Bryson, Wilke square off in highly anticipated Haywood sheriff race

After nearly 10 years in office, Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher announced his retirement in Mach 2021, giving prospective candidates more than a year to contemplate their campaigns. Almost immediately, five men from two parties stepped up, seeking to replace him.

Jackson sheriff race down to Buchanan, Farmer

With the impending retirement of Jackson County Sheriff Chip Hall, two candidates will compete for the seat this fall in the General Election. While their careers and background vary greatly, both men have vast experience in law enforcement.

Cochran seeks fifth term as Swain Sheriff

To be a sheriff in North Carolina is to be the most powerful elected official in a county.

Author of threatening writs revealed, but still no action from law enforcement

She’s “served” threatening letters on elected officials offering bounties for their capture, she has plans to serve more and she’s calling for the overthrow of the United States government with help from the U.S. military, but the most significant remaining questions aren’t about the radicalization of a Haywood County woman behind the phony writs — they’re about how and when law enforcement agencies will respond, if at all.

Obsolete Haywood body armor headed for Ukraine

Eight sets of unusable level 3A ballistic armor are now on their way from Haywood County to Ukraine thanks to a serendipitous partnership involving law enforcement, nonprofits and elected officials from the federal to the local level.

Voters pick Bryson, Wilke for November sheriff race in Haywood

Haywood County residents are a step closer to learning who will replace a longtime lawman in December, after convincing Primary Election wins by private investigator Bill Wilke and retired Haywood County Sherriff’s Office Chief Deputy Larry Bryson.

Farmer, Buchanan win Jackson Sheriff primaries

Republican Doug Farmer and Democrat Rick Buchanan will compete to hold the office of Sheriff in Jackson County this fall after winning their respective primary races. Both men have an extensive background in law enforcement.

Recount called in Macon Sheriff race

A recount has been called in the Macon County Sheriff’s race after Election day totals indicated Dereck Jones lost to Brent Holbrooks by just 54 votes — putting Jones within the 1% threshold required to do so.

Sheriffs in Western North Carolina face challenges, change

The job of the county sheriff is important even though the county sheriff’s job is widely misunderstood.  

Christopher’s shadow looms large over Haywood sheriff’s race

As Greg Christopher enters his 43rd and likely final year in law enforcement, he goes out with his reputation intact and a scandal-free 10-year tenure as Haywood County’s sheriff.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.