RobbinsvilleNC

Participants in a summer art program at Robbinsville Middle School proudly stand with Graham County Schools’ faculty and staff Nov. 3, in front of a new mural that recently debuted on the side of a local shopping center. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Participants in a summer art program at Robbinsville Middle School proudly stand with Graham County Schools’ faculty and staff Nov. 3, in front of a new mural that recently debuted on the side of a local shopping center. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

As they say, it takes a village

Robbinsville – The culmination of a summer art project is on permanent display for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to a grant, Robbinsville Middle School was able to host a two-week camp in July, which was open to rising 6th-8th graders.
Claudine Gibson (center) argues against emergency contraception pills being provided by the Graham County Department of Public Health at Monday’s meeting. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Claudine Gibson (center) argues against emergency contraception pills being provided by the Graham County Department of Public Health at Monday’s meeting. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Commissioners postpone decision about emergency contraception

Tallulah – Graham County commissioners faced an issue that pitted their responsibilities as stewards of county government against their religious beliefs, with the hot-button topic of abortion on the agenda — the day before Election Day.
Willow (left) and Lisa Trantham pose beside a news photo displayed at The Graham Star. The photo includes Gentry Trantham, left in the photo, saluting during a Boy Scouts flag-burning ceremony. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Willow (left) and Lisa Trantham pose beside a news photo displayed at The Graham Star. The photo includes Gentry Trantham, left in the photo, saluting during a Boy Scouts flag-burning ceremony. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

‘Never met a stranger’

Robbinsville – There are lots of things that can be said about Gentry Trantham, but two stand out: he was arguably the most famous resident of Graham County, and though he had a small, misshapen physical heart, no one in Graham County had a bigger heart for people or for God.

Roger Dale Smallen

Roger Dale Smallen, 71 of Lenoir City, Tenn., – formerly of Dublin, Ga. – passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. Dale was a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He enjoyed a successful career as a high school football coach.
N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson delivered a lengthy message to a crowd of the roughly-200 individuals gathered at Oct. 27’s N.C. Faith & Freedom Coalition event, held inside the Robbinsville High School theater. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson delivered a lengthy message to a crowd of the roughly-200 individuals gathered at Oct. 27’s N.C. Faith & Freedom Coalition event, held inside the Robbinsville High School theater. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

‘We need to step on toes’

Robbinsville – In 2018, Mark Robinson spoke at a Greensboro City Council meeting: just an average citizen, a church-goer and Army veteran, defending gun rights. A video of him went viral. Later that year, he was invited to speak at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention.

Lucille Jenkins Phillips

Lucille Jenkins Phillips, 76 of Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. She was the daughter of the late Alvin and Dolly Burchfield Jenkins.

Matthew Stan Miller

Matthew Stan Miller, 40 of the Beech Creek community of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in a house fire, after saving his mother and niece while attempting to rescue their beloved dog Scrappy. He was a native of Dekalb County, Ga.

Jackie Slaughter

Jackie Slaughter, 59 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. He was a native of Graham County, and the son of the late Billy and Bennie Sue Millsaps Slaughter.

Marvin K. Jones, Sr.

Marvin Kenneth Jones, Sr., passed away, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. Though his passing was sudden and unexpected, it was extremely peaceful. He was the beloved husband of Helen Plemmons Jones Thompson; father of Marvin Kenneth Jones, Jr.
Bonnie Jean Price (behind the podium) addresses the Board of Commissioners at the Oct. 18 meeting, seeking support for a horse riding arena in Graham County. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Bonnie Jean Price (behind the podium) addresses the Board of Commissioners at the Oct. 18 meeting, seeking support for a horse riding arena in Graham County. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Horse arena idea gets footing with county board

Robbinsville – Bonnie Jean Price has been pitching the idea of re-establishing a horse-riding arena in Graham County for the newly formed non-profit saddle club for which she is the spokesman.