Opinion

Country living in earlier days

Marshall McClung
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Some time ago, several of us “older folks” were talking about how times had changed. I suppose this is something all generations have done as they grew older. In the not-too-distant past, things were indeed much different than they are now especially in Graham County.

Be thankful this season

Jeremy Wiggins
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Before the Protestant Reformation took place, there were an abundance of holy days celebrated by the Catholic Church. Our word holiday comes from “holy day.

Literacy vital to education

Eric Reece
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Jesus had a number of discussions in the Gospels where he responded to those who criticized him by asking, “Have you not read?” These are conflict episodes happening when he was answering questions poised by followers of the two main branches of Judaism of his day; the Pharisee and the Sadducees.

Roller coaster of emotion

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 11, 2021
On the exact same day last week, I had a doctor’s appointment, a municipal election and Game 6 of the World Series to keep me busy. Suffice to say, I had a lot on my plate Nov. 2. The doctor’s visit was rather remarkable.

Revolutions, religions and politics

Jeremy Wiggins
Thursday, November 11, 2021
  It’s a common trope that religion and politics don’t mix. It’s frequently stated – even by Christians – that Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics.  It is my contention that all political thought exists within the context of religious thought.
This Oct. 3 plane crash on the Graham/Cherokee County border killed both passengers. Photo by Tory Lynnes/U.S. Forest Service

This Oct. 3 plane crash on the Graham/Cherokee County border killed both passengers. Photo by Tory Lynnes/U.S. Forest Service

Plane crash sites dot landscape

Marshall McClung
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Over the years, Graham County has experienced a number of plane crashes – mostly single-engine, privately-owned aircraft, but also three military aircraft.  There are a dozen or more crash sites in and near Graham County.

Crossing off another “bucket list” item

Roger Carlton
Thursday, November 4, 2021
When your 75th birthday approaches, your bucket list should be getting shorter. “Wanna-do’s” and “have-to-do’s” should be crossed off as they are completed, or as your capability diminishes. For instance, a motorcycle trip to Alaska was crossed off … because I no longer have a motorcycle.

Neglecting God’s creation

Eric Reece
Thursday, November 4, 2021
“The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). This past week – as I drove on Tallulah Road – I marveled at the beauty of God’s creation. I wanted others to be able to see the trees, mountains and wonderful colors of the leaves.
Graves on a ridge top near Swan Meadows: Walter “Bud” Brank – “The Swan” – Dec. 12, 1923 – Nov. 3, 2004; infant of Ed Johns and wife Christine Swan. Mark and Gina Rogers helped locate the graves. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Graves on a ridge top near Swan Meadows: Walter “Bud” Brank – “The Swan” – Dec. 12, 1923 – Nov. 3, 2004; infant of Ed Johns and wife Christine Swan. Mark and Gina Rogers helped locate the graves. Photo by Marshall McClung/The Graham Star

Swan stories

Marshall McClung
Thursday, October 28, 2021
The John Swan family consisting of John, his wife and eight children were early settlers in  Graham County having traveled here from Pennsylvania in 1890, and eventually settling in what is now known as Swan Meadows in the Wolf Laurel section of Big Santeetlah Creek.