Jan. 4, 2007
* Graham County was ranked No. 1 for the best chance of being injured in a motorcycle crash in 2005, according to AAA Carolina’s annual analysis of crash data. Motorcycle deaths increased from 117 to 134 across the state last year, and almost half of Graham County’s 125 wrecks in 2005 involved motorcycles.
* The Lady Knights opened the annual Franklin Christmas Tournament against the hosting Lady Panthers, falling to Franklin 75-45 and later Erwin, 63-46. against Franklin’s Lady Panthers. Head coach Warren Knott was happy to see his young players hustle against the more-experienced teams. “They didn’t back down and that’s what a coach likes to see,” said Knott.
Jan. 4, 1990
* In a look back through the 80s, a proposed standby Gasoline Rationing Plan began in Raleigh on Jan. 3, 1980. The American Oil Company had applied for oil leases in Graham County, but the chances of finding it locally was slim, according to the Amoco Production Company in New Orleans.
* As the review of the decade that preceded continued, the 1981 Robbinsville Black Knights were recognized for coasting to their 3rd-straight 1A state championship, with a 68-0 win over Belhaven/Wilkinson. Robbinsville finished the 1981 season with an 11-2 record and ultimately won five straight from 1979-83.
Jan. 4, 1980
* New members of the board of education were given the oath of office by O.W. Hooper, clerk of court. Incumbent Ralph J. Jenkins, Warner Deyton and Wallace Jenkins were sworn into office to serve a 4-year term, as they joined board members Wayne Carringer and Larry Wiggins. Modeal Walsh was also approved under a 4-year contract as superintendent, effective immediately.
* Legendary Black Knights coach Bob Colvin, was selected to coach in the 1980 Shrine Bowl. He was also appointed to the 1979 bowl staff, but turned it down due to his team being in the playoffs.
-Compiled by Diane West