SwainCounty

Amid heavy pressure from Swain County, Quinn Jumper eyes the bucket during a loss to the Maroon Devils on Feb. 11. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Amid heavy pressure from Swain County, Quinn Jumper eyes the bucket during a loss to the Maroon Devils on Feb. 11. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Dreams dashed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Robbinsville – Hopes of another conference title for Robbinsville’s middle school boys basketball squad were swiftly erased on Feb. 11. The Black Knights (9-2) fell behind early against Swain and were unable to rally, dropping a 46-43 game to the Maroon Devils.
With Kensley Phillips (left) sprinting to back up the drive and Cherokee’s Praire Toineeta attempting to thwart the push, Robbinsville’s Halee Anderson eyes the basket during Friday’s 70-57 road loss to the Lady Braves. Photo by Scot McKie/Cherokee One Feather

With Kensley Phillips (left) sprinting to back up the drive and Cherokee’s Praire Toineeta attempting to thwart the push, Robbinsville’s Halee Anderson eyes the basket during Friday’s 70-57 road loss to the Lady Braves. Photo by Scot McKie/Cherokee One Feather

Minor hiccup

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Cherokee – Fresh off an 8-day quarantine and a pair of practices, the Robbinsville Lady Knights felt ready to return to the court.
Robbinsville’s Drey Keener (21) reaches out to stop a shot from Cherokee’s Jordan Arkansas during Friday’s 100-81 loss to the Braves. Photo by Scot McKie/Cherokee One Feather

Robbinsville’s Drey Keener (21) reaches out to stop a shot from Cherokee’s Jordan Arkansas during Friday’s 100-81 loss to the Braves. Photo by Scot McKie/Cherokee One Feather

Perimeter blues

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Cherokee – A nice first-half pace was not enough for Robbinsville.
Kensley Phillips shows off her vertical prowess while rising for the kill Monday at Andrews. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Kensley Phillips shows off her vertical prowess while rising for the kill Monday at Andrews. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Sweeps week

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 7, 2021
It’s crunch time for the Robbinsville Lady Knights.

Glen Thomas

News Staff
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Glen H. Thomas, 80, went home peacefully Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, to be with his Lord and Savior.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lawton and Bertha Thomas.

Beginning a new chapter

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Stecoah – A local resident has released a continuation to a book published 19 years ago. The Nantahala River, A History and Guide is the latest work from Stecoah resident Lance Holland.
The Leary’s (couple at right) were frequently asked by travelers who stopped at Deals Gap to pause for a photograph in front of the sign outside their store, Crossroads of Time. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Leary’s (couple at right) were frequently asked by travelers who stopped at Deals Gap to pause for a photograph in front of the sign outside their store, Crossroads of Time. Photos courtesy of Cathy Mathews

The Real Dragon (Part 2 of 2)

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Cathy Mathews remembers her father Pete Leary waking up to cook for the anglers staying at the Deals Gap motel around 5 a.m. each day. He also reached out to fishing publications, spreading the word about the nest-egg sitting in the northwestern corner of North Carolina.
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.

Gorge re-opens after slide

Kevin Hensley
Friday, August 7, 2020
Nantahala – The latest U.S. 19/74 mudslide only halted traffic for 18 hours. After incurring numerous issues around the area of the Nantahala Gorge’s Ferebee Recreation Park, N.C.