LakeSanteetlahNC

Lake clean-up returns May 4

Lake Santeetlah – The annual effort to help keep one of Graham County’s main tourism draws aesthetically pleasing is just around the corner. The non-profit Lake Santeetlah Preservation Group has announced that its next clean-up will take place Saturday, May 4.

Questions dumped on Brookfield rep

Lake Santeetlah – Even with no internet available to the building because of rainy weather, the Town of Lake Santeetlah persevered Jan. 9 with an almost 2-hour-long meeting discussing rules on disposing yard debris in the lake – and much more.
Workers finish extracting a 2016 Toyota Highlander that plunged into Lake Santeetlah on Jan. 19, 2023. Freddy Romero, 23, perished in the accident. Photo by Randy Foster/Community Newspapers, Inc.

Workers finish extracting a 2016 Toyota Highlander that plunged into Lake Santeetlah on Jan. 19, 2023. Freddy Romero, 23, perished in the accident. Photo by Randy Foster/Community Newspapers, Inc.

Top 10 of 2023: the Year in Review

It was another year chocked full of news around Graham County. Though it would be impossible to recap every newsworthy event of 2023, The Graham Star looks back at 10 of the most significant moments.
Crews begin to extract a Toyota Highlander from Lake Santeetlah around 5 p.m. Jan. 19, after the SUV crashed into the water during the early morning hours. Jose Alfredo Moreno-Romero, 23, passed away in the accident. Photo by Randy Foster/Community Newspapers, Inc.

Crews begin to extract a Toyota Highlander from Lake Santeetlah around 5 p.m. Jan. 19, after the SUV crashed into the water during the early morning hours. Jose Alfredo Moreno-Romero, 23, passed away in the accident. Photo by Randy Foster/Community Newspapers, Inc.

Arrest made in fatal crash

Santeetlah – A nearly 11-month investigation into a fatal SUV crash has resulted in the arrest of a local resident.

No approval, no meeting

Lake Santeetlah – It is apropos that the final Town of Lake Santeetlah council meeting before the newly-elected members are sworn in next month was was unable to take place Nov. 9.

Lake Santeetlah council shuffled again

At the local level, only two races were contested during the 2023 election season: seats on the councils of Graham County’s two smallest municipalities, Fontana Dam and Lake Santeetlah.

Meet your Lake Santeetlah candidates

Lake Santeetlah – The 2023 election cycle features two municipal races within Graham County: Fontana Dam and Lake Santeetlah. Seven candidates are vying for five seats on the Santeetlah council, which has been the center of disputes and controversy for several years.

No meeting? Let’s talk about fiber!

Lake Santeetlah – One local municipality’s council had intentions to hold an official town meeting Oct. 12 – but for the second time in recent memory, the whole council was not present.
Town of Lake Santeetlah Council Member Ralph Mitchell could not contain his excitement while on Zoom for the Sept. 14 meeting after being presented with a certificate recognizing Mitchell, 94, as the oldest public servant in North Carolina.

Town of Lake Santeetlah Council Member Ralph Mitchell could not contain his excitement while on Zoom for the Sept. 14 meeting after being presented with a certificate recognizing Mitchell, 94, as the oldest public servant in North Carolina.

Mitchell recognized for service

Lake Santeetlah – Still sharp as a tack, Ralph Mitchell had one inquisitive comment when asked to speak on his special recognition at the Sept. 14 Lake Santeetlah Town Council meeting. “That I’m old?” Mitchell asked dryly, before laughing.

Precinct judges named

Robbinsville – Ahead of two municipal contests rapidly approaching in Graham County, the local board of elections announced its selections for officials at the four precincts Monday.