10 years ago
* John Wallace Hall of Mooresville, Tenn., lost control of his motorcycle and veered down a 90-foot embankment near Fontana Village. Hall unfortunately lost his life. State Trooper Harvey Allen hoped to get the area posted for speeds of 15 miles per hour soon. At the time of Hall’s death, posted speeds did not exist.
* Plans for another bridge replacement were underway, as the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded a $963,705 contract to Mountain Creek Contractors to replace the bridge on Moose Branch Road. The bridge was considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.
* The annual Easter Egg Hunt at Sweetgum Baptist Church entertained about 300 kids and parents. More than 4,000 eggs were hidden – some with candy, some with other surprises.
25 years ago
* The fatalities of David Jordan and Nancy Moose on Tallulah brought a six-month toll to eight deaths. The head-on collision ended in two adult deaths and although three children were in the vehicle with Moore, they survived. The accident report filed by Trooper Brad Hoxit listed excessive speed and alcohol as contributing factors in the accident. Update: Hoxit is now the Graham County Sheriff.
* The Graham Star had a new publisher Kate Henry. “Kate has made The Graham Star a ‘must-read’ paper for Graham County,” said Weaver Carringer, Regional Publisher for Community Newspapers, Inc. Tom Wood, Chairman of CNI, was pleased with Henry’s appointment as publisher. “Her commitment to community journalism is evident in the product she puts out,” Wood said.
* The Black Knights added a big first win to their record against the Hayesville Yellow Jackets, a 6-3 win. Two home runs were hit by third baseman Tyson Stiles and catcher Lucas Ford. Stiles nailed his in the first inning and Ford crushed his in the second.
50 years ago
* Noah Powell – principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – passed away unexpectedly in his home. He was 67. Vice Chief John Crowe spoke for tribal officials and members when he said, “Our community has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend.”
* Modeal Walsh was re-elected Superintendent of Graham County Schools. He had served as superintendent since 1969. Prior to that time, he had 13 years experience in schools as teacher, coach, driver-education instructor and principal.
* Keith Orr, the 8-year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Orr, was a happy boy when he pulled in a 19 ½ inch long, 3-pound bass from Santeetlah Dam. Fishing with lizards, Keith outfished his dad by catching two more bass, while his dad caught nothing
on the minnows that he used.
-Compiled by Diane West