TVA

This ShakeMap illustrates the various areas across a four-state region that felt Saturday’s earthquake. The epicenter is marked by a star. Map courtesy of United States Geological Survey

This ShakeMap illustrates the various areas across a four-state region that felt Saturday’s earthquake. The epicenter is marked by a star. Map courtesy of United States Geological Survey

Earthquake shakes Graham County

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Chilhowee – Residents and visitors alike were stirred from their Saturday morning slumber by an earthquake across state lines. According to the United States Geological Survey's website, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rumbled to life around 9:04 a.m.
A group stands in-between two of the three massive generators that power Fontana Dam’s efforts Friday. The Tennessee Valley Authority awarded a limited number of the public and media access to the facility for the first time since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

A group stands in-between two of the three massive generators that power Fontana Dam’s efforts Friday. The Tennessee Valley Authority awarded a limited number of the public and media access to the facility for the first time since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Open the dam gates!

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Fontana Dam – As the chosen few clamored inside the visitors entrance to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s greatest architectural achievement Friday, a then-unidentified man stepped forward with a tool most today would not recognize, cupped in his right hand. “Anybody know what this is?
Jason Duke (left) takes the oath of office from Town of Fontana Dam Administrator Zelerie Rogers at the May 19 council meeting. With the addition of Duke, the town council is back at its full, five-member complement. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Jason Duke (left) takes the oath of office from Town of Fontana Dam Administrator Zelerie Rogers at the May 19 council meeting. With the addition of Duke, the town council is back at its full, five-member complement. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Fontana council fills vacancy

Charlie Benton
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Fontana Dam – One county township is once again operating with a complete board.  The Town of Fontana Dam Council is back at full strength, following the swearing-in of Jason Duke at its May 19 regular meeting.

Potential appeal loss could cost county $500,000

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Robbinsville – Graham County is exploring its options in the dispute of Brookfield Renewable Partners. At Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, county manager Becky Garland discussed the latest steps taken in preparation. Garland joined attorneys J.K.

Fontana to operate on $239K budget

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Fontana Dam – After a slight delay, the town has finally adopted its 2020-21 fiscal year budget. Town Administrator Zelerie Rogers presented a breakdown of the expected $239,169.

Fontana Village abandons lease

Kevin Hensley
Friday, June 12, 2020
Fontana Dam – The rumor mill is not ready to completely stop turning, but the wind surrounding it has certainly died down.  The owners of Fontana Village Resort & Marina opted in a June 1 meeting with the Tennessee Valley Authority to surrender its lease back to the TVA.