Regional

Swain sheriff retires

Kevin Hensley
Friday, July 11, 2025
Bryson City – On the same day that Curtis Cochran made his first court appearance related to a June 27 arrest on four charges related to alleged sexual misconduct, he retired from his role as Swain County Sheriff. The 72-year-old Cochran was suspended the same day of his arrest.

Stewart sentenced for sex crimes

Kevin Hensley
Friday, July 11, 2025
Robbinsville – An Alabama man will spend at least the next 30 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to committing statutory sex crimes over three years ago. Roderick Christopher Stewart, 34 of Luverne, Ala.
Curtis Cochran speaks at the Border-to-Border Tail of the Dragon Program Launch, which was held at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on June 13, 2023. Cochran was suspended from his duties as Swain County Sheriff on Friday, following his arrest in connection to alleged, recent sexual misconduct. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Curtis Cochran speaks at the Border-to-Border Tail of the Dragon Program Launch, which was held at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on June 13, 2023. Cochran was suspended from his duties as Swain County Sheriff on Friday, following his arrest in connection to alleged, recent sexual misconduct. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Swain County sheriff arrested, suspended

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Bryson City – In a move that sent shockwaves across western North Carolina, Curtis Cochran was arrested Friday by members of both the State Bureau of Investigation and Cherokee Indian Police Department, then suspended from his duties as sheriff of Swain County.

Settlement reached on town sanitation bill

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Robbinsville – A settlement regarding a sanitation bill in excess of $23,000 has been finalized. At June 17's Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting, county manager Brady Cody presented a May invoice for Robbinsville's past-due amount of $23,914.80.

Soaring above the NEST

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Snowbird NEST Executive Director Erik Oswalt was recently announced as a recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Award. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star Tallulah – The Marquis Who’s Who Award has recognized Erik Oswalt as a recipient honoring his dedication to nonprofit and law enforcement.
Students from Robin Welker’s third-grade class clamor around a table inside the Graham County Public Library on June 10, to sign copies of their self-produced Graham County Field Guide. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Students from Robin Welker’s third-grade class clamor around a table inside the Graham County Public Library on June 10, to sign copies of their self-produced Graham County Field Guide. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

3rd graders publish field guide

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Robbinsville – How many 9-year-olds can say they have published a book?

Indiana woman dies in Skyway accident

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Cherohala – An Indiana woman died after being involved in a motorcycle accident June 6 on the Cherohala Skyway. According to an accident report from the N.C. Highway Patrol, Kelli Ann Hicks, 51, of Michigan City, Ind.
Attendees sing a song of praise during June 12’s “Awake America” gathering at the Graham County Courthouse. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Attendees sing a song of praise during June 12’s “Awake America” gathering at the Graham County Courthouse. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Awake, America!

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Awake America Founder Lydia Long speaks during June 12’s event at the Graham County Courthouse. Robbinsville – It began on Sept. 11, 2009: a gathering on the steps of the courthouse in Blue Ridge, Ga.
Naomi Buchanan reaches to pet “Trevor” during June 5’s Wildlife Wonders exhibition at the Graham County Public Library. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Naomi Buchanan reaches to pet “Trevor” during June 5’s Wildlife Wonders exhibition at the Graham County Public Library. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Wonders of nature

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Robbinsville – Children of all ages – along with parents and grandparents – visited the Graham County Library on June 5, to participate in a hands-on presentation of Wild Animals from around the world.  With visitors from the Wildlife Wonders Zoo in Cleveland, Tenn.