April 25, 2002
* It was an unexpected day-off for Robbinsville Elementary School students, when vandalism was discovered in the kitchen. Dietician Kim Williams explained that overnight, vandals had cut phone lines, and entered through a vent in the roof. Sprinkler systems caused kitchen damage, as well as damage to gas lines. An emergency shutoff on the propane tank prevented a dangerous gas leak. Classes operated as usual on the following day.
* Rescheduled track meets against Smoky Mountain resulted in victories for both the Robbinsville High School boys’ and girls’ teams. Elle Perkins set a school record in the girls 800-meter run, while the boys 4x400 relay – consisting of Colby Collins, Clive Wall, Jake Beasley and Rance Shuler – also set a record. In an additional meet at Hayesville, the Robbinsville boys placed second and the girls placed third.
April 25, 1996
* Arson was believed to have caused a fire to burn 25-plus acres between Long Branch and Old Tallulah roads. Harold Phillips of the N.C. Forest Service found “no evidence of a brush fire. Other arson fires were set in Graham County since Spring. A $500 reward was offered for information, leading to conviction.
* Wesley Sherrill, formerly of Robbinsville, was on his way to fulfilling his goal of becoming a crew chief in the Winston Cup Racing series. Sherrill graduated in 1993 from Robbinsville High School and served as crew chief for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Sherrill is the son of Roy and Gail Sherrill of Florida. His career began as he worked for the late Rodney Orr in the Goody’s Dash Series in 1993.
April 25, 1975
* Donald Icenhower, a 6’4” basketball star at Mountain View School, signed to play at Mars Hill University. Icenhower was captain of the 1973-75 Highlanders. He was also All-Conference and Most Valuable Player in both his junior and senior years. During his senior season, he averaged 19.2 points per game and 19 rebounds.
* The annual fishing contest was held at Fontana Village Resort. Wayne Beard of the N.C. Fish and Wildlife Service witnessed the release of the $10,000, prize-winning fish. A grand prize of a 9 ½ horsepower Johnson Motor was also awarded at the conclusion of the contest, for the largest game fish caught.
-Compiled by Diane West