April 11, 1985
* Robbinsville forest personnel traveled to help fight forest fires, flying crews into Asheville Airport and transporting them to area fires. Fire crews went as far as New Mexico and fought fires, which destroyed many homes and businesses.
* The Graham County Rescue Squad’s annual Ramp Festival also sold chicken, trout, salads and desserts. Ramps are valued as early Spring food; because of their nutrition, not for their powerful odor. Update: Despite its popularity, the Ramp Festival has not been held for several years.
April 11, 1975
* An undetermined amount of drugs were taken from the Parrette Clinic, along with damage to two doors. Although this was the third robbery of the clinic, no one had yet been apprehended, so Drs. Dick and Nettie Parrette took it upon themselves to take security measures; one being a trained watch dog.
* Applications for food stamps and public assistance had reached an all-time high in North Carolina. Based on statistics in January, there were 512,605 food stamp recipients, with an increase of 140,600 in just three months.
April 11, 1969
* The Graham County Board of Education appointed Modeal Walsh as superintendent for a 4-year term. Walsh replaced Kenneth S. Barker, who had served in this position for six years. When Barker was offered the high school principal’s position – vacated by Walsh – he declined. The board failed to renew Barker’s contract.
* Bob Manuel allowed only one hit and struck out 14 batters, to lift Robbinsville to a 3-2 victory over the Andrews Wildcats. The Black Knights collected the win after Gilliam Jackson drove home Ralph Crisp in the second inning; Lowell Snider flew out to allow Manuel to score in the fourth; and Jackson trotted home on a bases-loaded, walk-off walk in the bottom of the seventh.
-Compiled by Diane West