10 years ago
* Local physician Patricia Johnson was recognized by Mission Medical Associates for being in the top 10 percent in the nation for patient approval. Only 17 positions out of 100 receive this high honor, placing Johnson in an elite field of professionals. “I wasn’t expecting this,” said Johnson.
* The first phase of the Veterans Park had started in front of town hall. According to Robbinsville Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Smith, a fountain was installed last week from funds from a NCSTEP Program. The fountain was part of a plan to honor Veterans, and the whole town hoped to install an American flag and plaque in their honor, as well.
* The Knights looked tough in a preseason scrimmage, defeating Tuscola 17-13. Black Knights head coach Dee Walsh was more interested in getting some experience for his linemen than the scores. “Our objective is to get as many kids playing as possible,” Walsh said. Robbinsville hit the end zone first on a 40-yard run by Cruz Galaviz; the Knights’ second score came on a 15-yard touchdown pass from senior Dakota Crisp to junior Skyler Matheson.
25 years ago
* Robbinsville High School was 1-of-2 area schools ranking highest in the state, according to the new Accountability, Basics and Control guidelines. Ranking first in North Carolina was Robbinsville, with the greatest percentage of exemplary growth achieved by students throughout a year. Superintendent Donald Andrews and five high school representatives were scheduled to travel to Greensboro to receive their banner.
* A lifetime of service was cut short when Sheriff Melvin Howell passed away after just turning 66 years old. He had served as sheriff for 19 years. After an autopsy, the evidence suggested Howell’s wounds were self-inflicted, according to David Barnes, special agent in charge of the Western Division of the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. Chief Deputy Spencer Weeks served as interim sheriff until a replacement was selected. “He was the best man I’ve ever worked for,” Weeks said.
* The Black Knights were gearing up for another season, as the first game was a scrimmage against Tuscola Mountaineers at Waynesville, followed by a scrimmage against Murphy.
50 years ago
* A new Cheoah District Ranger was assigned to Graham County. James E. Brown, a native of Heflin, Ala., received his degree in forestry from Auburn University. He worked with the U.S. Forest Service in Alabama for four years and spent two years in Mississippi. Brown and his family had plans to live in the Ranger’s Dwelling at Cheoah Administration Site. They also planned to attend the First Baptist Church in Robbinsville.
* Laura Breedlove of Stecoah was busy with last-minute needlework, as she prepared for the Fontana Mountain Crafts Fair, to be held in the Recreation Hall of Fontana Village Resort. A large turnout was expected when the events got underway. Polly Fisher and Oma Jenkins of Stecoah also planned to sell a quilt, as they added some finishing touches.
* Back-to-School shopping was underway with jeans selling at $1.99, women’s dresses, $2.88, $1.00 for blouses, shorts, slacks and “pedal pushers” (Capris for us ladies now), school dresses, $1.98-$7.98; Keds basketball sneakers for $4.98. You could also pick up a perma-press automatic washer for as low as $209. And as The Graham Star pointed out 50 years ago, “Doing Business with-out Advertising is like winking at at girl in the dark—You know what you’re selling, but Nobody else does.”
-Compiled by Diane West