10 years ago
* A 15-year old boy from Michigan was hiking the Haoe Bald Trail with others when his “unconscious episodes” began. He recovered from each one, as they continued hiking up the trail and deeper into the forest, but when the boy passed out again, members of the Graham County Rescue Squad were called and the group was found on the Deep Creek Trail. Due to terrible weather conditions, the group decided to wait until morning to come off the trail.
* Sanitation Director Donnie Orr requested the Sweetwater Dumpster site to close, due to his department spending too much time cleaning up debris. This was caused by “dumpster divers,” according to Commissioner Chairman Mike Edwards. Sheriff Mickey Anderson agreed to step up patrol to stop “the mess.” Update: The county finally closed the site last year, largely due to issues similar to those reported 10 years ago.
* Despite a loss of 5-2 to Andrews, Robbinsville’s defense played remarkably well, committing only two errors. Senior, Brandon Beavers also pitched a complete game, striking out 13. This was a first time that a starter had pitched a complete game in two years.
25 years ago
* Fontana Village (Peppertree Resort), was recognized with an “Award of Excellence.” According to Peppertree officials, the management and staff of Fontana had an energetic passion, hard work ethic and true dedication to the improvement and growth of the Village. General Manager of Fontana Village David Kerr accepted the award.
* Restoring the Graham County Courthouse and Veterans’ Memorial were two projects that were being considered by the Old Town Revitalization committee. Approval was given by the commissioners to work with the county to return the historic courthouse to its previous glory.
* Robbinsville High School competed in its first state playoff game since 1990. The Knights won 69-60 in the first round, playing at the University of North Carolina against Hiwassee Dam. Jared Wiggins led all scorers with 31 – 24 that came in the first half.
50 years ago
* Pictured on the front of the 50 year Graham Star are, Sara Rogers (Miss Graham County), presenting $500 from the Graham County Jaycees to Band Master Larry Raines and Band Fund Chairman Gordon Farley. The goal was to buy new uniforms for the color guard for their first year. The cost was $10,000.
* The need of a new road across the mountain between Robbinsville and Stecoah became more evident, as several slides came after 40-plus hours of rain. The State Highway Commission had done their best to keep the road usable, but continued to fight a losing battle.
* Fontana Lake was the scene of the Fontana Fishing Contest. In addition to cash prizes, a grand prize of a 9.5 horsepower Johnson motor was awarded for the largest fish caught. The previously-tagged fish – worth $5,000 – was also released in the lake to the person catching it within the time limit.