Regional

The Tail of the Dragon attracts thousands of riding enthusiasts each year. But in 1980, a Florida family began leaving their mark on the famous stretch of highway. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Tail of the Dragon attracts thousands of riding enthusiasts each year. But in 1980, a Florida family began leaving their mark on the famous stretch of highway. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Real Dragon (Part 1 of 2)

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 3, 2020
It was 1975. Peter and Doris Leary, residents of Sanibel Island, Fla., were searching for a mountain retreat.  Recently retired, former owners of a remodeling business, the Leary’s wanted an escape from the south Florida sun, but Pete had a requirement.
“The Rock” – an indoor softball facility – cannot be located on a map, but you can pinpoint much of Robbinsville’s success on the diamond to the hours spent putting in reps at the building. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

“The Rock” – an indoor softball facility – cannot be located on a map, but you can pinpoint much of Robbinsville’s success on the diamond to the hours spent putting in reps at the building. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Secret to success

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Robbinsville – If you want to trace the recent uptick in success for Lady Knights’ softball, it all starts downtown. For the past 2 ½ years, Brian “Petey” Millsaps has operated “The Rock,” an indoor softball facility.

Para-Medicine now available in Graham County

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
A free health-care program is becoming increasingly popular in Graham County.  Thanks to funding from the Duke Endowment, Appalachian Regional Commission, Harris Regional Hospital system and others, the Community Para-Medicine program is only one doctor’s referral away.
Those wishing to be tested for COVID-19 were able to stop outside the Robbinsville Post Office on Wednesday, Aug. 19. On-hand to help conduct the tests were Hannah Anderson, April Morefield, Emily Collins and Haley Anderson (from left). Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Those wishing to be tested for COVID-19 were able to stop outside the Robbinsville Post Office on Wednesday, Aug. 19. On-hand to help conduct the tests were Hannah Anderson, April Morefield, Emily Collins and Haley Anderson (from left). Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Virus hits local nursing home

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Atoah – The coronavirus has hit the local nursing home. Two staff members of Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a release issued by the county’s health department Monday.  No residents have tested positive.
A trio of North Carolina Republican candidates – Kaleb Wingate, Kevin Corbin and Karl Gillespie (from left) – visited the county’s Republican headquarters Saturday. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

A trio of North Carolina Republican candidates – Kaleb Wingate, Kevin Corbin and Karl Gillespie (from left) – visited the county’s Republican headquarters Saturday. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Ready to serve

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Robbinsville – With election day only 10 weeks away, Republicans are making a hard push for Graham County’s vote. After U.S. House candidate Madison Cawthorn made a stop in Robbinsville on May 29, three more Republican candidates – Karl Gillespie (N.C.

Town settles with Fontana Village

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Fontana Dam – After months of back and forth, the Town of Fontana Dam and Fontana Village Inc. have finally settled a past-due debt. The former shareholders presented the town with a $40,000 check, a final offer on the $74,041.
Right at home while sitting at the edge of the mat, George Oliver waves to spectators before the start of a Robbinsville match. The co-founder of the Black Knights’ wrestling program passed away Aug. 5. Photos by Jenny Millsaps/The Graham Star

Right at home while sitting at the edge of the mat, George Oliver waves to spectators before the start of a Robbinsville match. The co-founder of the Black Knights’ wrestling program passed away Aug. 5. Photos by Jenny Millsaps/The Graham Star

Goodbye, Papa George

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Robbinsville – Without George Oliver, who knows where the Robbinsville High School wrestling program would be today? Oliver – who, along with Gary Steppe, instituted the now-powerhouse Black Knights grappling team 45 years ago – passed away Aug. 5 at age 68.
How the 2020-21 calendar will look for Robbinsville athletics, barring more changes. Graphic by Tina Sheldon/The Graham Star

How the 2020-21 calendar will look for Robbinsville athletics, barring more changes. Graphic by Tina Sheldon/The Graham Star

Taking the good with the bad

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Que Tucker’s announcement was music to athletes’ ears. After months of speculation, the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s commissioner presented during a Aug. 12 press conference a proposed sports calendar for the 2020-21 school year.

Sports delayed ... again

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 14, 2020
High school athletes statewide had Sept. 1 circled on their calendars. That was the day the N.C. High School Athletic Association had anticipated moving forward with the 2020-21 sports season. However, Gov. Roy Cooper’s announcement on Aug.