GrahamCountyBoardofCommissioners

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.
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.

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.

Commissioner candidates discuss platforms

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
* Conclusion of a 2-part report Robbinsville – The Graham Star’s Republican Primary Candidate Forum on Feb. 7 served as a vehicle to best introduce voters to the individuals who are on the March ballot for the local commissioner and sheriff races.
Newly-appointed Graham County Sheriff Russell Moody (left) is administered the oath of office by Graham County Clerk of Court Tammy Holloway on Tuesday. Moody was selected Monday by the Graham County Board of Commissioners to temporarily fill the vacancy left by the suspension of Brad Hoxit on Jan. 29. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Newly-appointed Graham County Sheriff Russell Moody (left) is administered the oath of office by Graham County Clerk of Court Tammy Holloway on Tuesday. Moody was selected Monday by the Graham County Board of Commissioners to temporarily fill the vacancy left by the suspension of Brad Hoxit on Jan. 29. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Moody appointed sheriff

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Robbinsville – What started as a continued meeting to swear in a temporary sheriff ended with the chief deputy being led from the Graham County Community Building. Exercising its right under North Carolina General Statute 162-5.
Commission candidate Dale Wiggins (left) delivers his closing statement at Saturday’s forum. Sitting alongside Wiggins are candidates Brian “Taco” Johnson (center) and Carolyn Stewart. Stills courtesy of The Graham Star's YouTube

Commission candidate Dale Wiggins (left) delivers his closing statement at Saturday’s forum. Sitting alongside Wiggins are candidates Brian “Taco” Johnson (center) and Carolyn Stewart. Stills courtesy of The Graham Star's YouTube

Primary candidates share views at forum

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Sheriff candidate Mitch Millsaps answers a question during Saturday's forum. Candidate Terry Grey is seated next to Millsaps, waiting to answer the same question.

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.

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.