Robbinsville

County officials voted Friday to temporarily close the booking office at the Graham County Detention Center, in order to eradicate lead-based paint inside the facility. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

County officials voted Friday to temporarily close the booking office at the Graham County Detention Center, in order to eradicate lead-based paint inside the facility. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Portion of jail to close for repair

Robbinsville – Though it remains unclear exactly when efforts will begin, the Graham County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Friday to move those employed inside the detention center to a different location inside the courthouse while crews work to remediate lead-based paint in the...

Municipal races finalized

A total of 20 local residents threw their names in the hat for the 2025 municipal elections.  The filing period closed at noon Friday, with the following candidates emerging as contenders for the Nov. 4 ballot.
After making a reception during the July 10, 7-on-7 scrimmage against Tuscola, Isiac Collins weaves through the Mountaineer defense. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

After making a reception during the July 10, 7-on-7 scrimmage against Tuscola, Isiac Collins weaves through the Mountaineer defense. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Early glimpse

Waynesville – This week marks the end of Robbinsville’s most-active offseason in many years. Athletes, coaches and the Black Knights fan base are reinvigorated by a regime change; in return, attendance for summer workouts has been higher than usual.

Volleyball hosting summer matches

Robbinsville – The Lady Knights are opening the doors of the high school gym this month for a program fundraiser. Athletes in grades K-4 can register for practices and matches that will occur every respective Monday and Tuesday throughout the month.

Settlement reached on town sanitation bill

Robbinsville – A settlement regarding a sanitation bill in excess of $23,000 has been finalized. At June 17's Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting, county manager Brady Cody presented a May invoice for Robbinsville's past-due amount of $23,914.80.
Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley discusses strategy with his players during a timeout at Monday's scrimmage against Murphy. Robbinsville finished its summer with 18 exhibitions under its belt. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights head coach Jake Beasley discusses strategy with his players during a timeout at Monday's scrimmage against Murphy. Robbinsville finished its summer with 18 exhibitions under its belt. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Practice makes perfect

Robbinsville – If Monday's exhibitions are any indication, another Smoky Mountain Conference title could very well be in the immediate future of Black Knights basketball. Hosting Murphy and Andrews for a pair of scrimmages, Robbinsville went through its playbook with a roster of 10 at its disposal.
Lady Vols freshman Zoie Shuler stands at third in Tennessee's third game of the Women's College World Series June 1 against UCLA. Photo courtesy of Kylie Shuler

Lady Vols freshman Zoie Shuler stands at third in Tennessee's third game of the Women's College World Series June 1 against UCLA. Photo courtesy of Kylie Shuler

One story ends, another begins

At any given time between May 16 – June 2, one could simply turn on either the Super Regionals or the Women's College World Series and spot a Graham County native on the field.
The Dragon Pit might have a new identity, but the location and menu remain familiar. Former T Dubbs owner Tracy Williams (left) sold the popular barbecue stand to Aaron Bradley in February. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Dragon Pit might have a new identity, but the location and menu remain familiar. Former T Dubbs owner Tracy Williams (left) sold the popular barbecue stand to Aaron Bradley in February. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Different name, same menu

Robbinsville – Aaron Bradley had no idea what he was getting into when he spotted something on the side of the road and turned his vehicle around some eight years ago. "God works in different ways," Bradley said. "He's got a path for everybody." Bradley was traveling with his family on U.S.