10 years ago
* Commissioners called the new boat ramp at Massey Branch “a waste,” and a $1.4 million “boondoggle,” perpetrated by the U.S. Forest Service. According to Commissioner Raymond Williams, there were a lot of complaints and Williams also alleged that the ramp design might have been partially responsible for a recent drowning. “It’s my opinion,” said Williams. Update: The ramp is still a popular draw for anglers today.
* Seven Graham County men were sentenced for illegal hunting activities involving black bears and other wildlife. The four-year investigation resulted in more than 80 arrests and 980 violations in Georgia and North Carolina, known as “Operation Something Bruin.”
* More than 50 players turned out for the inaugural three-day youth football camp at Robbinsville High School practice field. Students from ages 6-14 participated in the camp, coached by Lucas Ford, assistant coach for the Black Knights. “The kids listened, tried hard and seemed to have a real passion for football,” Ford said. “We are looking forward to having them on the Varsity squad.”
Update: The camp is still going strong, with the 2023 installment underway this week.
25 years ago
* The death of two dogs – whose owners left them tied up while on vacation – opened a dialog on animal control. The efforts of Forest and Kay McGinley, after witnessing the death of the dogs, were taken into consideration by commissioners. Their plan was to work with the sheriffs’ department to make sure animals were inoculated. Rabies was suspected at this time in Graham County.
* The Robbinsville Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star sponsored a Womanless Beauty Contest. Miss Johnny Belle Longstockings (Johnny Long), was crowned Miss Relay For Life 1998.
-Compiled by Diane West