SwainCounty

With Luke Lovin serving as placeholder, Robbinsville’s Zander Lucksavage prepares to boot what proved to be the game-winning field goal Friday against Swain County. Lucksavage split the uprights as the final buzzer sounded at Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

With Luke Lovin serving as placeholder, Robbinsville’s Zander Lucksavage prepares to boot what proved to be the game-winning field goal Friday against Swain County. Lucksavage split the uprights as the final buzzer sounded at Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

He’s got Luck on his side

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The box score from Oct. 3, 2025's game between Swain County and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – On a night where seniors were recognized and those who paved the way were honored, Zander Lucksavage made his own footnote in Black Knights’ football lure.
Swain County Sheriff’s Office detectives believe this is the Jeep Cherokee used in the Sept. 6 shooting incident at the Paddle Inn Rafting Co. The owner of the vehicle was arrested Sept. 30. Photo courtesy of Swain County Sheriff's Office

Swain County Sheriff’s Office detectives believe this is the Jeep Cherokee used in the Sept. 6 shooting incident at the Paddle Inn Rafting Co. The owner of the vehicle was arrested Sept. 30. Photo courtesy of Swain County Sheriff's Office

Atlanta man arrested in Nantahala shooting

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Nantahala – Exactly 3 ½ weeks after a sign supporting President Donald Trump was torn down and a gun was fired in the direction of a business owner, authorities with the Swain County Sheriff's Office apprehended a suspect in the incident.
Prior to Tuesday's varsity match against Swain County, Robbinsville High School volleyball recognized its lone senior: Ryn Hooper. With Hooper is assistant coach Kensley Hamilton (left) and head coach Kadey Jones. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Prior to Tuesday's varsity match against Swain County, Robbinsville High School volleyball recognized its lone senior: Ryn Hooper. With Hooper is assistant coach Kensley Hamilton (left) and head coach Kadey Jones. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights drop conference matches

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Jayden Chekelelee sets the ball during Sept. 25’s JV match at Murphy. Robbinsville – As teams in the Smoky Mountain Conference jockey for a playoff spot, the Lady Knights recently dropped a pair of pivotal matches in the race. A visit to Murphy on Sept.
Ella McGuire leaps for a kill attempt Sept. 4 at Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Ella McGuire leaps for a kill attempt Sept. 4 at Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights hampered by 3-match skid

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Robbinsville – Tough opposition has given the Lady Knights fits over the past week. A visit to Swain County on Sept.
Luke Lovin evades the pursuit of Tuscola defenders while gaining positive yardage in Friday's season opener. Lovin will be Robbinsville's quarterback for the 2025 season. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Luke Lovin evades the pursuit of Tuscola defenders while gaining positive yardage in Friday's season opener. Lovin will be Robbinsville's quarterback for the 2025 season. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

SMC football: Not for the weak of heart

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 28, 2025
There's a reason a mention of Smoky Mountain Conference football sends shivers down the spines of opponents far and wide – the reputation of the division speaks for itself.
A new search and rescue boat – for use in both Graham and Swain counties – was unveiled on the shores of Fontana Lake on Aug. 14. From left are Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit; U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville), who helped obtain the funding to purchase the boat; and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

A new search and rescue boat – for use in both Graham and Swain counties – was unveiled on the shores of Fontana Lake on Aug. 14. From left are Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit; U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville), who helped obtain the funding to purchase the boat; and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Rescue boat revealed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Lemmons Branch – Three months of speculation regarding the purchase of a new search and rescue boat was cleared up at a quick convergence of local and regional officials Aug. 14.  Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland thanked U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.

Former Swain sheriff arrested on rape charge

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Bryson City – More than three weeks after news of his arrest and subsequent retirement shocked western North Carolina, former Swain County sheriff Curtis Abraham Cochran was placed behind bars once more on a new charge last week.

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.
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.