March 7, 2002
* After months of medical treatment and intensive therapy, Frank Findley finally returned home from the Atlanta-based Shepherd Center. A motorcycle accident put him in the hospital for five months, after crashing into a dump truck. Findley had ten broken ribs, shattered bones and a damaged spinal cord. He transitioned back to work by telecommuting from home, temporarily.
* Robbinsville High School hosted the “Tri-County Bench Press Challenge,” with participants from Andrews, Cherokee, Hayesville, Hiwassee Dam, Murphy, Swain, Macon and Jackson counties. The challenge was sponsored by the Alcoa Foundation, Stanley Furniture, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and “Be Your Best Youth Program.”
March 7, 1991
* The staff and administration from Graham County Schools accepted the Governor’s Program of Excellence in Education Award, on behalf of the Stecoah Preschool Program. The program had been in operation since January 1990. Gov. Jim Martin extended thanks for the inspiration that teachers and students had to achieve such excellence.
* Five Robbinsville wrestlers traveled to Greensboro to end their season at the 1A/2A state tournament. James Orr placed higher than anyone from the Smoky Mountain Conference, finishing third. At the time, Orr’s place was the highest of any sophomore in Robbinsville wrestling history.
March 7, 1985
* Steve Darrell McKeldrey pled guilty to the second-degree murder of his wife Kathy, after she was found with a single, 20-gauge shotgun wound. Superior Court Judge William Grist sentenced McKeldrey to 15 years; he was to be confined at the N.C. Department of Corrections. After five years served, McKeldrey would be eligible for work release.
* The Robbinsville boys could not overcome the Cullowhee Rebels in the first round of the playoffs, falling 74-50. Ronny Carringer and Barry Holder led the Black Knights with 12 points each.
-Compiled by Diane West