Regional

Michelle Shiplet addresses a group of about 30 local and state leaders at a May 19 “Think Tank,” hoping to identify and solve some of Graham County’s more pressing problems. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Michelle Shiplet addresses a group of about 30 local and state leaders at a May 19 “Think Tank,” hoping to identify and solve some of Graham County’s more pressing problems. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

‘Demo the Silos’ aimed at bridging gaps

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Robbinsville – When Michelle Shiplet became executive director of Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT) in 2019, she found a shelf filled with community improvement plans for Graham County and Robbinsville that – at best – were only partially accomplished.
Shelves are stocked with food at Grace Place’s new pantry, which opened in February. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Shelves are stocked with food at Grace Place’s new pantry, which opened in February. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Made it by Grace

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Robbinsville – Grace Place serves 9-out-of-10 people who are experiencing food insecurity in Graham County, but despite the important service it provides, Grace Place itself experiences its own insecurity in the form of funding.

Cawthorn loses NC-11 bid

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Beleaguered U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn lost his bid for re-election in Tuesday’s primary elections, losing to State Sen. Chuck Edwards. Edwards will go up against Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara and Libertarian David Coatney in the November general election on Nov. 8.
A firefighter from Valleytown Fire Department in Andrews helps direct traffic at a collision in Topton on April 28. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

A firefighter from Valleytown Fire Department in Andrews helps direct traffic at a collision in Topton on April 28. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

No injuries after cars collide near Cherokee/Graham border

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Topton – Two cars collided – but no one was injured – April 28, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 129 in Topton. At about 1:30 p.m., a 2002 Mitsubishi convertible – driven by Tiffany Jillson of Murphy – was headed west on U.S. 19, approaching the intersection with U.S.
Bison EV – an Old Fort-based company – will bring a manufacturing facility to the former Stanley Furniture and Oak Valley Hardwood plant, ending a 3-year stint in which the sprawling building has sat dormant. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Bison EV – an Old Fort-based company – will bring a manufacturing facility to the former Stanley Furniture and Oak Valley Hardwood plant, ending a 3-year stint in which the sprawling building has sat dormant. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Bison EV in Robbinsville

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Robbinsville – Bison EV, a company that converts fuel-burning buses and trucks into electric vehicles, is moving a manufacturing facility into the old Stanley Furniture Company plant in Robbinsville – which could bring hundreds of jobs to the economically disadvantaged county, Robbinsville Mayor...
Despite a steady rain, “American Idol” Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks performed for a crowd gathered at the Robbinsville High School track on Saturday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Despite a steady rain, “American Idol” Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks performed for a crowd gathered at the Robbinsville High School track on Saturday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

The show goes on

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Robbinsville – A small crowd – undeterred by weather – saw Taylor Hicks perform at the Robbinsville High School track on Saturday.
Kelly Karr poses at Stecoah Gap in Graham County on May 5 during a break in her 2,190-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Kelly Karr poses at Stecoah Gap in Graham County on May 5 during a break in her 2,190-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Solo trek

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Stecoah – After logging 150 miles on the Appalachian Trail since mid-February, on May 5 – with a good night’s sleep in her own bed behind her – Graham County resident Kelly Karr got a ride to Stecoah Gap from her husband Raymond and resumed her 2,190-mile journey.
U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, a candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks with visitors at his campaign stop to the Graham County Courthouse on Monday. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, a candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks with visitors at his campaign stop to the Graham County Courthouse on Monday. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

GOP Senate candidate visits Robbinsville

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Robbinsville – U.S. Rep. Ted Budd is running for the U.S. Senate and in a crowded field of 14 seeking the Republican nomination in North Carolina, the Freedom Caucus member is arguably the most conservative and the only one who is endorsed by Former President Donald Trump.
Taylor Hicks, shown here at an earlier performance, will appear in concert at Big Oaks Stadium in Robbinsville on Saturday. Proceeds from the concert will help pay for new instruments for the Robbinsville High School band. Photo courtesy of Shelley Lehner/Contributing Photographer

Taylor Hicks, shown here at an earlier performance, will appear in concert at Big Oaks Stadium in Robbinsville on Saturday. Proceeds from the concert will help pay for new instruments for the Robbinsville High School band. Photo courtesy of Shelley Lehner/Contributing Photographer

‘American Idol’ winner to highlight big day

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Robbinsville – Taylor Hicks appears in concert in Robbinsville on Saturday — possibly the biggest name to appear in concert in Robbinsville’s history — and he’s here to help raise money for the Robbinsville High School Band.