Regional

Rosman could leave Smoky Mountain Conference

Raleigh – It appears that the geographical oddity of the Smoky Mountain Conference could soon be moving. The N.C. High School Athletic Association released the first draft of its 2021-25 Conference Realignment Plan on Dec. 10.

Clash of the Champions

Robbinsville – Fresh off a four-set, comeback victory at Swain County on Dec. 4, the Lady Knights seemed to have all the momentum needed to prevail.

Graham County named as part of rural broadband grant

Graham County may see noticeable increases in internet quality over the next few years, following the announcement of a $9.2 billion Federal Communications Commission grant called the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.  The agency announced the grant on Dec.
A native of Nantahala, Joshua Grant’s instruments come fret-free and are furnished with the finest animal hide around. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

A native of Nantahala, Joshua Grant’s instruments come fret-free and are furnished with the finest animal hide around. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Link to yesteryear

Almond – Even in 2020, a tangible connection to at least two centuries of Appalachian tradition can be found.  Nantahala native – and now Almond resident – Joshua Grant builds banjos similar to those played in the region between 1820-50.

Keeping the home fires burning

Yellow Creek – Forty No. 1 hits. Six Grammy awards. A member of the  Country Music Hall of Fame. And 77-year-old Ronnie Milsap is about to get another feather in his cap, and in the very area where he plied his craft. The N.C. Department of Transportation announced in a Dec.
The Graham County Clerk of Court office shut down after an employee with the Judicial Branch – who was recently present in the office – tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10.

The Graham County Clerk of Court office shut down after an employee with the Judicial Branch – who was recently present in the office – tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10.

Office closed after COVID exposure

Robbinsville – Those needing services from the Graham County Courthouse – or preparing to go before a judge – may have to wait a bit, following a COVID-19 related closure.  On Friday, the N.C.
Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Hayden Stewart (left) and Ava Barlow won the respective boys and girls varsity races at the Currahee Classic on Dec. 2. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

All they do is win, win, win

Robbinsville – Home course advantage aside, the Black Knights’ varsity performance at the Currahee Classic turned heads across the Smoky Mountain Conference.

Eight’s a crowd

Raleigh – In a move that has sparked both outcry and praise, the look of the 2021 state football playoffs will change significantly. Following the conclusion of its 2020 Board of Directors’ winter meeting last week, the N.C.