10 years ago
* GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team) Director Rick Davis told county commissioners that the organization had fully – or partially – netted $4 million for Graham County projects in the five years since the organization began, including assistance for Graham County Schools’ 21st Century Learning Center Grant of $1.36 million; the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s project of $140,000, for construction of a bridge and sidewalk from the high school to middle school; and funding of $4,918 for the Imagination Library Project – which provides books for children.
* Rain stopped long enough for everyone to enjoy the annual Christmas parade. GREAT Director Rick Davis was Grand Marshal, while Miss Cherokee Madison Crowe and Beloved Woman Ella Bird were guests of honor. Hosanna Baptist Church claimed first place and $300 for having the Best Float. In second place was the Sports Car Club of America ($200); and third place was the State Employees Credit Union ($100).
* The still-undefeated Black Knights had a 75-38 win over Hiwassee Dam. Four Knights led with double digits: Skyler Matheson, 19 points; Cole Huskey, 17; Cruz Galaviz, 14; and Brett Crowe, 12. Robbinsville also hosted Rosman and cruised to a 67-46 win over the Tigers. The Knights then hosted Madison County and held their own against the 2A school, winning 67-59.
25 years ago
* Graham County deputies raided a house on Long Branch, capturing three fugitives and seizing 13 stolen guns. Sheriff Steve Odom said that a tip from local residents and information from Georgia law officers led to the raid and subsequent arrests. Odom said that only two fugitives were expected to be found when they began the raid, but as officers went in the front door, a third person ran out the back. Husband and wife Donald and Joyce Fuller of Georgia were already wanted on felony warrants; the third, Bryson City resident Clifton Humphrey was wanted on fugitive warrants out of Georgia. All three were held on warrants from Georgia and Kentucky.
* A miracle was planned from Make-a-Wish Foundation, when Lynn Stewart told them about Lindsey Waldroup, 10 and brother, Lamar, 13, having cystic fibrosis. Lindsey’s wish was to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse, which came true when arriving at Walt Disney World. The foundation also agreed to grant a wish for Lamar – but according to Lynn, had not yet decided exactly what he wanted.
* Robbinsville’s varsity boys stomped the Copper Basin Cougars, 69-32. After jumping to a 16-4 lead in the first quarter, the Black Knights never looked back. Kaleb Williams led the varsity boys in scoring with 18 points and 4 assists. Three of Williams’ baskets were 3-pointers. Andy Phillips had 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Tyson Stiles was close behind with 10 points and 8 rebounds.
50 years ago
* President Nixon signed a bill, putting the country on Daylight Savings Time year-round. The bill was passed by the House and Senate, which made DST effective at 2 a.m on Sunday, Jan. 6, 1974. Under the bill, this would remain in effect until the last Sunday of October 1975. This bill was part of Nixon’s plan for meeting the energy crisis.
* Graham County Railroad freight was set to be hauled by a diesel locomotive for the first time in the railroad’s history. Locomotive 102 comes to Graham County from Savannah, Ga.’s port docks, where the locomotive had been in service since 1953. It was due to be shipped to Graham County on Jan. 22, 1974. After a short test and training period, the locomotive would have been placed in service.
* Robbinsville’s boys traveled to Stecoah and won 58-48. Scott Perkins’ 18 points and Dee Walsh’s 17 points led the Knights to their victory. Robbinsville’s girls also won their game against Stecoah, 55-46, behind the scoring of Debbie Crisp with 22 points and Kathy Rose with 12.
-Compiled by Diane West