10 years ago
* The Hub held its grand opening, which included a fundraiser for a local woman battling diabetes. “Moonshiners” stars Jim Tom Hedrick, Bootleg Bill, Josh Owens and faithful canine “Cutie Pie,” made an appearance to take pictures, sign autographs and talk with fans, while auctioning items. Owner Greg McCoy said over 200 people visited the opening and over $1,000 was raised for the benefit. Update: The restaurant was later sold, but closed and sadly burned in February 2022.
* The Church Mouse and Graham County Cleaners were presented certificates of appreciation for their donations and support of veterans from the Robbinsville American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Michelle Shiplet of the Church Mouse donated the needed items and Sarah and Billy Daves – owners of the cleaners – cleaned and packed the items free of charge. Items were then delivered to the VA Hospital in Asheville.
* The Black Knights slipped by Hayesville in the season opener, 69-65. Led by senior guard Brett Crowe with 19 points, Robbinsville shot 66.7 percent from the free-throw line. “You bet this was a great way to start our season,” said head coach Tommy Johnson. “These guys played hard and deserved to win.”
25 years ago
* A $1 million fine and 25 years in jail loomed for Topton resident Horace Richard Greene, if he was convicted on four counts filed against him by a federal grand jury in Charlotte. A district conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Greene was indicted for wrongfully converting property worth more than $1,000, while employed by the U.S. Government; by granting government approval to three separate business deals designed to benefit him, his wife and his business partner. The illegal actions began in 1988 and continued through 1995, and took place in both in Graham and Cherokee counties.
* The annual Robbinsville Christmas Parade came to town in spite of skies threatening rain. Bear Creek Baptist Church was named “Best in Show” of the 14 floats that entered the parade. Grand Marshal Joyce Dugan – Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – led the parade behind the Junaluska Reserve Officer Training Corps’ color guard.
* Robbinsville High football players were voted All-Smoky Mountain Conference: Defensive lineman Thomas Berger; linebacker Dustin Eller; defensive back Kaleb Williams; punter Aaron Gross; and offensive lineman William Pressley. Six Black Knights received honorable mentions: Lucas Ford, Anthony Brown, William Wayne Adams, Jeremy Odom, John Pressley and Ricky Eller. Update: Ford is an assistant coach for Robbinsville High’s football program today.
50 years ago
* The Mountain View Highlander girls picked up a 46-28 victory over Hiwassee Dam. Pacing the girls were Nina Yeargan with 13 points and Sally Odom with 12 points. The boys scored 15 points in the beginning of their game against Hiwassee Dam, on their way to a 53-40 win. High scorers were Marshall Beasley with 14 and Donald Icenhower with 13.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights lost a hard fought game to the Cherokee Braves, 48-44. Larry Williams led Robbinsville with 16 points, while Calvin Key had 11 points. Williams topped all of the scorers with a total of 21 points in another game recapped, a 57-36 thrashing of Swain County. Adding to the score was Scott Perkins with 11 points.
* Shopping for Christmas in 1973: Santa said, “Don’t run, but hurry to Collins 5-cent to $1 store. While on Tallulah Road at Charlie’s Furniture Exchange, you might pick up anything from 8-track tapes ($2.25), to platform rockers for ($10.95). Russell Furniture also gave away a dishwasher to those who registered, along with small appliances.
-Compiled by Diane West