10 years ago
* The 18-foot-tall, 300,000-gallon treatment tank for Robbinsville’s wastewater on Knight Street became compliant with state-water quality laws. Massive injections of chlorine and enhanced ultra-violet lighting structures brought the antique plant back into state compliance – only a “fix,” until the town gets their new $7.4 million wastewater treatment plant online.
* A trip to Deals Gap Resort was well worth the effort it takes to get there. Just to the right of the entrance sat a 1,800-lb. dragon, made from motorcycle parts and sheet metal. The artwork was created by Pete Macaluso of Ranger. The dragon wore a saddle for adventurers interested in pictures. The dragon also blew smoke.
* “It was a great way to open the season,” said Black Knights quarterback Dakota Crisp, having played one of the biggest games of his high-school career against the Rabun Gap, Ga., Eagles in a 60-26 win for the Knights. Crisp was 10-of-17 passes, for 229 yards and four touchdowns. “I know it’s not always gonna be like this,” Crisp said after the game. “There’s a lot of things we need to work on.”
25 years ago
* Fall at Fontana brings national visitors as they will host events with representatives from Gov. Charles Taylor. Also, survivor’s from Bataan-Corrigidor battles of WWII gathered for their reunion with Robbinsville vets. Wayne Carringer was one of those war heroes that survived the Bataan death march in the Philippines.
* A ring belonging to the late Ella Mae Holder was recovered, according to Spencer Weeks, Chief Deputy of Graham County. Weeks said that the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation had located the ring and was able to confirm that it belonged to Holder. The ring was missing when her body was found in Oct. 1997. Forest Shane Lynn was charged with the death of Holder, whose body was found in her home.
* To start off a 3-game slate, the Robbinsville Termites defeated Swain County with a 16-0 win. The Mites played a tough game, but lost 8-0. The Midgets rolled over Swain County with a score of 44-0.
50 years ago
* Westco and Western Carolina Telephone moved their plant center for Murphy to Sylva, and back to Murphy. This allowed Robbinsville customers to be able to use Murphy for repair and installation service. A new telephone number was installed for Robbinsville Repair Service. “This should be terrific for customers in this area,” said Dennis Curtis, manager of the commercial office. Phone directories would be supplied at a later date.
* A small number of former Berkshire employees were part of a pattern in which older, higher-paid workers were laid off after years of service. Complaints to the N.C. Department of Labor lead to an explanation of, “Laying off employees over 41 years of age could constitute discrimination.” Five local employees were veterans and laid off in favor of younger men. The state labor board began an investigation.
* The Robbinsville JV football team began its schedule against the Murphy Bulldogs on Sept. 6, as the years’ outlook for the JVs seemed very bright due to the large turn-out; there were 28 freshmen boys on the team. Three home games were currently scheduled. The cost for all home games was $1; varsity games were $2.