GrahamCountyNC

Woman killed in crash

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Fontana Dam – A Texas woman passed away from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash near the Graham/Swain County line May 20.
The Robbinsville High School Class of 2025 unwind at the end of Friday’s commencement exercise. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

The Robbinsville High School Class of 2025 unwind at the end of Friday’s commencement exercise. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

‘This is just the beginning’

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Robbinsville – Equipped with endless optimism and universal support for their peers, another line of graduates participated in the annual commencement exercise Friday.

County eyeing $25M budget

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Robbinsville – A draft of the much-discussed 2025-26 Graham County budget was presented to the board of commissioners at May 20's meeting. The county is targeting a balance of $25,453,201 for the fiscal year, which begins July 1 and continues through June 30.
Graham County's native flower is in full bloom at the Mill Creek residence of James Crisp.

Graham County's native flower is in full bloom at the Mill Creek residence of James Crisp.

Azalea photo contest underway

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Tallulah – For the third consecutive year, The Graham Star has paired with Graham County Travel & Tourism to sponsor an Azalea Photo Contest. Simply snap a photo of the county's native flower and submit to editor@grahamstar.com. Only digital photos will be accepted (limit one per entry).
Anna Wehr and Ryan Lynn will lead the Robbinsville High School Class of 2025 onto the floor Friday as this year’s respective valedictorian and salutatorian. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Anna Wehr and Ryan Lynn will lead the Robbinsville High School Class of 2025 onto the floor Friday as this year’s respective valedictorian and salutatorian. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Wisdom from the top

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Robbinsville – Each year, two special students are recognized for not only their academic success but the challenges and personal commitments they have overcome to accept the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian of their graduating class.
Members of the Graham County Fire and Rescue Squad work their way back to shore after rescuing James Vollmer following an accident that sent the area dentist into the Cheoah River on May 13. Photos courtesy of Graham County Fire and Rescue

Members of the Graham County Fire and Rescue Squad work their way back to shore after rescuing James Vollmer following an accident that sent the area dentist into the Cheoah River on May 13. Photos courtesy of Graham County Fire and Rescue

Andrews man rescued from river

Marshall McClung
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Yellow Creek – Graham County Fire and Rescue members and others were called out to perform a swiftwater rescue on the Cheoah River around 7:45 p.m., on May 13, when 911 dispatchers received word of a car in the water roughly three miles south of Tapoco Lodge on U.S. 129.
The intersection of Rodney Orr Bypass and Laura Street will be busier than ever next year, thanks to the addition of a 32,000 square-foot retail store that will occupy the space on the left. The upgraded buildings on the right will serve as an annex of the effort. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The intersection of Rodney Orr Bypass and Laura Street will be busier than ever next year, thanks to the addition of a 32,000 square-foot retail store that will occupy the space on the left. The upgraded buildings on the right will serve as an annex of the effort. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Changes ahead at 'Conley's Corner'

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Robbinsville – Passers-by have no doubt see the upgraded aesthetics to buildings along the southbound lane of Rodney Orr Bypass, near Laura Street. There's more on the horizon than just a fresh paint job, as local business Lovin Contracting is expanding its footprint.
This ShakeMap illustrates the various areas across a four-state region that felt Saturday’s earthquake. The epicenter is marked by a star. Map courtesy of United States Geological Survey

This ShakeMap illustrates the various areas across a four-state region that felt Saturday’s earthquake. The epicenter is marked by a star. Map courtesy of United States Geological Survey

Earthquake shakes Graham County

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Chilhowee – Residents and visitors alike were stirred from their Saturday morning slumber by an earthquake across state lines. According to the United States Geological Survey's website, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rumbled to life around 9:04 a.m.
Members of the Stecoah JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program kept attendees entertained at Saturday's SpringFest. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Members of the Stecoah JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program kept attendees entertained at Saturday's SpringFest. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Spring has sprung

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, May 8, 2025
N.C. Forest Service Ranger Frank Cline and Smokey the Bear were on-hand for Saturday's SpringFest. Stecoah – Visitors did not let the rain spoil their plans to attend this year’s Smoky Mountain SpringFest, which was held Saturday at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.