GrahamCountyNC

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (right) meets with a pair of constituents during his “Carolina Cruiser” visit to Robbinsville on April 12. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (right) meets with a pair of constituents during his “Carolina Cruiser” visit to Robbinsville on April 12. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Cruisin’ for information

Robbinsville – Around 15 constituents turned out for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ mobile unit visit to Robbinsville on April 12. Edwards and his traveling cabinet of four set up shop in the corner of the Ingles parking lot, right at the busy intersection of N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) and U.S.
One Graham County Board of Education member has started raising questions about the Erlanger School-Based Clinic being housed on school grounds. The center is open to any student, staff member or immediate faculty-member’s family in the school district. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

One Graham County Board of Education member has started raising questions about the Erlanger School-Based Clinic being housed on school grounds. The center is open to any student, staff member or immediate faculty-member’s family in the school district. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Clinic, school board member at odds

* Part 1 of a 2-part report Robbinsville – It’s no secret that Hank Dinschel vehemently opposes the use of masks as a safeguard against illness.
After 24 years of service, Wilma Carver Aiken clocked out at the Robbinsville Post Office for the last time Monday. A member of her family has worked the same route in Graham County since the 1940s. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

After 24 years of service, Wilma Carver Aiken clocked out at the Robbinsville Post Office for the last time Monday. A member of her family has worked the same route in Graham County since the 1940s. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail …

Robbinsville – Wilma Carver Aiken could not help but smile when the cake was unveiled. “I don’t know how they did it, but this is my favorite picture,” Aiken said of the photo, which had the words “Happy retirement Wilma! We’re cheering you on!” above the memory.
The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is hosting the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow.

The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is hosting the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow.

Stecoah hosting Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow

Stecoah – Ready to come out of hibernation, enjoy the great outdoors and listen to some mountain music? Then the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest at Stecoah is the place for you! This event is focused on outdoor activities and recreation with a selection of quality arts and craft vendors.

Rain halts brush fires

Rain that began falling on Good Friday put a stop to the brush fires that have become an almost daily occurrence – at least temporarily. There were two more brush fires before the rain arrived. A debris-burning fire escaped control on Long Creek Road around 1 p.m. on April 4.

Medical-leave request withdrawn

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.

3rd time’s the charm?

Raleigh – It seems a bit like the roles are reversed: lodging outside the largest municipality can collect an occupancy tax, while anyone who welcomes guests inside town limits is left out of the contribution process.

Sleeping ordinance still unsettled

Robbinsville – From the outside looking in, the old Robbinsville Town Hall and a loitering ordinance might not seem to have that much in common. That will change at 5:30 p.m.
Under the direction of Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit, Robbinsville High School junior Bruce Helms drives through a makeshift obstacle course adjacent to the institution’s track April 5. The demonstration was made possible with help from the STAND T.A.L.L. organization. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Under the direction of Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit, Robbinsville High School junior Bruce Helms drives through a makeshift obstacle course adjacent to the institution’s track April 5. The demonstration was made possible with help from the STAND T.A.L.L. organization. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Who you gonna call? Drunk Busters!

Robbinsville – On a picture-perfect day, local high school students learned what can happen when you make an imperfect choice. An idea sparked by Lt.