Local

Commissioner candidates discuss platforms

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

* Conclusion of a 2-part report Robbinsville – The Graham Star’s Republican Primary Candidate Forum on Feb. 7 served as a vehicle to best introduce voters to the individuals who are on the March ballot for the local commissioner and sheriff races.

Judge William T. Stetzer listens as District Attorney Ashley Welch presents an argument on behalf of the prosecution during Friday's pre-trial motion hearing in State of North Carolina v. Harold Bradford Hoxit. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Pre-trial motions denied in Hoxit case

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Robbinsville – Though a motion for continuance was granted Feb. 16, that’s the only win thus far for the defensive team hired by suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit. Motions filed by Asheville-based Lindsay Law – the firm representing Hoxit in State of North Carolina v.

Newly-appointed Graham County Sheriff Russell Moody (left) is administered the oath of office by Graham County Clerk of Court Tammy Holloway on Tuesday. Moody was selected Monday by the Graham County Board of Commissioners to temporarily fill the vacancy left by the suspension of Brad Hoxit on Jan. 29. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Moody appointed sheriff

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Robbinsville – What started as a continued meeting to swear in a temporary sheriff ended with the chief deputy being led from the Graham County Community Building. Exercising its right under North Carolina General Statute 162-5.

The home of Jim and Lela Hyde erupted in flames Feb. 12. Firefighters were unable to save the residence. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Home lost to morning blaze

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Atoah – The Graham County 911 Center received a report of a structure fire at 285 Atoah Circle at 10:41 a.m., Feb. 12. Members from Graham County Fire and Rescue – as well as units from Snowbird, Santeetlah, Meadow Branch, N.C. Forest Service and EMS – all responded to the scene.

Local and regional officials explore the progress made inside EcoKing Solutions' renovated facility off Snowbird Road on Feb. 12. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

EcoKing planning May production launch

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Robbinsville – Looks can be deceiving.

Sheriff candidates share viewpoints at GOP forum

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 19, 2026

* Part 1 of a 2-part report Robbinsville – The Graham Star’s Republican Primary Candidate Forum on Feb. 7 served as a vehicle to best introduce voters to the individuals who are on the March ballot for the local commissioner and sheriff races.

New allegations in Hoxit case

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Robbinsville – It has been an eventful week in the civil case against suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit. District Attorney Ashley Welch filed a 53-page petition for removal and motion to immediately suspend Hoxit from office Jan.

Crews battle 100-acre blaze

Marshall McClung

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Franklin – U.S. Forest Service firefighters from the Nantahala and Tusquitee Ranger districts are assigned to a forest fire near Winding Stairs Gap in Macon County. The fire was first reported near the U.S.

Commission candidate Dale Wiggins (left) delivers his closing statement at Saturday’s forum. Sitting alongside Wiggins are candidates Brian “Taco” Johnson (center) and Carolyn Stewart. Stills courtesy of The Graham Star's YouTube

Primary candidates share views at forum

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Sheriff candidate Mitch Millsaps answers a question during Saturday's forum. Candidate Terry Grey is seated next to Millsaps, waiting to answer the same question.

Heid pleads guilty

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Robbinsville – A repeat offender pleaded guilty to several charges in Graham County Superior Court on Friday, receiving a sentence of 9-20 months in prison as a result. Superior Court Judge J.