RobbinsvilleNC

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (left) is given a tour of the newly-completed wing at Robbinsville Middle School by Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight (center) and middle school principal Tonia Walsh on Tuesday morning. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (left) is given a tour of the newly-completed wing at Robbinsville Middle School by Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight (center) and middle school principal Tonia Walsh on Tuesday morning. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Congressman visits new middle school wing

Robbinsville – Freshman U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards spent part of Day 2 of his first tour of his sprawling 17-county congressional district with a visit to Robbinsville Middle School on Tuesday.

New finance officer resigns in first week

Robbinsville – It’s back to the drawing board for the Robbinsville Board of Aldermen to fill the top staff position at Town Hall. Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams said Annette Carver – who the board hired to be the town’s finance officer – has already stepped down from the position.

‘Taco’ resigns as alderman

Robbinsville – Just a year into his second term, Alderman Brian “Taco” Johnson resigned Monday from the Town of Robbinsville Board of Aldermen, citing personal issues.
Graham County acting manager Kim Crisp, commissioners Natasha Williams, Jacob Nelms, Connie Orr (seated), Lynn Cody and Keith Eller (from left) appear with Dr. David Booth and his wife Cora Booth (right), following contract negotiations Monday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Graham County acting manager Kim Crisp, commissioners Natasha Williams, Jacob Nelms, Connie Orr (seated), Lynn Cody and Keith Eller (from left) appear with Dr. David Booth and his wife Cora Booth (right), following contract negotiations Monday. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Plans for new provider underway

Robbinsville – Graham County commissioners are in final negotiations with a physician to take over urgent-care services, after Bryson City-based Smoky Mountain Urgent Care closes its Robbinsville practice at the end of this month.

Wendell Waldroup

Wendell Waldroup, 91 of the Eller Branch community of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at his residence. He was a native of Graham County, and the son of the late Posey and Mertie Phillips Waldroup.
John Colwell has served as executive director of REVVED UP since August 2020, but recently announced his intent to step down from the post. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

John Colwell has served as executive director of REVVED UP since August 2020, but recently announced his intent to step down from the post. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

REVVED UP starts year surrounded by questions

Robbinsville – John Colwell, chairman of the board of REVVED UP, did more than plan the organization’s annual Christmas dinner in December; he was planning his future.
Shari Birchfield is set to retire this month, after spending over 20 years serving residents at  Robbinsville Town Hall. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Shari Birchfield is set to retire this month, after spending over 20 years serving residents at Robbinsville Town Hall. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Retirement triggers new generation

Robbinsville – Shari Birchfield began the last month of a 20-year career with the Town of Robbinsville by training her two replacements. On Jan. 27, Birchfield will step down as the town’s long-time water clerk – as well as interim finance director, a position she has held since July.
Citing costly repairs, Cable Cove Campground was shuttered in February and has yet to re-open. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Citing costly repairs, Cable Cove Campground was shuttered in February and has yet to re-open. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

2022: The Year in Review

Robbinsville – These are some of the top stories covered by The Graham Star in 2022. January * COVID-19: The year started the way one would expect over the past couple of years — with an Omicron-led spike in COVID-19 numbers.
Smoky Mountain Urgent Care will soon be vacating the property the Bryson City-based medical provider has leased from Graham County. However, the county is already working on bringing in another provider and reviving the use of several pieces of medical equipment that have sat dormant for some time. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Smoky Mountain Urgent Care will soon be vacating the property the Bryson City-based medical provider has leased from Graham County. However, the county is already working on bringing in another provider and reviving the use of several pieces of medical equipment that have sat dormant for some time. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Provider leaving at end of January

Robbinsville – Smoky Mountain Urgent Care will be closing its Robbinsville practice at the end of January, ending a year-long conflict between the provider and its landlord, Graham County Government.

Ruby Lee Sawyer

Ruby Lee Sawyer, 94 of the Mill Creek community of Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at Graham Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She was a native of Graham County, and the daughter of the late John F. and Julia Orr Shuler.