Regional

A model of a C-141B cargo jet sits on a pedestal amid roses and U.S. flags distributed to surviving family members of the crew of nine Air Force servicemen killed in a crash on Aug. 31, 1982, at a memorial service held on the 40-year anniversary of the tragedy. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

A model of a C-141B cargo jet sits on a pedestal amid roses and U.S. flags distributed to surviving family members of the crew of nine Air Force servicemen killed in a crash on Aug. 31, 1982, at a memorial service held on the 40-year anniversary of the tragedy. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Aug. 31, 1982

Cherohala – It was a tragedy that did more than cut short the lives of nine elite U.S.
A life-flight helicopter takes off from the West Buffalo Creek bridge – just below the Cherohala Skyway – on Aug. 23, after a motorcycle crash. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

A life-flight helicopter takes off from the West Buffalo Creek bridge – just below the Cherohala Skyway – on Aug. 23, after a motorcycle crash. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Alabama man life-flighted after Skyway motorcycle crash

Cherohala – An Alabama motorcyclist was airlifted for medical treatment after he ran off the road and crashed on Cherohala Skyway on Aug. 23. The crash occurred on a sharp bend of Cherohala Skyway between West Buffalo Road and Santeetlah Road, according to the Highway Patrol report.
Alyssa Monroe’s detailed facepaint was a hit at the Oct. 31, 2020 Robbinsville High School Trunk-or-Treat. Her cheerful demeanor was enough to convince judges of the 2021 N.C. Press Association News, Editorial and Photojournalism contest that former Graham Star staff photographer Art Miller should receive first place in the Photography, General News competition for capturing Monroe in the moment. Photo by Art Miller/The Graham Star

Alyssa Monroe’s detailed facepaint was a hit at the Oct. 31, 2020 Robbinsville High School Trunk-or-Treat. Her cheerful demeanor was enough to convince judges of the 2021 N.C. Press Association News, Editorial and Photojournalism contest that former Graham Star staff photographer Art Miller should receive first place in the Photography, General News competition for capturing Monroe in the moment. Photo by Art Miller/The Graham Star

Graham Star wins 4 state press awards

Tallulah – Four of the N.C. Press Association’s 2021 awards were clinched by The Graham Star, which has provided unparalleled news coverage from and around Graham County, N.C. since 1955. The Star received one first-place nod, as well as three awards for third place. All winners of the 2021 N.C.
This map from the N.C. Department of Transportation – dated May 23 – shows the path the Corridor K improvements will take through Graham County (green line). Map courtesy of N.C. Department of Transportation

This map from the N.C. Department of Transportation – dated May 23 – shows the path the Corridor K improvements will take through Graham County (green line). Map courtesy of N.C. Department of Transportation

First round of Corridor K bidding concludes

Raleigh – The first contracts for the Corridor K expansion in Graham County have been unsealed. The N.C. Department of Transportation closed the “letting” (acceptance of bids) period for the first of three planned roadway improvements Aug.

Louisiana man dies in two-vehicle accident 

Santeetlah – A 31-year-old Louisiana man was killed in a two-vehicle accident Friday on U.S. 129.  Lafayette resident James B. Mills II was traveling southbound toward Robbinsville among a string of motorcycles around 3 p.m.
This photo, taken Monday afternoon off Rodney Orr Bypass, shows gas prices of $3.79 per gallon at the Shell (front) and 76 stations. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

This photo, taken Monday afternoon off Rodney Orr Bypass, shows gas prices of $3.79 per gallon at the Shell (front) and 76 stations. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Drivers get relief as gas prices ease

If you drive, gas prices have probably been on your mind recently, especially if you live in Robbinsville or are motoring your way through Graham County.
Dave Crouch of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, drove for three days to make it to  Fontana Village in his 2011 Miata. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Dave Crouch of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, drove for three days to make it to Fontana Village in his 2011 Miata. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Alotta Miata!

Fontana Dam – Undeterred by waves of heavy rain and a power outage spread over several days, Mazda Miata enthusiasts converged on Graham County for an annual four-day weekend of thrilling drives, camaraderie and opportunities to buy parts for their fiercely-loved, compact sports cars.
Connie Orr, chairman of the Graham County Board of Commissioners, lawyer Dale Curriden and Juanita Colvard, who helped develop the county’s plan for urgent care and imaging services (from left) confer in court Monday, while waiting on a judge’s ruling in a lawsuit filed by Smoky Mountain Urgent Care. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Connie Orr, chairman of the Graham County Board of Commissioners, lawyer Dale Curriden and Juanita Colvard, who helped develop the county’s plan for urgent care and imaging services (from left) confer in court Monday, while waiting on a judge’s ruling in a lawsuit filed by Smoky Mountain Urgent Care. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

County can evict urgent care

Robbinsville – A Superior Court judge ruled against Smoky Mountain Urgent Care’s Robbinsville clinic on Monday, saying it was in breach of its contracts with Graham County and that the county is entitled to evict the practice from the county-owned building where the clinic has operated since 2018.