Robbinsville

In this March 29 photo, Graham County Deputy Jim Hyde (left) and Graham County Land’s Quinn Carver help man one of the five entry points into the county, which were closed to non-residents in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

A look back at 2020

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 31, 2020

The dawn of the new decade was seemingly dominated by a worldwide pandemic. And while the coronavirus has certainly made its presence felt in the area, Graham County still had a bevy of impactful events occur within its borders.

Robbinsville’s Nathan Collins plucks a steal away from Hiwassee Dam’s Michael Simms during a preseason scrimmage Saturday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knocking off the rust

Kevin Hensley

Monday, December 28, 2020

Hiwassee Dam – If Saturday was any indication, Robbinsville basketball looks primed to move into the upper echelon of competition in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Graham County’s contribution to the division bused both varsity squads to Hiwassee Dam for a preseason scrimmage against the Eagles.

Eyes on the prize

Kevin Hensley

Monday, December 28, 2020

Nantahala – In pre-COVID times, a 2-loss volleyball team from the Smoky Mountain Conference was all but guaranteed a spot in the 1A state playoffs. However, as the virus has altered the way high school athletics are being conducted this year, that guarantee has been kissed goodbye.

This Dec. 14 accident on Tallulah Road sent a local man to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Accident sends one to hospital

Charlie Benton

Monday, December 28, 2020

Tallulah – A local man is recuperating in Chattanooga, after sustaining serious injuries in a car crash on Tallulah Road on the night of Dec.14. According to an accident report provided by the N.C.

Mary Ann Christiansen

News Staff

Monday, December 28, 2020

Mary Ann Hyde Christiansen, 75 of the Dick Branch Community in Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 at UT Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Edward Glenn and Nettie Louise Hedrick Hyde.

Ted Norcross, Jr.

News Staff

Monday, December 28, 2020

On Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, Ted McKillip Norcross, Jr. – loving husband and father of three children – passed at the age of 79. Ted was born on March 15, 1941 in Miami, Fla. to Ted McKillip Norcross, Sr. and Marie Norcross. He grew up in Miami, Fla.

Clash of the Champions

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 17, 2020

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.

Neddine Swann

News Staff

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Neddine Odom Swann, 70 of Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 at Graham Healthcare and Rehabilitation. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Opal Jordan Odom.

Donovan Underwood

News Staff

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Donovan Rickell Underwood, 48 of Sylva, N.C., passed away Friday Dec. 11, 2020 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. A native of Graham County, he was the son of the late Ronnie Underwood of Robbinsville N.C. and Martha Brown of Murphy, N.C.

Clay Williams

News Staff

Thursday, December 17, 2020

James Clay Williams, 93 of Lowell, N.C., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at his granddaughter’s home. He was born in Graham County, N.C. on Jan. 28, 1927, to the late Willie Bryson Williams and Betty Evelyn Roberts Williams.