Regional

Director Michelle Shiplet addresses participants in Nov. 17’s meeting of the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT). Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Director Michelle Shiplet addresses participants in Nov. 17’s meeting of the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT). Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

GREAT draws leaders with visions for county

Tapoco – Several dozen community leaders were at Tapoco Lodge for a quarterly, general-membership meeting of the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT) on Nov. 17.

Ella to remain

Robbinsville – With a narrow majority, Graham County commissioners on Monday voted that a controversial emergency contraceptive medication will continue to be an option for women who seek family planning care from the Graham County Public Health Department.
Jarrett Wildcatt performs on flute during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Junaluska Memorial and Burial Site in Robbinsvillle on Nov. 16. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Jarrett Wildcatt performs on flute during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Junaluska Memorial and Burial Site in Robbinsvillle on Nov. 16. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Paying homage to a warrior

Robbinsville – Dozens gathered on a chilly day for the mostly-annual, wreath-laying ceremony for Junaluska, a Cherokee leader whose gravesite and memorial overlook downtown Robbinsville. Junaluska is arguably Graham County’s most famous historical leader.
Tri-County Democratic Women member Jane Carver (front, center) had plenty of support when she received the distinguished Trailblazer Award in Greensboro. Front row: Elizabeth Goodwin, Democratic Women of North Carolina President; Carver; and Tri-County Democratic Women President Pat Sherrill. Standing in back are Julia Buckner, a past president of the Democratic Women of North Carolina; and Diane Snyder, Tri-County Democratic Women member.

Tri-County Democratic Women member Jane Carver (front, center) had plenty of support when she received the distinguished Trailblazer Award in Greensboro. Front row: Elizabeth Goodwin, Democratic Women of North Carolina President; Carver; and Tri-County Democratic Women President Pat Sherrill. Standing in back are Julia Buckner, a past president of the Democratic Women of North Carolina; and Diane Snyder, Tri-County Democratic Women member.

Truly a trailblazer

Greensboro – Jane Carver, a Cherokee County resident who was a founding member of the Tri-County Democratic Women’s Club, received a statewide honor during the Democratic Women of North Carolina convention, held Sept. 23-24 in Greensboro, where she received the prestigious Trailblazer Award.
Brandi Adams addressed the Graham County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday in opposition of Ella, an  emergency contraceptive available through the Graham County Public Health Department. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Brandi Adams addressed the Graham County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday in opposition of Ella, an emergency contraceptive available through the Graham County Public Health Department. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Emergency contraceptive decision delayed

Robbinsville – A decision whether the Graham County Public Health Department should distribute a specific type of emergency contraceptive remains in the hands of Graham County commissioners until Monday at the earliest.

District rolls out plan to improve school grades

Robbinsville – Graham County Schools, responding to low-performance grades at two of its three schools, has developed plans to bring those grades up. The Graham County Board of Education held a special called meeting Nov. 2, to comply with deadlines to formalize the plans.
Claudine Gibson (center) argues against emergency contraception pills being provided by the Graham County Department of Public Health at Monday’s meeting. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Claudine Gibson (center) argues against emergency contraception pills being provided by the Graham County Department of Public Health at Monday’s meeting. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Commissioners postpone decision about emergency contraception

Tallulah – Graham County commissioners faced an issue that pitted their responsibilities as stewards of county government against their religious beliefs, with the hot-button topic of abortion on the agenda — the day before Election Day.

Hoxit wins sheriff race

Robbinsville – Retired state trooper Brad Hoxit easily defeated former sheriff Russell Moody for Graham County Sheriff in Tuesday’s general election, getting just over two-thirds of votes cast in the race.

Final Corridor K letting delayed, divided

Stecoah – There is no reason to break out torches and pitchforks: the first phase of Corridor K construction is still set to begin next spring. Even the second phase has been awarded. But phase three? Think of it as the N.C.
N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson delivered a lengthy message to a crowd of the roughly-200 individuals gathered at Oct. 27’s N.C. Faith & Freedom Coalition event, held inside the Robbinsville High School theater. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson delivered a lengthy message to a crowd of the roughly-200 individuals gathered at Oct. 27’s N.C. Faith & Freedom Coalition event, held inside the Robbinsville High School theater. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘We need to step on toes’

Robbinsville – In 2018, Mark Robinson spoke at a Greensboro City Council meeting: just an average citizen, a church-goer and Army veteran, defending gun rights. A video of him went viral. Later that year, he was invited to speak at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention.