10 years ago
* In a photo finish, incumbent Graham County Commissioner Raymond Williams received 2,210 votes to 2,200 votes cast for Darrell Collins. Williams had served the county for 22 years as commissioner and got another two years as a result of the election. Update: Williams passed away earlier this year.
* A proposal to county commissioners for a Veterans Park atop the hill near the First Baptist Church and Health Department was put on hold, waiting on an engineer to do a soil study for the site. Commissioner Connie Orr, along with Louise Stewart, first presented the proposal, saying that “money was an issue before starting the park.” The park would be called the “Veteran Flag Memorial” and would be lighted at all times. “I am discussing fundraising ideas and Bobby Smith has agreed to work with me, so I feel sure we will have something going soon,” Orr said. “This is something our Veterans deserve.” Update: Veterans Flag Mark still proudly stands over downtown Robbinsville today.
25 years ago
* County teens were arrested for shooting up some property at the water tank above Junaluska’s grave. “They shot the ‘No Trespassing’ signs all to pieces,” said Robbinsville Mayor Bobby Cagle, Jr. The five young men, ages 16-18 were arrested and released into adult custody. The vandalism of the water tank followed several cases of breaking and entering, still under investigation. The Holder murder investigation also continued, with polygraph testing of possible witnesses. Holder was found stabbed to death in her Milltown Road home Oct. 19.
* Veterans Day was observed quietly in Robbinsville. Flags flew outside many downtown businesses and some veterans met at the VFW hall. Others went door-to-door selling silk poppies to benefit Veterans of Foreign Wars. Banks, schools and some businesses suspended work for the day. Students at Robbinsville High School honored the vets with a public program, including music from the Black Knights Band and a presentation by the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Each event was trying to say, “We remember,” in their own way and were joined by the Town of Robbinsville, which declared Nov. 9-15, “Employ a Veteran Week.”
50 years ago
* Several of Graham County’s adult and junior 4-H leaders were honored at a supper meeting at Phillips Restaurant. Roy Jones, chairman of the county commissioners, awarded certificates and pins to these leaders. He praised them for work with the youth in their community and challenged them to continue in their endeavors. Pictured were David Allen, Roy Jones, Vicki Taylor, Mrs. James McGuire, Mrs. Hollis Adams, Mrs. Elmer Rogers and Mrs. Kenneth Taylor.
* The Graham County United Fund Drive began on Oct. 2, 1972, with a goal of $14,775. As of Nov. 13, $5,996.26 had been pledged or paid to the campaign, representing 41 percent of the county goal. The United Fund was for the benefit of the citizens of Graham County, with funds distributed to 13 charitable and service organizations.
-Compiled by Diane West