GrahamCounty

Three volunteers in the annual Fontana Lakeshore Cleanup haul garbage aboard their vessel. The event was held from Friday-Sunday and removed more than 170,000 pounds of trash from the lake.

Three volunteers in the annual Fontana Lakeshore Cleanup haul garbage aboard their vessel. The event was held from Friday-Sunday and removed more than 170,000 pounds of trash from the lake.

Annual cleanup nets 170,000 pounds of trash

Fontana Dam – Those exploring and enjoying Fontana Lake may notice how immaculate the body of water now is, following the fourth annual Fontana Lakeshore Cleanup, which was held Friday-Sunday. Approximately 45 people per day participated, with many being boat owners.
Preliminary sketches of the butterfly garden that will be located at the Graham County Public Library.

Preliminary sketches of the butterfly garden that will be located at the Graham County Public Library.

New details on butterfly garden revealed

Robbinsville – The Graham County Travel & Tourism board held a meeting Nov. 4. Friends of the Library president Maegan Shoemaker was invited to discuss funding for the local butterfly garden project, which will be located at the Graham County Public Library.

Aldermen take no action on shutoff ordinance

Robbinsville – One local municipality took no action on changing the town’s water shutoff rules, following a disagreement at its October meeting.  At its Nov. 3 regular meeting, the Town of Robbinsville Board of Aldermen discussed the water and sewer shutoff code of ordinance.
Vicki Walsh (left) presents a check to Robbinsville High School Band before Oct. 29’s home football game against Amber Watkins. At the time, the community-wide effort to raise money for new band uniforms had netted $22,133 – but now, the total has eclipsed $23,000. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Vicki Walsh (left) presents a check to Robbinsville High School Band before Oct. 29’s home football game against Amber Watkins. At the time, the community-wide effort to raise money for new band uniforms had netted $22,133 – but now, the total has eclipsed $23,000. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Community bands together

Robbinsville – The Black Knight Marching Band is going to look sharp on the field in new uniforms, thanks to the support of the community.

EMS shifts now on 24/72 rotation

Robbinsville – Some much-needed rest is coming for Graham County EMS personnel. The county’s board of commissioners called a special meeting Monday morning to discuss a shift to a longer rotation for emergency personnel, who have been stretched thin due to staffing issues.

Smith trial postponed again

Robbinsville – A trial set to start in Graham County Superior Court on Monday was pushed back yet again, after the defendant’s counsel expressed concerns over the timeframe for trying the case.
Graham Star publisher/editor Kevin Hensley (left) was selected to flip the coin that would break the tie for a seat on the Town of Lake Santeetlah council at Tuesday’s Graham County Board of Elections canvassing meeting. Observing the flip are election board chairman Juanita Colvard (center) and Town of Lake Santeetlah mayor Jim Hager. Photo courtesy of Beefy Rogers/Contributing Photographer

Graham Star publisher/editor Kevin Hensley (left) was selected to flip the coin that would break the tie for a seat on the Town of Lake Santeetlah council at Tuesday’s Graham County Board of Elections canvassing meeting. Observing the flip are election board chairman Juanita Colvard (center) and Town of Lake Santeetlah mayor Jim Hager. Photo courtesy of Beefy Rogers/Contributing Photographer

Election draws ire of Lake Santeetlah

Robbinsville – The results are certified. Now the challenges can begin. An unusually-high number of write-in candidates for the Town of Lake Santeetlah council popped up on the unofficial results after the general election Nov.

Steven “Steve” Queen

Steven “Steve” Edward Queen, 58 of Daytona Beach, Fla., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, after a serious bout of pneumonia. Steve was born on Nov. 1, 1962, to Larry Queen and Geraldine “Dean” Cook Trull in Robbinsville, N.C.

Richard Phillips

Richard Phillips, 73, went to his heavenly home on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro, Ky. He was born in Robbinsville, N.C. on June 13, 1948, and was the son of the late Otis and Mae Stratton Phillips. He had worked on pipeline construction and strip mines.

James “Nolan” Adams

James “Nolan” Adams, 74 of the Long Creek Community of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away, Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at his residence. He was a native of Graham County, and the son of the late Floyd and Versa Hall Adams.