LakeSanteetlahNC

Drainage issues in ditches along Lake Santeetlah roads will soon be rectified, thanks to the town receiving over $72K from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The funds could significantly improve areas like this, located on Black Bear Trail. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Drainage issues in ditches along Lake Santeetlah roads will soon be rectified, thanks to the town receiving over $72K from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The funds could significantly improve areas like this, located on Black Bear Trail. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lake Santeetlah receives $72K for ditch repairs

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – Through hard work and optimism, a local municipality will soon receive a substantive amount of money to complete much-needed repairs.
This screenshot from a recording shows the moment Lake Santeetlah Council Woman Diana Simon slapped Mayor Connie Connie Gross during the town’s June 8 meeting. Simon was attempting to nominate a candidate for a substitute member on Lake Santeetlah’s planning board, moments after Mayor Gross’ husband, Jack, was voted 3-2 to be the first of two alternates on the planning board.

This screenshot from a recording shows the moment Lake Santeetlah Council Woman Diana Simon slapped Mayor Connie Connie Gross during the town’s June 8 meeting. Simon was attempting to nominate a candidate for a substitute member on Lake Santeetlah’s planning board, moments after Mayor Gross’ husband, Jack, was voted 3-2 to be the first of two alternates on the planning board.

Things get physical

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – It was only a matter of time before the countless accusations, passive-aggressive comments and overall tension in the room led to the proceedings spiraling out of control.

Woman rescued from woods

Marshall McClung
Monday, May 15, 2023
Snowbird – Graham County Sheriff’s Deputy David Moore and Graham County Rescue Squad members were involved in rescuing a young woman from the woods in the Snowbird area Sunday night.  The woman was reportedly first heard calling for help at the Snowbird Picnic Area on Snowbird Road around 8:30 p.m.

Zoning enforcement in township questioned

Kevin Hensley
Monday, May 1, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – It’s only an issue in one of Graham County’s three incorporated areas, but it’s a biggie for residents of Lake Santeetlah: zoning ordinances. In fact, the town is the only one in the county with zoning. Neither Fontana Dam nor Robbinsville have it on the books.

Medical-leave request withdrawn

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – One of the more uniquely disputed agenda items in recent memory will vanish without a solution. Believed to be the oldest-serving council member in North Carolina, 93-year-old Ralph Mitchell submitted a medical leave request to the Town of Lake Santeetlah on Jan. 18.

Another vote, another stalemate

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – The agenda for a local municipality’s March 9 council meeting included several items of interest. One in particular expressed optimism: No. 7, under “Old Business,” which said, “Acceptance of Ralph Mitchell’s request for medical leave of absence.
The Polar Plunge returned Feb. 18, the first time the frigid event had been held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Graham County Schools

The Polar Plunge returned Feb. 18, the first time the frigid event had been held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Graham County Schools

Quick dip

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – For the first time since February 2020, the chilly “Polar Plunge” was held. Volunteers were sponsored by area residents and businesses, and tasked with setting aside both personal ego – and all feeling in their extremities – to rush into the cold waters of Lake Santeetlah on Feb.

Updated fees coming to Santeetlah

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – It might not be the most popular decision, but sometimes adding more fees to a utility can help recoup lost costs. As part of a cordial and productive Town of Lake Santeetlah council meeting Feb.

Council split on leave request

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – It was the first time the council had officially met since November. And if the Feb. 2 special called meeting of the Lake Santeetlah Town Council proved anything, it was that even the lengthy layoff could not conjure harmony between members.

Santeetlah council has not met since mid-November

Randy Foster
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Lake Santeetlah – The Town of Lake Santeetlah Town Council is having a hard time getting together. The council has cancelled every meeting since November, either because of procedural issues, prior commitments, illness, scheduled vacations, or combinations of these.