GREAT

$1.2 million bringing high-speed to county

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 17, 2020
A collaborative study by several county entities may finally pay off. Gov. Roy Cooper announced Sept. 4 that a $344,447 broadband grant had been awarded to Bryson City-based SkyWave, Inc. The company also services Graham County.
Cynthia Garren (left) and Lavetta Roper greet customers every time they walk into Mountain Memories. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Cynthia Garren (left) and Lavetta Roper greet customers every time they walk into Mountain Memories. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Local store a merry ministry

Robbi Pounds
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Robbinsville – Mountain Memories is a unique boutique, one with origins as a Christian bookstore.
Dr. Debbie Denise Reece is hopeful of a 100 percent response to the upcoming 2020 census, as demonstrated by her speech at the GREAT meeting Nov. 14. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Dr. Debbie Denise Reece is hopeful of a 100 percent response to the upcoming 2020 census, as demonstrated by her speech at the GREAT meeting Nov. 14. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

GREAT meeting focuses on 2020 census

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Fontana Dam – The latest GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team) meeting, hosted by the Fontana Village Resort and Marina and sponsored by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, took place at the resort’s lodge Nov. 14 and included a guest speaker, as well as a Thanksgiving feast.

More than just flowers

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Robbinsville – “This kind of work releases those good endorphins,” said Gail Wiggins, who co-owns florist shop Full Bloom Too in downtown Robbinsville, along with Marg Lewis.  “It helps take your mind off your other work and gives you an outlet for your creativity,” said Lewis.
Michelle Shiplet (left) is introduced as the new executive director of GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team) by former director Rick Davis at the Sept. 19 meeting. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Michelle Shiplet (left) is introduced as the new executive director of GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team) by former director Rick Davis at the Sept. 19 meeting. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

GREAT gets new leader

Robbi Pounds
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Robbinsville – After 11 years as director of GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team), Rick Davis literally handed over the mic to the organization’s new director, Michelle Shiplet, during Thursday’s meeting at The Hub Restaurant.