Regional

Defense attorney Rich Cassady (left) speaks with his client, Jackie Slaughter, at trial last week in the Cherokee County Courthouse. Photo courtesy of Quintin Ellison Photography

Defense attorney Rich Cassady (left) speaks with his client, Jackie Slaughter, at trial last week in the Cherokee County Courthouse. Photo courtesy of Quintin Ellison Photography

Slaughter convicted of lesser charge in Cherokee

News Staff
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
By Penny Ray Cherokee Scout Murphy – On each day of the trial charging Jackie Slaughter with attempted murder, the judge instructed jurors not to research media reports about the defendant’s past.

Graham County to receive American Rescue Plan funds

Charlie Benton
Thursday, March 18, 2021
More COVID-19 relief funds will soon be on their way to Graham County, thanks to the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.  Graham County Manager Becky Garland said the county would be receiving just over $1.6 million in American Rescue plan funds.

Creating a Ripple Effect

Charlie Benton
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Fontana Dam – The Fontana Village Marina has been honored among its peers in the Southeast for its commitment to the environment. The marina has won the 2021 Ripple Effect award for its annual cleanup of the lake, held annually on the first weekend in November.

Local resident returning to state foundation board

Charlie Benton
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Snowbird – A familiar face to many in Graham County will be rejoining the Cherokee Preservation Foundation Board of Directors.  On March 5, the office of Gov. Roy Cooper announced that Janell Rattler would be reappointed as a member-at-large of the board.
Jake Shamblin was joined with daughter Thea, wife Mallory and daughter Phoebe (back row); plus sons Levi and Noah during his introduction as the new regional Guardian ad Litem supervisor on Friday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Jake Shamblin was joined with daughter Thea, wife Mallory and daughter Phoebe (back row); plus sons Levi and Noah during his introduction as the new regional Guardian ad Litem supervisor on Friday. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Championing for children

Charlie Benton
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Robbinsville – Children that find themselves in some very difficult situations in both Graham and Macon counties can now turn to Jake Shamblin, as he takes the helm of the Guardian Ad Litem program in both.  Shamblin officially started as the program’s director on Dec.

Lots of time in the woods

Marshall McClung
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Saturday and Sunday was a busy time for local fire and rescue personnel, as they were involved in a number of missions. Early Saturday afternoon, the Graham County 911 dispatcher received a call from a hiker who had become ill in the Wolf Laurel section of Big Santeetlah.

Cooper, state lawmakers announce deal to re-open schools

News Staff
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
By David Bass Carolina Journal News Service Raleigh — Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican lawmakers have reached an agreement on reopening public schools for in-person instruction under a compromise plan that returns most decision-making autonomy to local school boards.

FAFSA completion day scheduled for regional students

Charlie Benton
Friday, February 26, 2021
Murphy – Anyone in the area needing to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in preparation for college – will have an opportunity to get help doing so Saturday, at a Tri-County completion day held by advisors from the Appalachian College Advising Corps.