Robbinsville

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.

8 Knights named All-Conference

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
At the conclusion of the 2025-26 basketball season, the annual All-Smoky Mountain Conference teams were released. For the Black Knights, Dane Knott and Luke Lovin were both named All-Conference. Kristian Bauzo, Nathan Frederick and Xamuel Wachacha each received honorable mentions.

Flyin' high

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Robbinsville – Across the span of eight innings and two games Friday, Andrews had three hits. The Lady Knights had 21.
The 2026 Robbinsville Black Knights. Names are listed from left in both rows. Kneeling in front: Jackson Lane, Ayden Farley, Xamuel Wachacha, Benton Gibby, Ayden Conley, Tegan Werner, Deacon Hyde and Joshua Satterfield. Standing: assistant coach Ethan Orr, head coach Thomas Menard, Zander Davis, Rylen Orr, Luke Lovin, Easton Shuler, Everett Taylor, Peyton Brooks, Evan Menard, and assistant coaches Adam Brooks and A.J. Conley. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The 2026 Robbinsville Black Knights. Names are listed from left in both rows. Kneeling in front: Jackson Lane, Ayden Farley, Xamuel Wachacha, Benton Gibby, Ayden Conley, Tegan Werner, Deacon Hyde and Joshua Satterfield. Standing: assistant coach Ethan Orr, head coach Thomas Menard, Zander Davis, Rylen Orr, Luke Lovin, Easton Shuler, Everett Taylor, Peyton Brooks, Evan Menard, and assistant coaches Adam Brooks and A.J. Conley. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville swept by Wildcats

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
In a pair of one-run heartbreakers, Robbinsville simply ran out of chances to execute when it needed to the most. The Black Knights hosted – then traveled to – Andrews for their latest, respective slate of baseball action Friday and Monday.
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.
Ella Nelms delivers a pitch during March 3's season opener against Rosman. Nelms has not given up a run this year and has already struck out 61 batters. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Ella Nelms delivers a pitch during March 3's season opener against Rosman. Nelms has not given up a run this year and has already struck out 61 batters. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Complete shutdown

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Through the first six games of the year, Daphne Barlow has already homered twice and driven in 11 runs for the Robbinsville Lady Knights. Her first long ball came March 9 at Enka. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.

Black Knights split league play to begin season

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Robbinsville High School's baseball program has started the 2026 season with mixed results. After sweeping the beginning series with Rosman, the Black Knights ran into Hayesville – the defending Smoky Mountain Conference champions – in a make-up, home doubleheader Friday.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather with the 1A state championship runner-up plaque at half-court March 11, after dropping the title game 58-44 to Wilson Preparatory Academy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather with the 1A state championship runner-up plaque at half-court March 11, after dropping the title game 58-44 to Wilson Preparatory Academy. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights fall in 1A championship game

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Winston-Salem – A magical run for Lady Knights basketball came to a disappointing end March 11.

1st glimpse at justice center on the horizon

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Robbinsville – After securing the property to construct a long-needed justice center, there has not been a lot of news concerning the status of the facility.  That changed at the outset of Graham County Manager Brady Cody's report Tuesday, given during the board of commissioners meeting.
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.