GrahamCountyBoardofCommissioners

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.

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.

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.

Jan. 16 deemed 'Ronnie Milsap Day'

Kevin Hensley
Friday, December 26, 2025
Robbinsville – Graham County's most famous son will soon add another historic piece of recognition to his long-standing legacy. Commissioner Connie Orr presented a proclamation at Dec. 16's board meeting to declare Jan. 16 as "Ronnie Milsap Day.
Graham County Animal Refuge President and B's Pet Grooming Owner Brittney Holder addresses commissioners during Nov. 18's workshop session. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Graham County Animal Refuge President and B's Pet Grooming Owner Brittney Holder addresses commissioners during Nov. 18's workshop session. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Refuge president: 'We need help'

Kevin Hensley
Friday, November 28, 2025
Robbinsville – The message from Brittney Holder was straightforward: commissioners need to take action on helping curb the overpopulation of stray animals in Graham County. The owner of B’s Pet Grooming spoke to elected officials during Nov.
Board of Education Chair Rodney Nelson (left) and Commission Chair Meggan Smith were all smiles while signing a contract Tuesday, which allows the county to purchase school-owned land to build a justice center. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Board of Education Chair Rodney Nelson (left) and Commission Chair Meggan Smith were all smiles while signing a contract Tuesday, which allows the county to purchase school-owned land to build a justice center. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

County, schools reach land deal for justice center

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Robbinsville – If it feels like deja vu, that’s because it is.