GrahamCountyNC

Four counties and the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina were selected to participate in the 2026 U.S. Test Census. This graphic details why the Census Bureau chose the area. Graphics courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau

Graham County selected as part of 2026 test census

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Washington – As part of planned improvements to the 230-year-old process, Graham County has been chosen as one of the locations across the country to participate in the 2026 test census. In a press release about the test run, the U.S.

4 arrests made for fentanyl possession

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Tallulah – The Graham County Sheriff's Office rang in the New Year by making a positive impact on the local distribution of fentanyl, arresting four individuals for suspected possession of the deadly substance.

Jail, EMS budgets analyzed

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Robbinsville – Graham County Manager Brady Cody said that Tuesday's special-called commissioner meeting was part of a "budget check-up." Cody said he has recently been meeting with department heads to chat about any lingering problems. "If there's an issue, we want to catch it early," Cody said.

AdventHealth – which operates a facility in Robbinsville – implemented visitor restrictions last week.

AdventHealth implements temporary visitor restrictions

News Staff

Monday, January 5, 2026

Hendersonville – Due to an increase in respiratory illnesses across the region – including flu, COVID-19 and RSV – AdventHealth is implementing temporary visitor restrictions and safety protocols at its North Carolina facilities, to help protect patients, visitors and team members.

Christmas Day brush fire extinguished

Marshall McClung

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Wolf Creek – Even though most people are off on Christmas, there are those who are called in to work holidays. Such was the case on Christmas Day, when the Graham County 911 Center received a report of a brush fire near Wolf Creek Grocery on N.C. 28 just after 4:30 p.m.

Robbinsville Shrine Club ceases operations

Kevin Hensley

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Robbinsville – A local civic club that has worked tirelessly for decades to raise money for children with complex medical issues is ceasing operations.

EcoKing Solutions Chairman Ping Zhang heartedly addresses those on-hand for July 22's press conference at the Graham County Community Building, where it was revealed that the China-based manufacturer will create 300 new jobs in the region during its first phase of operations in Robbinsville. At Zhang's left is EcoKing Solutions Vice President John Lin. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Jan. 16 deemed 'Ronnie Milsap Day'

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 26, 2025

Robbinsville – Graham County's most famous son will soon add another historic piece of recognition to his long-standing legacy. Commissioner Connie Orr presented a proclamation at Dec. 16's board meeting to declare Jan. 16 as "Ronnie Milsap Day.

Lerew new council member

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 26, 2025

Fontana Dam – It rarely happens, but in a municipality the size of Fontana Dam even two write-in votes can make all the difference. The Graham Star was able to confirm Dec. 18 that Brooke Lerew was the write-in candidate that was previously unidentified on ballots from Nov. 4's municipal elections.

Filing for 2026 closes

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 26, 2025

Robbinsville – Thanks to a late rush to the Graham County Board of Elections office, filing for local elections in 2026 closed at noon Friday with 22 candidates officially tossing their names in the hat.