Coronavirus

Those wishing to travel into Graham County via U.S. 129 North in Topton on Sunday were greeted by Graham County sheriff’s Deputy Jim Hyde (left) and Graham County Land’s Quinn Carver, both of whom were manning one of four county checkpoints that hope to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Those wishing to travel into Graham County via U.S. 129 North in Topton on Sunday were greeted by Graham County sheriff’s Deputy Jim Hyde (left) and Graham County Land’s Quinn Carver, both of whom were manning one of four county checkpoints that hope to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Checkpoints in place

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The spread of mandates at both the local and state levels continue to seemingly evolve at a more rapid pace than the coronavirus itself. But the newest protocols in place – including a statewide Stay at Home executive order handed down by Gov.

Closure extended by six weeks

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Another executive order issued by Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday continues to make the future of the 2019-20 school year look bleak. Cooper announced several new business closures as part of Executive Order No. 120, but also extended the closure of all schools in the state through Friday, May 15.

County clarifies closure of borders

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Cherohala Skyway and Deals Gap are the first two areas priority that Graham County will close to outside traffic. During Wednesday's special teleconference – hosted by the Graham County Board of Commissioners – county project manager Jason Marino revealed plans to first enforce border patrol on N.

New Community Info Line Set to Open

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Cherokee County Health Department — in conjunction with Clay County Health Department, Graham Country Health Department and Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital — has opened a Coronavirus Community Information line.
Those in need of toilet paper Tuesday morning would have walked into Robbinsville’s Ingles and found an all-too-familiar site; empty shelves, as customers do their best to stockpile supplies in the wake of the recent coronavirus outbreak. Photo by Hope Riddle/lineads@grahamstar.com

Those in need of toilet paper Tuesday morning would have walked into Robbinsville’s Ingles and found an all-too-familiar site; empty shelves, as customers do their best to stockpile supplies in the wake of the recent coronavirus outbreak. Photo by Hope Riddle/lineads@grahamstar.com

Time to practice "social distancing"

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 19, 2020
It’s here … sort of. Though no confirmed cases have been recorded in Graham County – a local man tested negative last week – the much-maligned, heavily discussed coronavirus has forced the hands of lawmakers and officials at the national, state and local levels.