Robbinsville

Marjorie Ann Fann

Marjorie Ann Fann, 73 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 at her residence, surrounded by her family. She was a native of Graham County and the daughter of the late Joe and Nora Carringer Fann.

Paul Crocker

Dwight Paul Crocker, 72 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at Care Partners Health Services in Asheville, N.C. Paul had made Graham County his home for several years, but he was a native of Jackson County, Ala.
“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

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.

So far, so good

Everyone collectively held their breath when students began the 2020-21 North Carolina school year Aug. 17. In the world of a “new normal,” students statewide were subjected to temperature checks and a quick questionnaire, before entering the doors of their respective schools.

Death deemed suspicious

Cheoah – Graham County authorities are treating the discovery of a Robbinsville man’s body as “suspicious.” Thomas Storm Moose, 24, of Robbinsville, was found dead off Lower Mountain Creek Road on Aug. 16. He had been reported missing to authorities on Aug. 12.

Carol Crisp

Carol Stewart Crisp, 79 of Robbinsville, N.C., went on to be with the Lord in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020. Carol was born on July 25, 1941 on West Buffalo to her parents, Ralph and Maggie Lee Hyde Stewart.  She was one of seven children.
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

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

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.