GrahamCountyNC

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.
This photo of Nan Hill sits inside the Robbinsville Elementary School Cafeteria as a tribute to the former lunchroom worker. A new fund has been set up to help assist students with food purchases in her honor.

This photo of Nan Hill sits inside the Robbinsville Elementary School Cafeteria as a tribute to the former lunchroom worker. A new fund has been set up to help assist students with food purchases in her honor.

'Nan Hill Loves You Fund' established for students

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Robbinsville – If you have ever wanted to ensure that every student at Robbinsville Elementary School would not have to go through the day without a meal, a newly established fund can make the hope a reality.
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.

Teen fugitive arrested in county

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Snowbird – A tip from 785 miles away led to Graham County deputies arresting a fugitive that had fled custody.  Jacob Hunter James of Atlanta, Texas, was arrested Jan.

Candidate questions budget cuts

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Robbinsville – "Some of the things I may say may upset some of y'all; some of them, you might agree with; but frankly, I don't care." With that opening statement, Chase Lancaster opened a proverbial can of worms at Tuesday's Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Four counties and the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina were selected to participate in the 2026 U.S. Test Census. This graphic details why the Census Bureau chose the area. Graphics courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau

Four counties and the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina were selected to participate in the 2026 U.S. Test Census. This graphic details why the Census Bureau chose the area. Graphics courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau

Graham County selected as part of 2026 test census

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Washington – As part of planned improvements to the 230-year-old process, Graham County has been chosen as one of the locations across the country to participate in the 2026 test census. In a press release about the test run, the U.S.

4 arrests made for fentanyl possession

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Tallulah – The Graham County Sheriff's Office rang in the New Year by making a positive impact on the local distribution of fentanyl, arresting four individuals for suspected possession of the deadly substance.

Jail, EMS budgets analyzed

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Robbinsville – Graham County Manager Brady Cody said that Tuesday's special-called commissioner meeting was part of a "budget check-up."  Cody said he has recently been meeting with department heads to chat about any lingering problems. "If there's an issue, we want to catch it early," Cody said.