Topton

Travelers on U.S. 74 East have undoubtedly noticed this construction site in the Topton community, but the story behind the spot points to a legal mess that led to a Robbinsville man being arrested. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Travelers on U.S. 74 East have undoubtedly noticed this construction site in the Topton community, but the story behind the spot points to a legal mess that led to a Robbinsville man being arrested. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

When a dream becomes a nightmare

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Topton – All David Pakalski wanted to do was build a home on what he calls his "dream property."While visiting friends during the summer of 2024, Pakalski spotted a location just off U.S. 74 East in the Topton community.
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently activated a warning light to alert drivers approaching the busy U.S. 19/74/129 intersection in Topton. Photo by Kelsey Krizsan/The Graham Star

The N.C. Department of Transportation recently activated a warning light to alert drivers approaching the busy U.S. 19/74/129 intersection in Topton. Photo by Kelsey Krizsan/The Graham Star

Topton warning lights activated

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Topton – It is a meeting point for frequent carpoolers, three counties and all four cardinal directions of travel. It is also in a location with no cell-phone reception, so when an accident occurs, help can often be delayed until a third party can go somewhere to call for emergency assistance.

Brush fire damages home, four acres

Marshall McClung
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Topton – Even though officials have continually advised residents to avoid outdoor burning – due to dry conditions this fall – some are still attempting to cheat fate. A home on Old Colvard Road in the southwestern portion of Graham County received slight damage to some siding from a Nov.
A firefighter from Valleytown Fire Department in Andrews helps direct traffic at a collision in Topton on April 28. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

A firefighter from Valleytown Fire Department in Andrews helps direct traffic at a collision in Topton on April 28. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

No injuries after cars collide near Cherokee/Graham border

Randy Foster
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Topton – Two cars collided – but no one was injured – April 28, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 129 in Topton. At about 1:30 p.m., a 2002 Mitsubishi convertible – driven by Tiffany Jillson of Murphy – was headed west on U.S. 19, approaching the intersection with U.S.

Rene Roper

News Staff
Monday, January 18, 2021
Rene Brooks Roper, 56 of Topton, N.C., passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at her residence.  Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, at the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Kenny Ball officiated.
Graham County officials are still working to gather intel on who is responsible for vandalizing the new “Welcome to Graham County” sign near the U.S. 74 intersection in Topton over the holiday weekend. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County officials are still working to gather intel on who is responsible for vandalizing the new “Welcome to Graham County” sign near the U.S. 74 intersection in Topton over the holiday weekend. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Short-lived welcome

Charlie Benton
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Topton – Like many things in 2020, a sign welcoming drivers to Graham County on Hwy. 129 has had a difficult year.  The sign – located near the intersection with U.S.

Factors at play for Corridor K

News Staff
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Robbinsville – Corridor K may eventually happen, but it will not be the one that was imagined some 50 years ago, when discussions to build it first began. The beginning of construction on the project was recently moved up to 2026.