Regional

Oralene Simmons will be the keynote speaker at Western Carolina University's Martin Luther King, Jr. recognition Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Oralene Simmons will be the keynote speaker at Western Carolina University's Martin Luther King, Jr. recognition Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Speaker is Pioneer in Civil Rights

News Staff
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Cullowhee – A civil rights pioneer, community leader and instrumental voice for social justice in the mountains will be the keynote speaker for Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations at Western Carolina University.

Middle school ready for tourney

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Rosman – High-tournament seeding lies ahead for the Robbinsville Middle School basketball program. Following a pair of road victories at Cherokee and Rosman, the Black Knights finished the season 11-2.  Meanwhile, the Lady Knights dropped their final two games and ended the campaign 9-4.

Knights mow down division

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Robbinsville – Amidst a hectic week – filled with conference matches aplenty – Robbinsville wrestling rose to the occasion. The Knights disposed of Murphy 74-6 and Hayesville 60-17 in a Cherokee County tri-match Jan. 9, before traveling to Rosman and downing the Tigers 75-6.

They came to play

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Robbinsville – Anyone reading the record book in the future will come across Friday’s home game against Swain County and see that Robbinsville suffered its eighth loss of the season. Perhaps what might get overlooked is just how close the game was.
This building in downtown Robbinsville has a massive field of kudzu growing adjacent to the structure. Photos by John Colwell/Contributing Photographer

This building in downtown Robbinsville has a massive field of kudzu growing adjacent to the structure. Photos by John Colwell/Contributing Photographer

Just say no to change

News Staff
Thursday, January 16, 2020
By John Colwell REVVED UP *Editor’s note: The views expressed in this op-ed do not reflect those of The Graham Star. Your hometown newspaper remains neutral on these topics and will continue to impartially print both sides of the issue.
A bald eagle, in-flight over Lake Junaluska in Haywood County. Photo by Amy Boggan/Contributing Photographer

A bald eagle, in-flight over Lake Junaluska in Haywood County. Photo by Amy Boggan/Contributing Photographer

Soaring from brink of extinction

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 16, 2020
The most majestic of birds, the symbol of our nation, the most sacred bird in Cherokee culture – crouched by the side of the highway, choking down hunks of roadkill opossum – has prompted Graham County residents to wonder: is this normal?  Is the bald eagle population increasing?

Census needs workers

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, January 16, 2020
As the U.S. Census Bureau prepares for this year’s count, Murphy and Andrews have only half the number of census workers needed. Graham County has even fewer.  Though temporary, these jobs pay well, at $17 per hour and 58 cents per mile.
The Robbinsville Middle School eighth-grade basketball players were recognized at Monday’s game against Cullowhee Valley. From left are Zeke Silvers, Donovan Carpenter, Xander Wachacha, Tylie Bridges, Aubrie Wachacha, Noelle Orr, Emma Beasley, Zoie Shuler, Karlee Stewart, Memory Frapp, Linsey Orr and Taelyr Jackson. Photo by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

The Robbinsville Middle School eighth-grade basketball players were recognized at Monday’s game against Cullowhee Valley. From left are Zeke Silvers, Donovan Carpenter, Xander Wachacha, Tylie Bridges, Aubrie Wachacha, Noelle Orr, Emma Beasley, Zoie Shuler, Karlee Stewart, Memory Frapp, Linsey Orr and Taelyr Jackson. Photo by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Knights run over Cullowhee Valley

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Robbinsville – As Robbinsville Middle School’s basketball program enter the final week of the regular season, both teams are in a prime position for a top seed in the championship tournament.
Robbinsville’s Kyle Fink prepares to pin Cherokee’s Ian Crowe during a Dec. 17 home dual against the Braves. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Kyle Fink prepares to pin Cherokee’s Ian Crowe during a Dec. 17 home dual against the Braves. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville competes in dual, tournament

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 9, 2020
The Robbinsville wrestling teams split its duties Saturday, with one crew traveling to the Enka Duals and another taking part in the Osley B. Saunooke Tournament at Cherokee. Robbinsville went 2-3 at the Enka Duals.