Regional

Hoxit files appeal

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Robbinsville – Exactly two weeks after a judge's order removed Brad Hoxit from office, the former sheriff has appealed the verdict.Filed in the Graham County Clerk of Court's Office at 11:21 a.m.
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.
District Attorney Ashley Welch (right) questions North Carolina Department of Insurance Special Agent Jasmine Hanline (left, in witness box) during Tuesday's session of a hearing regarding the removal of Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

District Attorney Ashley Welch (right) questions North Carolina Department of Insurance Special Agent Jasmine Hanline (left, in witness box) during Tuesday's session of a hearing regarding the removal of Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Sheriff removal hearing begins

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Robbinsville – Tuesday marked the beginning of what is estimated to be a four-day hearing regarding the permanent removal of suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office.
A group of attendees listen intently to a presentation at March 12's Graham County Business Roundtable. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

A group of attendees listen intently to a presentation at March 12's Graham County Business Roundtable. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

'Roundtable' brings local, regional leaders together

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Robbinsville – Playmakers from across the westernmost region of North Carolina braved a wintry mix to converge inside the Graham County Community Building on March 12, for an event branded as the "Graham County Business Roundtable.