Robbinsville

Town to hold public hearing concerning sleeping ordinance

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Robbinsville – The county seat is one step closer to adopting an ordinance that would charge those caught sleeping on public sidewalks, streets and benches. But no matter which side of the proposal you are on, fret not: You will have a chance to make your voice heard.

An aerial view of Robbinsville, after the now-infamous “Blizzard of ‘93” originally dumped well over three feet of snow in Graham County.

Infamous ‘Blizzard of ’93’ recalled, 30 years later

Marshall McClung

Thursday, March 16, 2023

* Editor’s note: In March 1993, Marshall McClung was working for the U.S. Forest Service when a snowstorm unlike any other seen in the Southeast swept across the region. This is his account of the impact the storm had on Graham County.

Flanked by a documentary team, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Senior Program Officer Alfred Mays greets Robbinsville High School Science Teacher Ben Davis on March 9. Mays and the film crew had traveled from Research Triangle Park to present Davis with a $175,000 check – one of just four awarded statewide. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

District STEM teacher receives $175K award

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Robbinsville – David Matheson had the entire scenario planned to perfection. Representatives from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund arrived right on-schedule, including a two-man film crew.

Black Knights falter early in season opener

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Canton – Before Robbinsville could manufacture a reply, the Black Bears had clawed ahead 10-0. The Knights certainly hoped for a better start to their season, but head coach Brent Icenhower noted several positives after a 5-inning, 12-2 loss to Pisgah (1-1) on Tuesday.

Junior Taelyr Jackson swings for an eventual double Tuesday, which was mixed into a 9-run third for Robbinsville in the Lady Knights’ 14-1 rout of Smoky Mountain. Photos by Montana Buchanan/The Graham Star

Wild horses tamed

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Webster – Even the faintest cloud of doubt about how this year’s Robbinsville varsity softball team would mesh on the field seemed to dissipate as quickly as the tightly-knit score.

Memory Frapp enters her third varsity season as the ace of the Lady Knights. Robbinsville has won the conference title each year she has toed the rubber. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights hoping mix of old, new brings success

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 9, 2023

* Robbinsville softball season preview Robbinsville – When you return both the Smoky Mountain Conference Pitcher and Player of the Year, you have to like your chances this season.

Lathan Buchanan, Robbinsville head coach Brent Icenhower and Alex Knight (from left) have a on-field discussion during a pitching change against Brevard on April 11. Buchanan and Knight are two of the seniors back for the varsity-baseball program this season. Photos courtesy of Crystal White/Robbinsville High School

Black Knights eyeing first playoff berth in 11 years

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 9, 2023

* Robbinsville baseball season preview Robbinsville – The last time a Black Knights baseball team made the playoffs, this year’s seniors were 6 years old.

The Robbinsville Lady Knights were understandably distraught while accepting the 1A Western Regional Runner-Up plaque after dropping the game 41-30 to Bishop McGuinness. All names are listed from left. Front row: Desta Trammell, Kensley Phillips, Bella Ford, Fala Welch and Suri Watty. Back row: Liz Carpenter, Olivia Lewis, Aubrie Wachacha, Bentley Riggs, Abby Wehr, Anna Williams, Katie-Lyn Gross, Anna York and Maleah Cox. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights fall short in regional final

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Senior Fala Welch scored the final basket of Robbinsville's season in the closing seconds of Saturday's 1A Western Regional Final. Morganton – The deepest playoff run in Lady Knights’ basketball history was halted in the state semifinals on Saturday.

Keith McAlum builds portable chicken coops in shop space off Long Branch Road near Robbinsville. Photo by Randy Foster/Cherokee Scout

Business is a drag

Randy Foster

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Tallulah – Keith McAlum realizes that the fruit of his labor is a drag on his customers, but he’s happy about it – and so are his customers. McAlum is a carpenter who builds chicken coops with a twist: they have wheels on one end and a sturdy handle on the other (or two for the larger versions).

Shooting season begins

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Canton – A pair of standout performances highlighted Robbinsville’s first entry into the 2023 shooting season, which occurred Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Midwest Invitational in Canton. Ryan Lynn was the highest finisher for Robbinsville High School, taking 16th in the packed 121-competitor field.