10 years ago
* A ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed the new Graham County Transit Building. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was responsible for the funding of $745,000 for Graham’s new facility. Graham County Transit Director Juanita Colvard presented a plaque, fixed to the building, to thank officials for their help. The plaque contained a quote from Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Update: Colvard remains the county’s transit director to this day.
* The Robbinsville Middle School Lady Knights beat Swain, 55-48. Erin Teesateskie had 13 points and 10 rebounds; Kaci Morgan had 13 points and 6 steals. The team was 3-1 for the season.
* The Robbinsville Middle School Wrestling team opened its season at Waynesville -- and took on the host, as well as Canton. The result was complete domination by the Knights. Austin Lovin beat both of his opponents during the match against Waynesville .
25 years ago
* Jimmy Harris – held at the Graham County Detention Center, in the death of Benita Gregory Jumper – will undergo an evaluation to determine his ability to stand trial. Harris’ attorney, Lenard Hilty, stated that this was a normal procedure to gain a third-party medical stance, although there was some issues and factors involved in the case that need to be determined before going any further.
* Bill Hadden, Leader of Dogs for the Blind Trustee and Field Representative, spoke to Robbinsville Elementary School with Molly, his Labrador Retriever, quietly by his side. Hadden lost his sight in 1972 as a result of a stroke, also losing some use of his left arm and leg. He introduced his dog saying, “Never speak to a blind person’s dog. They are a working dog.”
* With Britthaven’s purchase of Graham Adult Care, residents saw a number of changes for the better. Britthaven of Graham was the third-largest employer in Graham County. Four new jobs were produced, in addition to better benefits for personnel. According to the Britthaven Administrator David Hunt, the purpose of the nursing home had not changed, only the ownership. Update: Located at 800 Snowbird Road, you know the facility today as Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
-Compiled by Diane West