10 years ago
* Graham County Schools were facing $454,000 in budget cuts, which was $145,000 more than was anticipated. According to Superintendent Angie Knight, the cuts won’t cost the teachers their jobs, but will mean the loss of teacher assistants, supplies and textbooks. “People need to talk to their senator and representatives,” Knight said. “You can only punish a school so much before it affects the kids.”
* A 60-foot plot next to the building inspection’s office on Knight Street would be the location for a collocation facility – Balsam West Fiber NET. Leasing the building for $300 monthly, the utility-type building will be a data hand-hold for a huge high-speed fiber optics system. “It will put Graham County in line to have access to ‘six’ main lines,” said then-county manager Greg Cable. “It’s like having an international airport here.”
* Football season was underway, as the Knights traveled to Tuscola in Waynesville for their first complete scrimmage of the season. “We’re going to try and win a game or two,” said head coach Dee Walsh. “Actually, we’re pretty happy about this team. We’ve got some big boys out there playing and that’s something we’ve needed for the past couple of years.” Robbinsville also returned many of their skill players.
25 years ago
* The Graham Star was named Best of Community Newspapers, Inc., for the second year in a row. Publisher/Editor Kate Henry of the Star brought home two additional awards: second place for Best Community Service, as well as second place for Editorial Writing. Regional Publisher Weaver Carringer accepted the Award of Excellence on behalf of Jimmy Robinson, press plant manager.
* For the second year, Miata drivers filled Tapoco Lodge . The event included 141 cars, compared to 44 drivers participating the year prior. Miata drivers from more than six states and Canada came to the annual weekend event, centering around the lodge and Deals Gap. “People like this so much because it’s unorganized,” said Mike Martin, coordinator of the Roadster Association of the Great Smokies (RAGS).
* Randy and Carandee Wachacha competed in the Amateur Athletic Union National Karate Championship at Disney World Sports Complex in Orlando. Carandee took fifth place in sparring (kumite), as Randy came in with a third-place finish in kumite. Randy and Carandee were then eligible to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics Karate Tournament in Hampton Roads, Va.
50 years ago
* The Tennessee Valley Authority began repair work on one end of Fontana Dam, as cracks had occurred in three blocks of concrete at the east end of the main dam. According to George Kimmons, manager of engineering, the cause was suspected to be years of small, continual, residual expansion in the concrete due to summer heat. The powerhouse remained in service during repairs.
* The new Miss Graham County, Ann McKeldrey received her flowers and was crowned by last year’s queen, Sara Rogers. As the first Miss Graham County, Rogers had the honor of participating in the Miss North Carolina Beauty Pageant.
* In 1935, W.D. Townson built the first funeral home and chapel. Following his death in 1968, the family – with help of employees – continued the business in the same manner that Townson had created and maintained. Frank Rose, Jr., had purchased and planned to return to his native Cherokee County, to live and direct operations. A 90-percent interest in Townson Funeral Home had been sold to Rose.
-Compiled by Diane West