GrahamCounty

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

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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...
Justin Waldroup assists Kensie Belk, Bella Eddings and Ella Dockery (from left) with a fire hose demonstration during last week's youth fire and rescue academy. Photo courtesy of Graham County Fire and Rescue

Justin Waldroup assists Kensie Belk, Bella Eddings and Ella Dockery (from left) with a fire hose demonstration during last week's youth fire and rescue academy. Photo courtesy of Graham County Fire and Rescue

Youth fire, rescue academy held

Marshall McClung
Thursday, July 24, 2025
The inaugural Graham County Youth Fire and Rescue Academy in Graham County was held last week.  Assistant Fire and Rescue Chief Troy Grindstaff – who is also the training instructor – was the driving force behind setting up the training.

Raleigh hiker rescued on waterfall trip

Marshall McClung
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Tapoco – The heat and humidity may have been too much for 72-year-old Raleigh resident William Barnes, on a hike to Bear Creek Falls on July 14.  Barnes and his wife had left on the hike near Tapoco Lodge sometime before 1 p.m.
Raymond Norton fell in love with farming at an early age. Retirement has only given him more time to work at the hobby he loves. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Raymond Norton fell in love with farming at an early age. Retirement has only given him more time to work at the hobby he loves. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Life on the farm

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, July 24, 2025
* 4th in a 5-part series Mill Creek – If you are a farmer in Graham County, there is a good chance Raymond Norton is a familiar name.  Norton has been farming and helping farmers of Graham County for 55 years, with 30 years spent working for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Office.

Municipal races finalized

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 24, 2025
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.
Gardening has been a lifelong love for Bear Creek resident Jean Taylor. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Gardening has been a lifelong love for Bear Creek resident Jean Taylor. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Big garden, big heart

Latresa Phillips
Monday, July 21, 2025
Bear Creek – Jean Taylor can be described as an experienced gardener, an entrepreneur and someone who preserves history.  “I’ve experienced gardening since before I started school,” Taylor said.
Hugh Orr has a full-time job, tending five gardens in the East Buffalo community. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Hugh Orr has a full-time job, tending five gardens in the East Buffalo community. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

1 man, 5 gardens

Latresa Phillips
Friday, July 11, 2025
East Buffalo – What started out as a hobby for Hugh Darold Orr has turned into a full-time job.  For the past 25 years of retirement, Orr has enjoyed planting a garden or two and watching it grow. He shares with neighbors and friends.

Stewart sentenced for sex crimes

Kevin Hensley
Friday, July 11, 2025
Robbinsville – An Alabama man will spend at least the next 30 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to committing statutory sex crimes over three years ago. Roderick Christopher Stewart, 34 of Luverne, Ala.
Even at the age of 87, James Crisp works with his wife Sara to raise a garden each year that catches the eye of anyone who turns onto Mill Creek Circle. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Even at the age of 87, James Crisp works with his wife Sara to raise a garden each year that catches the eye of anyone who turns onto Mill Creek Circle. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Bountiful blessings

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Mill Creek – Just off Tallulah Road, you will find the home of James and Sara Crisp.  You don’t have to see their name on the mailbox to know you have arrived at their residence.