Regional

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.
Graham County resident Catrina Buchanan was recently appointed to the North Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council for Children from Birth to Five with Disabilities. Buchanan’s son Abel served as her inspiration to join the board. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Graham County resident Catrina Buchanan was recently appointed to the North Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council for Children from Birth to Five with Disabilities. Buchanan’s son Abel served as her inspiration to join the board. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Ready, willing and Abel

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Santeetlah – Catrina Buchanan has two years to make a difference: not just for Graham County, but for others similarly affected in Western North Carolina.

Judge's order violated, says new filing

Kevin Hensley
Monday, March 9, 2026
Robbinsville – District Attorney Ashley Welch has filed a second amendment to her petition to have suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit removed from office, which includes an allegation that Hoxit violated an order handed down at Feb. 20's pre-trial motion hearing.