10 years ago
* Facing a shortage of $700,000, the Graham County Board of Commissioners proposed raising the millage rate by .02 cents, which would bring in an estimated $220,00 in additional funds. About $500,000 dollars in unpaid taxes were on the books. The county planned to begin foreclosures with the oldest taxes unpaid, according to commission chairman Mike Edwards.
* This year’s R-Club honored two underclassmen with top awards of the night, beginning with sophomore Spencer McCoy being selected as Robbinsville High School Most Valuable Male Athlete and freshman Shawnda Martin selected as Most Valuable Female Athlete. Neither of these award choices were a surprise to those who had seen the athletes perform.
25 years ago
* Lack of adequate animal control seemed to be keeping the serious problem of rabies hidden, according to animal activists Forrest and Kay McGinley. Because of reports from all the surrounding counties having had reports of rabies, it would be very likely for it to make itss way into Graham County. “Hiring someone to work animal control would be a good first step,” said the McGinley’s.
* Graham County Sheriff Melvin Howell was arrested for allegedly assaulting a female. The complaint filed with Magistrate Thomas Holland was dropped the following day by the female stating that she “had received bad advice on handling this case.” Howell said the incident was a result of “horseplay.” The case was scheduled to go before the court in June.
* Pat Briggs, former coach of the Graham County Swim Team, was named 1997-98 “All Western North Carolina Swim Team Coach of the Year.” Briggs organized the team in 1994, coaching the team for four seasons. Briggs also taught a series of water safety classes for Graham County Schools in 1997.
-Compiled by Diane West