Regional

The new entrance and instructional wing at Robbinsville Middle School opened in January 2022, making it the newest addition to an institution in Graham County. The school has struggled academically in the last few years, but plans are in motion to address the issue. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The new entrance and instructional wing at Robbinsville Middle School opened in January 2022, making it the newest addition to an institution in Graham County. The school has struggled academically in the last few years, but plans are in motion to address the issue. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Graham County Schools addressing state grades

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
* Part 1 of a 2-part report Robbinsville – The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has issued its annual school performance grades for each district across the state. Both Robbinsville elementary and high schools received a “C,” while Robbinsville Middle School was scored as an “F.
The popular Bear Creek sanitation center officially re-opened for public use Dec. 21, with more restrictions in place to help combat misuse at what the county identified as its most problematic convenience site. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The popular Bear Creek sanitation center officially re-opened for public use Dec. 21, with more restrictions in place to help combat misuse at what the county identified as its most problematic convenience site. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Top 10 of 2024: the Year-in-Review

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
For a population of just over 8,000 individuals, Graham County maintains a constant news cycle.  Each year, The Graham Star looks back at the top 10 stories from the recent 12-month cycle; reliving the positives and the negatives of what has recent transpired.
Graham County’s officers took local children to the Murphy Walmart for the annual “Shop with a Cop” on Dec. 11. Here, Robbinsville Elementary School Resource Officer Josh Reap helps a member of the program gather Christmas presents. Photo courtesy of Graham County Sheriff's Office

Graham County’s officers took local children to the Murphy Walmart for the annual “Shop with a Cop” on Dec. 11. Here, Robbinsville Elementary School Resource Officer Josh Reap helps a member of the program gather Christmas presents. Photo courtesy of Graham County Sheriff's Office

Shop till you drop

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Murphy – Both the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and Graham County School Resource officers joined forces for a significant assignment Dec. 11.  These brave officers were responsible for safely delivering 29 students from Graham County Schools to Walmart in Murphy and back.
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

Latresa Phillips
Monday, December 16, 2024
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

Latresa Phillips
Monday, December 16, 2024
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

Latresa Phillips
Monday, December 16, 2024
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

Latresa Phillips
Friday, December 6, 2024
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

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 6, 2024
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'

Kevin Hensley
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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!

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, November 21, 2024
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.