas has increased debates about how to address the issue of mass shootings and how to best protect schoolchildren. The desire to do something is understandable, but just doing “something” isn’t wise – we need to be effective in our efforts to protect children.

Remember, you are not alone

Eric Reece
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Moses – a great prophet and lawgiver throughout his life – suffered from anger issues, anxiety, depression and doubt. We can identify with his despair when he cried out to God, “What shall I do for this people?

Enough is enough

Roger Carlton
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Twenty-seven school shootings have taken place, as well as more than 200 mass shootings. Enough is enough. Some members of Congress and state legislators have their hearts and prayers going out to the victims and their families as a pre-packaged response. Enough is enough.
With the completion of U.S. Hwy. 129 in 1931, travel between Tennessee and Graham County was possible by automobile, such as this 1929 Model A Ford.

With the completion of U.S. Hwy. 129 in 1931, travel between Tennessee and Graham County was possible by automobile, such as this 1929 Model A Ford.

U.S. 129 linked Graham with Tennessee

Marshall McClung
Thursday, May 26, 2022
* Part 9 in a series With the advent of public works in Graham County, activity at once started on the construction of good roads. It wasn’t until 1931, however, that Tapoco could be reached from Tennessee by automobile.