10 years ago
* The Graham County Rescue Squad – including Snowbird and Santeetlah departments, along with Graham County EMS – spent Labor Day rescuing a woman from Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness Area. Abbie Meachum and husband Michael were hiking the creek trail when Abbie was stung by a yellow jacket and had an allergic reaction. After finally getting a cell phone call out to dispatch, Abbie began having severe difficulty breathing, vomiting and was unable to walk. Within two hours, other hikers came upon them and fortunately had medication to ease her breathing. Squad members arrived shortly thereafter and began treatment. The mission was completed as Abbie was put in an ambulance, even though a powerful thunderstorm passed through the area during the rescue.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights were the underdog against Pisgah, but cruised to a 56-35 win over the Black Bears. The Knights and Bears were flagged for a combined 38 penalties and 339 yards. “I don’t mind officials throwing flags that keep the game in control,” said Knights head coach Dee Walsh. “There were a lot of emotions out there on the field.”
25 years ago
* The Robbinsville High School Class of 1947 was the first graduating class in Graham County history required to complete 12 years of schooling. There was no class of 1946, because that class had to finish a year more of studies than the previous graduating class of 1945. The class of 1947 celebrated their 50th reunion and had dinner at Phillips Restaurant. Clifton Eller – who lived in Alaska – was present. Delmas Shuler may have held the distinction of being the oldest class member. He was in the service during WWII and finished high school upon his return to Graham County.
* The Black Knights got their season off to a good start with a 14-0 win over Andrews. Drew Hill opened the scoring with 2:09 left in the first quarter on an 11-yard touchdown reception from Aaron Gross. The Knights final score came with 1:09 left in the third quarter, when Lee Howell plowed in from one yard out. Gross hit Brandon Anderson on a conversion pass, giving Robbinsville a 14-0 lead. The Robbinsville High School played hard and held Andrews to only 137 yards total offense.
50 years ago
* Forest Superintendent Del Thornson announced a new program on National Forest land. “Operation Mainstream” was a result of a recent contract between the Department of Labor and the U.S. Forest Service. It would provide jobs for 125 disadvantaged persons in Robbinsville and surrounding counties in North Carolina. The new program would give work experience, training and supplemental employment to senior citizens. This program was designed to bring in over $317,000 for salaries to employees. Mainstream would also benefit primarily the rural areas in or near the National Forest Lands. The work week consisted of 24 hours and wages of $1.60 per hour. This was an excellent opportunity for retired people for supplemental income, while these projects will better the environment around their homes.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights bested the Andrews Wildcats, 36-14. Quarterback Dee Walsh started Robbinsville’s scoring with a touchdown and also
made the two-point conversion in the second period, tying the game, 8-8. With 10.59 left in the third quarter, Mike Carpenter posted a seven-yard scoring run and Frank Maennle went three yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Tommy Hooper made a three-yard run for a touchdown and Ronnie Lynn made the conversion. In the final play of the game, Eddie Phillips scored on a two-yard carry.
-Compiled by Diane West