GrahamCounty

The Tail of the Dragon attracts thousands of riding enthusiasts each year. But in 1980, a Florida family began leaving their mark on the famous stretch of highway. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Tail of the Dragon attracts thousands of riding enthusiasts each year. But in 1980, a Florida family began leaving their mark on the famous stretch of highway. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Real Dragon (Part 1 of 2)

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 3, 2020
It was 1975. Peter and Doris Leary, residents of Sanibel Island, Fla., were searching for a mountain retreat.  Recently retired, former owners of a remodeling business, the Leary’s wanted an escape from the south Florida sun, but Pete had a requirement.

Fleeing, theft leads to arrests

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 3, 2020
The Graham County Sheriff’s Office has had a busy past few weeks. Following an individual taking off during a traffic stop, two more suspects were apprehended and charged with breaking and entering. Deputies pulled over Gregory A. Orr, 41, of Spring Hill Road, on Ford Street on Aug.
“The Rock” – an indoor softball facility – cannot be located on a map, but you can pinpoint much of Robbinsville’s success on the diamond to the hours spent putting in reps at the building. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

“The Rock” – an indoor softball facility – cannot be located on a map, but you can pinpoint much of Robbinsville’s success on the diamond to the hours spent putting in reps at the building. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Secret to success

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Robbinsville – If you want to trace the recent uptick in success for Lady Knights’ softball, it all starts downtown. For the past 2 ½ years, Brian “Petey” Millsaps has operated “The Rock,” an indoor softball facility.

Para-Medicine now available in Graham County

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
A free health-care program is becoming increasingly popular in Graham County.  Thanks to funding from the Duke Endowment, Appalachian Regional Commission, Harris Regional Hospital system and others, the Community Para-Medicine program is only one doctor’s referral away.

So far, so good

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Everyone collectively held their breath when students began the 2020-21 North Carolina school year Aug. 17. In the world of a “new normal,” students statewide were subjected to temperature checks and a quick questionnaire, before entering the doors of their respective schools.
Those wishing to be tested for COVID-19 were able to stop outside the Robbinsville Post Office on Wednesday, Aug. 19. On-hand to help conduct the tests were Hannah Anderson, April Morefield, Emily Collins and Haley Anderson (from left). Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Those wishing to be tested for COVID-19 were able to stop outside the Robbinsville Post Office on Wednesday, Aug. 19. On-hand to help conduct the tests were Hannah Anderson, April Morefield, Emily Collins and Haley Anderson (from left). Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Virus hits local nursing home

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Atoah – The coronavirus has hit the local nursing home. Two staff members of Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a release issued by the county’s health department Monday.  No residents have tested positive.

County discusses new courthouse

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Robbinsville – Graham County is edging closer to breaking ground on its new courthouse. County project manager Jason Marino presented the board of commissioners with three preliminary designs on Aug. 20.
A trio of North Carolina Republican candidates – Kaleb Wingate, Kevin Corbin and Karl Gillespie (from left) – visited the county’s Republican headquarters Saturday. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

A trio of North Carolina Republican candidates – Kaleb Wingate, Kevin Corbin and Karl Gillespie (from left) – visited the county’s Republican headquarters Saturday. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Ready to serve

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Robbinsville – With election day only 10 weeks away, Republicans are making a hard push for Graham County’s vote. After U.S. House candidate Madison Cawthorn made a stop in Robbinsville on May 29, three more Republican candidates – Karl Gillespie (N.C.

Death deemed suspicious

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Cheoah – Graham County authorities are treating the discovery of a Robbinsville man’s body as “suspicious.” Thomas Storm Moose, 24, of Robbinsville, was found dead off Lower Mountain Creek Road on Aug. 16. He had been reported missing to authorities on Aug. 12.