GrahamCounty

Gunshot to head killed suspect in 2021 chase

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Tallulah – A gunshot wound to the head proved fatal for a Dickson, Tenn., resident after a high-speed 2021 chase, according to the autopsy. The Graham Star just received the results from a June 21, 2021 autopsy conducted on 31-year-old Mickey Ray Rice last week.
Valerie Frapp was recently named the new GM of the historic Tapoco Lodge, ending a 4-month vacancy for the role. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Valerie Frapp was recently named the new GM of the historic Tapoco Lodge, ending a 4-month vacancy for the role. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘This will always be home’

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Tapoco – If you spend any time with Valerie Frapp, you will quickly learn just how much she loves Tapoco Lodge.

Schools funding shortage escalates

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Robbinsville – Graham County Schools are in the red by over $620,000, as costs continue to mount. With school out for the summer, the Graham County Board of Education had an unusual late-month, special-called meeting to tie up loose ends, one of which won’t be resolved any time soon – funding.
Station 3 Fire Chief Brian Johnson is planning construction of a three-bay metal building to supplement the existing structure off Tapoco Road. Station 3 volunteers have been saving up for years for the project, which will cost an estimated $80,000. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Station 3 Fire Chief Brian Johnson is planning construction of a three-bay metal building to supplement the existing structure off Tapoco Road. Station 3 volunteers have been saving up for years for the project, which will cost an estimated $80,000. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

An aging fleet

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Graham County emergency services have come a long way. A handmade two-wheel cart with fire hose served in lieu of a fire engine in the late 1940s, and a hearse served as the county’s only ambulance until the early 1960s.

County approves $22.8 million budget

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Robbinsville – Graham County commissioners approved a $22.8 million budget that keeps property taxes unchanged yet also comes to terms with rising costs for nearly everything. The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on June 21 during which there was no public comment.

Alton Prather

News Staff
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Alton Prather, 79 of the Atoah community, no longer resides at 979 I U Gap Road in Robbinsville, N.C. He had a change of address Sunday, June 12, 2022. He is now residing in a mansion on the Streets of Gold by the banks of the River Jordan. Alton was born April 2, 1943, in Monticello, Miss.

James David Brooks

News Staff
Thursday, June 23, 2022
James David Brooks, 73 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away, Monday, June 13, 2022, at his home. David was a native of Graham County, and the son of the late J.D. and Burdell Anderson Brooks. He was also a Veteran of the U.S. Army.

Wayne Wachacha

News Staff
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Wayne Wachacha, 78 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on the night of Wednesday, June 15, 2022. He went to his heavenly home, where he was greeted by his beloved wife of 54 years, Evelyn Taylor Wachacha.
EMT Hamilton Boxberger, sheriff’s Detective Andrew Bennett and Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Knight (from left) provide information about services their agencies provide during the Adult Services Resource Fair on June 15 in Robbinsville. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

EMT Hamilton Boxberger, sheriff’s Detective Andrew Bennett and Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Knight (from left) provide information about services their agencies provide during the Adult Services Resource Fair on June 15 in Robbinsville. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Help available for elderly, disabled in Graham County

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Robbinsville – Older people living on a fixed income have trouble making ends meet under normal circumstances, but with spiking prices for fuel, food and a lot of other things, it is becoming even more difficult.