Local

This vacant home at 3744 Santeetlah Road burned Friday, igniting nearby woods and burning two acres of tribal land. Photo courtesy of Tory Lynnes/U.S. Forest Service

This vacant home at 3744 Santeetlah Road burned Friday, igniting nearby woods and burning two acres of tribal land. Photo courtesy of Tory Lynnes/U.S. Forest Service

Empty home ignites, fire spreads to woods

Marshall McClung
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Santeetlah – Local firefighters were kept busy throughout Friday, battling a house fire and brush fire at the same time.
Graham County is 1-of-15 across North Carolina currently experiencing an “extreme” drought, as shown by this map released last week. Map courtesy of North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council

Graham County is 1-of-15 across North Carolina currently experiencing an “extreme” drought, as shown by this map released last week. Map courtesy of North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council

Statewide burn ban still in effect

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Despite areas of North Carolina receiving steady rainfall last week, the statewide burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest Service is still in effect. Hazardous conditions inside forests around the state forced the ban to be enacted March 28, according to a press release from the N.C. Forest Service.
Former Graham County resident Greg Barker was not interested in the spotlight when he participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March last month. Instead, he wanted to honor the legacy of World War II veteran Wayne Carringer – and did so by wearing an information-filled placard on his pack throughout the marathon.

Former Graham County resident Greg Barker was not interested in the spotlight when he participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March last month. Instead, he wanted to honor the legacy of World War II veteran Wayne Carringer – and did so by wearing an information-filled placard on his pack throughout the marathon.

Remember Bataan

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 9, 2026
White Sands, N.M. – It speaks volumes to the impact that someone made on your life that you would be willing to participate in a memorial march some 1,557 miles from where they called home.
District Attorney Ashley Welch departs from the witness stand after questioning Brad Hoxit about the contents of a three-ring binder at a hearing to determine the permanent removal of Hoxit as Graham County Sheriff on March 27. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

District Attorney Ashley Welch departs from the witness stand after questioning Brad Hoxit about the contents of a three-ring binder at a hearing to determine the permanent removal of Hoxit as Graham County Sheriff on March 27. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Hoxit removed from office

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 9, 2026
After deliberating for just over a week, Special Superior Court Judge William T. Stetzer ordered Monday that Brad Hoxit be removed from the office of Graham County Sheriff.

Fox Gap Fire now 75% contained

Marshall McClung
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
This map outlines the location of the Fox Gap Fire inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which started near the Twentymile Ranger Station in Swain County on March 26.
Suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit testifies during Friday’s portion of a hearing regarding his permanent removal from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit testifies during Friday’s portion of a hearing regarding his permanent removal from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Hoxit hearing ends

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Robbinsville – A precedent-setting hearing regarding the permanent removal of suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit wrapped up Friday afternoon – though a decision could take up to two weeks to be rendered. After hearing closing arguments, District 38 Special Superior Court Judge William T.

Tuesday blazes keep crews busy

Marshall McClung
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Tuesday was predicted to be a high fire-danger day – and it was, as firefighters were kept busy most of the afternoon and evening. Graham County Fire and Rescue, N.C. Forest Service and U.S.