Regional

Kindergartners Braxton Clark, Jack Portal, Hunter Gonzalez and Axel Orr (from left) work with Legos as part of STEAM activities at Robbinsville Elementary School. Photo by Dusty Orr/Robbinsville Elementary School

Kindergartners Braxton Clark, Jack Portal, Hunter Gonzalez and Axel Orr (from left) work with Legos as part of STEAM activities at Robbinsville Elementary School. Photo by Dusty Orr/Robbinsville Elementary School

STEAM funding afforded to Graham County Schools

Graham County Schools was one of several area school systems awarded the “Cultivating STEAM Literacy” grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
Robbinsville native Courtney Anderson has been  announced as the new librarian at the Graham County Public Library. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Robbinsville native Courtney Anderson has been announced as the new librarian at the Graham County Public Library. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Anderson named new librarian

Robbinsville – Instilling the love of reading and fostering the pursuit of knowledge is one of the many responsibilities of a county librarian.  The library is a place where everyone is welcome to gather for social interaction, cultural exchange, community connections, knowledge and instruction.
A ribbon cutting was held as part of Monday’s Snowbird NEST Open House. From left are Janell Rattler, Leslie Oswalt McEntire, Erik Oswalt and Jazlyn McEntire. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

A ribbon cutting was held as part of Monday’s Snowbird NEST Open House. From left are Janell Rattler, Leslie Oswalt McEntire, Erik Oswalt and Jazlyn McEntire. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

N.E.S.T. open for business

Tallulah – Monday’s rain could not dampen the Open House at the new Snowbird NEST (Native Education Snowbird Traditions) learning facility.
Gabrielle Sunny Jenkins is a popular face to Graham County students. Her work as a mental health liaison for the system has led to recognition from the Region A Children’s Partnership. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Gabrielle Sunny Jenkins is a popular face to Graham County students. Her work as a mental health liaison for the system has led to recognition from the Region A Children’s Partnership. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Sunny Days are here again

Robbinsville – Graham County Schools’ Mental Health Liaison Sunny Jenkins is known by students and faculty for her friendliness, willingness to help and love for all children.
Authorities from multiple regional agencies travel through the Corridor K roadwork in Stecoah for the execution of “Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2” on Nov. 26. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Authorities from multiple regional agencies travel through the Corridor K roadwork in Stecoah for the execution of “Operation Dirty Laundry: Phase 2” on Nov. 26. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

More 'Dirty Laundry' aired out

Kmart might have shuttered all of its continental stores in the United States, but the spirit of the “blue-light special” lives on. A convoy of authorities from multiple agencies rolled into Graham County just after 8 a.m., Nov.
The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Greener Side Dispensary was 1-of-3 local businesses that was part of “Operation Dirty Laundry,” which was carried out Friday afternoon. By nightfall, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office had put up a temporary sign outside the establishment to note the success of the operation. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

'Dirty Laundry'

A nearly 11-month, undercover investigation culminated Friday with the execution of search warrants at a total of 10 different locations across three counties and two states.
The teams formed for Nov. 14’s inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” flexed their creative muscle, both over a stove and when selecting a name for their ensemble. Pictured are the “Gangster Grinches,” which are comprised of (from left): Alexis Miller, Zeyli Williams, Alyssa Bohn, Dreydon Conley and Bella Coats. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

The teams formed for Nov. 14’s inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” flexed their creative muscle, both over a stove and when selecting a name for their ensemble. Pictured are the “Gangster Grinches,” which are comprised of (from left): Alexis Miller, Zeyli Williams, Alyssa Bohn, Dreydon Conley and Bella Coats. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

1, 2, 3, 4: it’s a cupcake war!

Robbinsville – Nov. 14 marked the inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” at Robbinsville High School.  It was a sweet competition between Ms. Lorie Waldroup’s culinary classes and the foods 2 and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) Club from Hayesville High School.

Push for animal officer grows

A local animal advocate has launched an online petition, which hopes to bring a full-time animal control officer to Graham County. Brittney Holder owns and operates B’s Pet Grooming out of her home.

Final poll numbers unveiled

Robbinsville – Provisionals and lingering absentees made little impact on a pair of local races in the 2024 general election. Following Nov. 14’s provisional meeting and Friday’s canvassing, the Graham County Board of Elections officially certified the final voting numbers for Nov. 5’s ballot.
This dilapidated motel near the southern outskirts of Robbinsville has received a grant for renovation into a boutique. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

This dilapidated motel near the southern outskirts of Robbinsville has received a grant for renovation into a boutique. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘Graham Motel’ set to receive facelift

Robbinsville – The intersection of Five Points Road and U.S. 129 North will soon have a fresh coat of paint. An Oct. 17 announced from the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority revealed that 22 grant requests had been approved, statewide.