Robbinsville

Massive Christmas tree coming to Robbinsville

Robbinsville – Thanks to a split between the Town of Robbinsville and its tourism authority, residents and tourists alike will enjoy a spectacular display this holiday season. First discussed as a possibility at the July 30’s tourism board meeting, aldermen gave the thumbs-up at the town’s Aug.

Focus on education

Robbinsville – New Graham County Schools Superintendent Robert Moody has a lot of goals in mind for his administration, but everything centers around one commonality: the betterment of the district’s students. The first board of education meeting with Moody at the helm took place Aug.
Anna Wehr is not your typical teenage girl: she does not enjoy being the center of attention – unless she’s  performing in front of a crowd on behalf of the Stardance Performing Arts dance studio. Here, a lyrical number titled “Dust Bowl” temporarily sees her peers form a semi-circle around Wehr. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Anna Wehr is not your typical teenage girl: she does not enjoy being the center of attention – unless she’s performing in front of a crowd on behalf of the Stardance Performing Arts dance studio. Here, a lyrical number titled “Dust Bowl” temporarily sees her peers form a semi-circle around Wehr. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Stepping into the spotlight

Dance has helped define Anna Wehr as a person. Performances even allow Wehr to show the audience glimpses of her personality – such as during a light-hearted jazz routine like “Feeling Good.” Blairsville, Ga.
Graham County Narcotics K-9 Sam poses with the 2.22 pounds of methamphetamine he discovered during an early-morning traffic stop Aug. 10. Photo courtesy of Graham County Sheriff's Office

Graham County Narcotics K-9 Sam poses with the 2.22 pounds of methamphetamine he discovered during an early-morning traffic stop Aug. 10. Photo courtesy of Graham County Sheriff's Office

Meth bust largest in county history

Tallulah – An early-morning traffic stop Aug. 10 solidified the efforts of a 7-month narcotics investigation by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office. A patrol officer pulled over a vehicle being operated by 36-year-old Christy Lee Lofty around the 900 block of Tallulah Road.
Delaney Brooms took a chance by visiting Fayetteville Technical Community College on July 26 – and left with a scholarship to play volleyball.

Delaney Brooms took a chance by visiting Fayetteville Technical Community College on July 26 – and left with a scholarship to play volleyball.

Sweeping plans out from under the rug

Robbinsville – As the ink was drying on former Lady Knights teammate Aubrie Wachacha’s volleyball/basketball commitment to Warren Wilson College, Delaney Brooms was busy securing her future some 352 miles away.
Uhura Lim (left) and Journey McEntire perform a skit at Friday’s Snowbird Cherokee Language Summer Graduation. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Uhura Lim (left) and Journey McEntire perform a skit at Friday’s Snowbird Cherokee Language Summer Graduation. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

29 graduate from Cherokee summer camp

Robbinsville – Bear season may be closed for many, but there were several bear sightings in Graham County on Friday. Students, staff and family members of the Snowbird Cherokee Traditions Summer Language Camp attended the annual graduation at Robbinsville High School Auditorium.
Axton Hazel Reap was thrilled to be in his own home again July 31, just a week after a quick slip almost caused severe heartbreak.

Axton Hazel Reap was thrilled to be in his own home again July 31, just a week after a quick slip almost caused severe heartbreak.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand

Tallulah – To look at Axton Hazel Reap today, you would never know that a mere two weeks ago found the two-year-old boy fighting for his life. While attending a local Vacation Bible School on July 24, Reap was sitting near the front of the church.
Robbinsville’s Kyle Jenkins has turned his life around in the span of 12 months – and the hard work is paying off, as the musician released a song in June that has already surpassed 500,000 downloads. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Robbinsville’s Kyle Jenkins has turned his life around in the span of 12 months – and the hard work is paying off, as the musician released a song in June that has already surpassed 500,000 downloads. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

‘Half-Smoked’ leads to full success

Robbinsville – There is a long-standing expression about making the best of what’s in front of you: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  Kyle Jenkins, 21, is enjoying some sweet lemonade right now.
For her tireless work as an advocate for urgent-care availability in Graham County, transit director Juanita Colvard was given her flowers during Tuesday’s AdventHealth open house. Presenting Colvard with the bouquet is AdventHealth Hendersonville Physician Services Director of Operations Kevin Morgan. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

For her tireless work as an advocate for urgent-care availability in Graham County, transit director Juanita Colvard was given her flowers during Tuesday’s AdventHealth open house. Presenting Colvard with the bouquet is AdventHealth Hendersonville Physician Services Director of Operations Kevin Morgan. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Urgent care opening Sept. 16

Robbinsville – The building is the same; yet, the provider’s philosophy is much different.
Fresh off high school graduation two months ago, Aubrie Wachacha solidified her immediate plans for the future by signing to play both volleyball and basketball at Warren Wilson College. Sitting with Wachacha are father Randy Wachacha (left), sister Amara Wachacha and mother Monaka Wachacha. Standing in back (from left) are grandmother Carolyn Wachacha, plus Debbie and John Bird. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Fresh off high school graduation two months ago, Aubrie Wachacha solidified her immediate plans for the future by signing to play both volleyball and basketball at Warren Wilson College. Sitting with Wachacha are father Randy Wachacha (left), sister Amara Wachacha and mother Monaka Wachacha. Standing in back (from left) are grandmother Carolyn Wachacha, plus Debbie and John Bird. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Plans aren’t always cut and dry

Robbinsville – Despite interest trickling in from colleges around the region, Aubrie Wachacha knew what she wanted to do after graduating from Robbinsville High at the end of May: cosmetology school. However, life had other ideas.