GrahamCounty

This graph shows COVID-19 trends from the outset of the pandemic. Graphic by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

This graph shows COVID-19 trends from the outset of the pandemic. Graphic by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Schools shift mask policy

Randy Foster
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Robbinsville – The Graham County Board of Education on Tuesday warily voted to return to voluntary masks on school properties (except on buses, where masks are still mandatory), but is prepared to return to the table later in February if any school has a COVID-19 positive test rate of 10 percent or...

Child care staffing shortage leaves centers struggling

Randy Foster
Thursday, January 27, 2022
North Carolina child care providers are finding it difficult to hire and retain qualified staff, as the state continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey. As a result, 32 percent of child care providers have abruptly closed classrooms, with little notice to parents.

Paul Newton Riddle

News Staff
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Paul Newton Riddle, 94 and a native of Graham County, went peacefully to be with our Lord on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 23, 2022 at his residence. He served in the U.S. Army for two years stationed in Italy during World War II. He was formerly employed at AC Lawrence Leather Co.

John Alvin McRae

News Staff
Thursday, January 27, 2022
John Alvin McRae, 67 of the Atoah Community in Robbinsville, N.C., passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, after a short illness. John was born Dec. 31, 1954, at the Parrette Clinic. He was the son of Leoah Icenhower McRae and the late Huel McRae.
Junior point guard Desta Trammell scored her 1,000th career point Tuesday night against Swain County. Robbinsville head coach Lucas Ford presented Trammell with a commemorative ball after the game. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Junior point guard Desta Trammell scored her 1,000th career point Tuesday night against Swain County. Robbinsville head coach Lucas Ford presented Trammell with a commemorative ball after the game. Photo by Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Trammell hits 1,000

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Robbinsville – With 2:30 left in the first quarter of Tuesday’s home game against Swain County, Lady Knights junior point guard Desta Trammell dished the ball to classmate and lifelong friend/teammate Kensley Phillips in the corner.
From left, host Rob Mason, exchange students Seoyun Choi and Giorgia Magnani, and host Robin Mason gather for a picture beside West Buffalo Creek. The dog’s name is Tucker. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

From left, host Rob Mason, exchange students Seoyun Choi and Giorgia Magnani, and host Robin Mason gather for a picture beside West Buffalo Creek. The dog’s name is Tucker. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Culture shock

Randy Foster
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Snowbird – Considering they are both teenage girls, Giorgia Magnani and Seoyun Choi could hardly be more different. Giorgia is a 17-year-old from Cervia, Italy, a coastal tourist town of about 28,000 people on the Adriatic Sea.
Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams signs the first alcholic beverage permit – issued to Ingles – on Jan. 20.

Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams signs the first alcholic beverage permit – issued to Ingles – on Jan. 20.

Ingles application seeking state approval

Randy Foster
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Robbinsville – The Town of Robbinsville has forwarded the first beer and wine application to the state since the November 2021 election, when residents voted to resume some alcohol sales for the first time since 1948.