Regional

New county EMS director hired

Charlie Benton
Friday, October 15, 2021
At long last, Graham County EMS will officially welcome a new director. Following the resignation of longtime EMS Director Larry Hembree on Sept. 30, County Clerk Kim Crisp approved the hire of Phillip Boyle as the county’s new EMS director. Boyle is scheduled to begin his new job on Monday.
The Erlanger Western Carolina school-based clinic held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Robbinsville Elementary School – where the facility is located – Tuesday morning. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

The Erlanger Western Carolina school-based clinic held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Robbinsville Elementary School – where the facility is located – Tuesday morning. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County Schools welcomes Erlanger clinic

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Robbinsville – Graham County schools students and staff needing several healthcare services now have the option of receiving it on school property.  On Tuesday morning, the ribbon was officially cut on the Erlanger Western Carolina school-based clinic, located at Robbinsville Elementary School.

Skyway crashes result in fatalities

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Two motorcycle crashes on the Cherohala Skyway last week claimed the lives of Oklahoma and Florida residents. Around 1:52 p.m. Sept. 30, Richard A. Cornell – 72, of Ringwood, Okla. – was driving on N.C.
Two ambulances crewed by state paramedics have been deployed to Graham County to assist Graham County EMS for up to 30 days. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Two ambulances crewed by state paramedics have been deployed to Graham County to assist Graham County EMS for up to 30 days. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Extra ambulances deployed to county

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Graham County EMS is being aided by a few extra pairs of hands in its response to COVID-19. Last week, two extra ambulances – crewed by state paramedics – arrived in the county to help support local EMS providers for up to 30 days.

District-wide mask mandate will continue

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Robbinsville – Graham County Schools will continue to require students and teachers to “mask up” for at least another month.  On Tuesday, the Graham County Board of Education voted 3-2 to continue the mask mandate it approved in an emergency meeting on Sept. 1.
Graham County Rescue Squad Commander Jeff Millsaps (left) accepts a $12,000 donation to the rescue squad from Miatas at the Gap organizer Josh Hankins on Saturday. The annual event alternates donations between the Graham County and Blount County, Tenn. rescue squads. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County Rescue Squad Commander Jeff Millsaps (left) accepts a $12,000 donation to the rescue squad from Miatas at the Gap organizer Josh Hankins on Saturday. The annual event alternates donations between the Graham County and Blount County, Tenn. rescue squads. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Car event raises $12K for rescue squad

Charlie Benton
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Robbinsville – A longtime regional event has continued its support of the Graham County Rescue Squad. In a brief presentation Saturday at the Graham County Travel and Tourism office in Robbinsville, Miatas at the Gap organizer Josh Hankins donated three checks totaling $12,000 to the rescue squad.

New details come to light in kidnapping, drug arrest

Charlie Benton
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
More details have emerged in an alleged kidnapping incident that led to the arrests of both alleged perpetrators, as well as the alleged victim.  Graham County Sheriff Jerry Crisp said that on Sept. 16, 34-year-old Mohammad Hassan Kheradmand of St. Petersburg, Fla.
The Great Smokies Health Foundation awarded six county non-profits with grants Friday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

The Great Smokies Health Foundation awarded six county non-profits with grants Friday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Six county non-profits awarded grants

Koda Moody
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Fort Hill – The Great Smokies Health Foundation held a grant awards ceremony last Friday at Robbinsville United Methodist Church.  The following organizations attended at received their grant funds:  * Blue Ridge Bartram Trail was awarded a grant to help with their outdoor youth employment.