Regional

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

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.
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

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.

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.

Suit alleges extortion, intimidation

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 12, 2026
* Conclusion of a 2-part report Robbinsville – District Attorney Ashley Welch filed a 53-page petition for removal and motion to immediately suspend Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office Jan. 29.

Snow blankets county, state

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Eight-year-old Nova Guy braved the elements to make a snow angel outside her Snowbird home over the weekend. For more snow photos, turn to page 2.

Sheriff suspended from office

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
* Part 1 of a 2-part report Robbinsville – The news of Brad Hoxit’s suspension as sheriff of Graham County spread rapidly Jan. 29. A 53-page, verified petition for removal and motion to immediately suspend Hoxit from office was filed in the Graham County Clerk of Court’s office at 4:04 p.m., Jan.
Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville) and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland (from left) stand inside the $80,000 search and rescue boat that was obtained under the federal Community Project Funding Grant on Aug. 15. The purchase of the boat and the recent acquisition of a $36,000 have both been questioned by the community. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville) and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland (from left) stand inside the $80,000 search and rescue boat that was obtained under the federal Community Project Funding Grant on Aug. 15. The purchase of the boat and the recent acquisition of a $36,000 have both been questioned by the community. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Sheriff's office spending addressed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Robbinsville – Graham County commission candidate Chase Lancaster had already traded barbs with a pair of his potential fellow board members at the Jan. 20 meeting when the topic of a search-and-rescue boat acquired by the sheriff's office last year was broached.