Regional

‘Pinktober’ is here

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Have you ever wondered how the pink ribbon became the symbol of breast cancer? Why October is recognized as “Pinktober” and is known as the month of Breast Cancer Awareness?  It’s the time of year for pumpkins, bonfires, apple cider, corn mazes, haunted houses and hayrides.
Stiles Heating & Cooling was just one local dropoff center quickly established in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, as many in Graham County got right to work doing whatever it took to deliver necessities to areas of Western North Carolina significantly affected by the storm’s Sept. 29 landfall. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Stiles Heating & Cooling was just one local dropoff center quickly established in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, as many in Graham County got right to work doing whatever it took to deliver necessities to areas of Western North Carolina significantly affected by the storm’s Sept. 29 landfall. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Western North Carolina heavily impacted by Helene

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Graham County was fortunate enough to only be hit with downed trees and steady rainfall, in the wake of Hurricane Helene invading Western North Carolina on Friday.

Visitor spending up in 2023

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Spending in Graham County increased by two percent in 2023, according to an annual study released by VisitNC.  A recent news release from Graham County Travel & Tourism reported $55.98 million was transacted by local and visiting individuals inside the borders, which is up from $54,860,400 in 2022.
Cherokee County/Snowbird Tribal Council Rep. Adam Wachacha (far left) and Roger Smoker (far right) gather around the six latest graduates of the Dadiwonisi Language Program, all of whom were recognized at a Monday ceremony. In-between Wachacha and Smoker (from left) are language instructor Cassidy Galaviz, Callie Bush, Malakai Littlejohn, Lauryn Rattler, Rachel Ballou, Lakoda Bird, Troy Jones and Mike Wachacha. Photo courtesy of April Johnson/Contributing Photographer

Cherokee County/Snowbird Tribal Council Rep. Adam Wachacha (far left) and Roger Smoker (far right) gather around the six latest graduates of the Dadiwonisi Language Program, all of whom were recognized at a Monday ceremony. In-between Wachacha and Smoker (from left) are language instructor Cassidy Galaviz, Callie Bush, Malakai Littlejohn, Lauryn Rattler, Rachel Ballou, Lakoda Bird, Troy Jones and Mike Wachacha. Photo courtesy of April Johnson/Contributing Photographer

'Be the voice’

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Snowbird – In 1872, Graham County took action to create a school system for the Cherokee on the Snowbird Reservation. On Sept. 6, 1880, a school district was established and the Cherokee attended a one-teacher schoolhouse.
Graham County native Slade Trammell recently performed in Austria. Photos courtesy of Trianne Newbry

Graham County native Slade Trammell recently performed in Austria. Photos courtesy of Trianne Newbry

88 keys to finding delight

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Rosenegg, Austria – Even though Slade Trammell has memories of riding on bulldozers with his grandpas as a child, he figured out early on that the piano stool was where he belonged.  “I don’t remember a period in my life when I wasn’t banging on the piano,” says Trammell.

Writing on ballots still allowed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Amid rumors and widespread social media posts hinting that a poll worker writing on a ballot makes the submission invalid, the N.C. Board of Elections sent out an Aug. 2 release to clear up the misconception. “In North Carolina, this is false,” reads a portion of the release.
Anna Wehr is not your typical teenage girl: she does not enjoy being the center of attention – unless she’s performing in front of a crowd on behalf of the Stardance Performing Arts dance studio. Here, a lyrical number titled “Dust Bowl” temporarily sees her peers form a semi-circle around Wehr. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Anna Wehr is not your typical teenage girl: she does not enjoy being the center of attention – unless she’s performing in front of a crowd on behalf of the Stardance Performing Arts dance studio. Here, a lyrical number titled “Dust Bowl” temporarily sees her peers form a semi-circle around Wehr. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Stepping into the spotlight

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Dance has helped define Anna Wehr as a person. Performances even allow Wehr to show the audience glimpses of her personality – such as during a light-hearted jazz routine like “Feeling Good.” Blairsville, Ga.
Axton Hazel Reap was thrilled to be in his own home again July 31, just a week after a quick slip almost caused severe heartbreak.

Axton Hazel Reap was thrilled to be in his own home again July 31, just a week after a quick slip almost caused severe heartbreak.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Tallulah – To look at Axton Hazel Reap today, you would never know that a mere two weeks ago found the two-year-old boy fighting for his life. While attending a local Vacation Bible School on July 24, Reap was sitting near the front of the church.
Robbinsville’s Kyle Jenkins has turned his life around in the span of 12 months – and the hard work is paying off, as the musician released a song in June that has already surpassed 500,000 downloads. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Robbinsville’s Kyle Jenkins has turned his life around in the span of 12 months – and the hard work is paying off, as the musician released a song in June that has already surpassed 500,000 downloads. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

‘Half-Smoked’ leads to full success

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Robbinsville – There is a long-standing expression about making the best of what’s in front of you: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  Kyle Jenkins, 21, is enjoying some sweet lemonade right now.