GrahamCountyNC

Donna Stephens has been appointed interim health director for Graham County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Donna Stephens has been appointed interim health director for Graham County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘I want to help everybody in our county’

Kevin Hensley
Friday, March 31, 2023
Tallulah – The last two local health directors have both had the addendum of ‘interim’ tacked onto the front of their job titles. But there is nothing temporary about Graham County’s latest appointment to the role.

Elementary school fire causes evacuation

Kevin Hensley
Friday, March 31, 2023
Robbinsville – In a matter of 30 minutes Tuesday, a small electrical fire was both discovered and extinguished inside Robbinsville Elementary School. Graham County EMS received a call around 11:30 a.m. about the fire.

Flexibility sought in new bill

Kevin Hensley
Friday, March 31, 2023
Raleigh – A revised bill that looks to allow for more flexibility in Western North Carolina schools planning their annual calendars has been submitted at the state level. Sen.

Stove explodes inside tent

Marshall McClung
Thursday, March 23, 2023
A lone hiker from Indiana who had set up camp on Stratton Bald had a close call around 8:30 p.m. March 16, when his small backpacking stove exploded starting a grass fire and burning a hole in his tent. Fortunately, he escaped unharmed. His identity was not released to The Graham Star.
A resident parked this Coachmen RV on the side of N.C. Hwy. 28 in the Wolf Creek community over a month ago, raising the ire of neighbors due to its questionable setup.

A resident parked this Coachmen RV on the side of N.C. Hwy. 28 in the Wolf Creek community over a month ago, raising the ire of neighbors due to its questionable setup.

Mired in controversy

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Wolf Creek – Residents within the area of Wolf Creek Heights and Gunter Hollow say they have raised concerns with local officials over a RV that has parked and set up what appears to be a temporary dwelling near the N.C. Hwy. 28 roadside.
Through a court order, this property at 349 Five Points Road in Robbinsville has been earmarked with a “nuisance abatement.” It is believed to be the first such instance of the ruling in Graham County history. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Through a court order, this property at 349 Five Points Road in Robbinsville has been earmarked with a “nuisance abatement.” It is believed to be the first such instance of the ruling in Graham County history. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

1st nuisance abatement issued

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Any property in Graham County that has been declared a “nuisance” will be flagged with one of these signs from the sheriff’s office.

Town to hold public hearing concerning sleeping ordinance

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Robbinsville – The county seat is one step closer to adopting an ordinance that would charge those caught sleeping on public sidewalks, streets and benches. But no matter which side of the proposal you are on, fret not: You will have a chance to make your voice heard.
From left are Graham County Rescue Squad members Larry Crisp, Brent Eller and Zeb Hutchisen with “victim” David Grant on the stretcher during a Saturday training exercise on Stratton Bald Trail. Photo courtesy of Tory Lynnes/Graham County Rescue Squad

From left are Graham County Rescue Squad members Larry Crisp, Brent Eller and Zeb Hutchisen with “victim” David Grant on the stretcher during a Saturday training exercise on Stratton Bald Trail. Photo courtesy of Tory Lynnes/Graham County Rescue Squad

Rescue squad gets new equipment

Marshall McClung
Thursday, March 16, 2023
The Graham County Rescue Squad recently received a new piece of equipment that will be used in rescuing injured persons from woodland areas. The new wheeled-basket stretcher was purchased from Cascade Rescue in Sand Point, Idaho.
Frequent tavelers of both N.C. 143 and N.C. 28 have undoubtedly encountered sights like this one near the Johnson Gap intersection, as crews have been working feverishly to clear trees and other roadside foliage in anticipation of the Corridor K expansion. Complaints about lengthy wait times have steadily increased since clearing began in the fall. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Frequent tavelers of both N.C. 143 and N.C. 28 have undoubtedly encountered sights like this one near the Johnson Gap intersection, as crews have been working feverishly to clear trees and other roadside foliage in anticipation of the Corridor K expansion. Complaints about lengthy wait times have steadily increased since clearing began in the fall. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Tree clearing for Corridor K to cease in May

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Stecoah – If your daily commute includes a trip across Stecoah Gap, chances are you have learned to insert a 20- to 30-minute buffer for your arrival time. Before earth-moving operations can begin for the long-awaited Corridor K expansion along N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) and N.C.

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.