LakeSanteetlah

Town of Lake Santeetlah Council Member Ralph Mitchell could not contain his excitement while on Zoom for the Sept. 14 meeting after being presented with a certificate recognizing Mitchell, 94, as the oldest public servant in North Carolina.

Town of Lake Santeetlah Council Member Ralph Mitchell could not contain his excitement while on Zoom for the Sept. 14 meeting after being presented with a certificate recognizing Mitchell, 94, as the oldest public servant in North Carolina.

Mitchell recognized for service

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – Still sharp as a tack, Ralph Mitchell had one inquisitive comment when asked to speak on his special recognition at the Sept. 14 Lake Santeetlah Town Council meeting. “That I’m old?” Mitchell asked dryly, before laughing.

Precinct judges named

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Robbinsville – Ahead of two municipal contests rapidly approaching in Graham County, the local board of elections announced its selections for officials at the four precincts Monday.
Drainage issues in ditches along Lake Santeetlah roads will soon be rectified, thanks to the town receiving over $72K from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The funds could significantly improve areas like this, located on Black Bear Trail. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Drainage issues in ditches along Lake Santeetlah roads will soon be rectified, thanks to the town receiving over $72K from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The funds could significantly improve areas like this, located on Black Bear Trail. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lake Santeetlah receives $72K for ditch repairs

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – Through hard work and optimism, a local municipality will soon receive a substantive amount of money to complete much-needed repairs.
The Graham County Board of Elections met for the first time since its unanimous reappointment Monday. From left are Teresa Eller, secretary; Lowell Crisp, member; Billy Ditmore, member; Juanita Colvard, chair; and Keith Rogers, vice chair. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Graham County Board of Elections met for the first time since its unanimous reappointment Monday. From left are Teresa Eller, secretary; Lowell Crisp, member; Billy Ditmore, member; Juanita Colvard, chair; and Keith Rogers, vice chair. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Municipal races cemented

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Robbinsville – It has been a very productive stretch recently for the Graham County Board of Elections. Finally cozy in its offices at the Graham County Community Building (196 Knight St.
This screenshot from a recording shows the moment Lake Santeetlah Council Woman Diana Simon slapped Mayor Connie Connie Gross during the town’s June 8 meeting. Simon was attempting to nominate a candidate for a substitute member on Lake Santeetlah’s planning board, moments after Mayor Gross’ husband, Jack, was voted 3-2 to be the first of two alternates on the planning board.

This screenshot from a recording shows the moment Lake Santeetlah Council Woman Diana Simon slapped Mayor Connie Connie Gross during the town’s June 8 meeting. Simon was attempting to nominate a candidate for a substitute member on Lake Santeetlah’s planning board, moments after Mayor Gross’ husband, Jack, was voted 3-2 to be the first of two alternates on the planning board.

Things get physical

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – It was only a matter of time before the countless accusations, passive-aggressive comments and overall tension in the room led to the proceedings spiraling out of control.

Woman rescued from woods

Marshall McClung
Monday, May 15, 2023
Snowbird – Graham County Sheriff’s Deputy David Moore and Graham County Rescue Squad members were involved in rescuing a young woman from the woods in the Snowbird area Sunday night.  The woman was reportedly first heard calling for help at the Snowbird Picnic Area on Snowbird Road around 8:30 p.m.

Zoning enforcement in township questioned

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 1, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – It’s only an issue in one of Graham County’s three incorporated areas, but it’s a biggie for residents of Lake Santeetlah: zoning ordinances. In fact, the town is the only one in the county with zoning. Neither Fontana Dam nor Robbinsville have it on the books.

Medical-leave request withdrawn

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – One of the more uniquely disputed agenda items in recent memory will vanish without a solution. Believed to be the oldest-serving council member in North Carolina, 93-year-old Ralph Mitchell submitted a medical leave request to the Town of Lake Santeetlah on Jan. 18.

Another vote, another stalemate

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – The agenda for a local municipality’s March 9 council meeting included several items of interest. One in particular expressed optimism: No. 7, under “Old Business,” which said, “Acceptance of Ralph Mitchell’s request for medical leave of absence.
The Polar Plunge returned Feb. 18, the first time the frigid event had been held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Graham County Schools

The Polar Plunge returned Feb. 18, the first time the frigid event had been held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Graham County Schools

Quick dip

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – For the first time since February 2020, the chilly “Polar Plunge” was held. Volunteers were sponsored by area residents and businesses, and tasked with setting aside both personal ego – and all feeling in their extremities – to rush into the cold waters of Lake Santeetlah on Feb.