Cherokee man sentenced following murder plea

Written by
Tuesday, 15/04/2025

U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr. sentenced Brandon Tyler Buchanan to 30 years in prison for second degree murder, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. 

Read more...

Pheasant sentenced to life in prison for murder

Written by
Wednesday, 09/04/2025

Ernest D. Pheasant, Sr., has received a sentence of life in prison for the murder of his ex-wife, Marie Walkingstick Pheasant. 

In 2013, Marie’s body was found in a vehicle that investigators later determined was intentionally set on fire. An autopsy revealed that she died from stab wounds to the neck and abdomen.

Read more...
Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Contribute >
Partner content: Gluten-Free Resources
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner content: Gluten-Free Resources

Do you have celiac disease or do you follow a gluten-free diet for another health condition?

Did you know there is a Facebook group for that? I set up this group over 10 years ago and it now has over 1000 members. Look for “Gluten-Free Asheville and WNC” on Facebook. 

 Read More
Partner Content: Diabetes-friendly Snacks
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner Content: Diabetes-friendly Snacks

Question: My father-in-law is now living with us, and he has Type 2 diabetes, but he also has a sweet tooth. Should I be buying sugar-free candy and cookies for him or is there a better option? 

 Read More
Partner content: Taste of Local
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner content: Taste of Local

Thursday, April 17th • 3pm-6pm

Complimentary Samples
(Limited Availability) 

 Read More
Partner content: Easy Frozen Meal Options
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner content: Easy Frozen Meal Options

Question: My mother-in-law is elderly and doesn’t want to cook at all and only wants to microwave food for herself. What are some ways I can make sure she’s still eating healthy? 

 Read More
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.