10 years ago
* Two separate vehicle accidents on U.S. 129 South left five people injured and three critical. Reports indicated drug and alcohol were involved, as Billy Ray Underwood swerved across the center lane and hit B.J. Hedden, leaving Hedden with internal bleeding and in very critical condition. The second accident involved a father and son, Hubert and Ronnie Stroupe (a senior at Robbinsville High). The accident appeared to be alcohol-related. Both were transported to Asheville.
* Gov. Pat McCrory helped distribute laptop computers to all students in grades 7-12. Earl Gohl, co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, spoke during the orientation, ensuring everyone that the Appalachian regions were not overlooked. Protesters lined the entrance to the high-school campus; their expressions of dissatisfaction toward the legislature was clear, regarding budget cuts for teachers, placing them 46th in the nation for teacher pay.
* Although Robbinsville had been missing size on the front lines the last couple of seasons, the tides appeared to be changing in Black Knight country, with five guys weighing in at 250-plus pounds. and another handful averaging 235 pounds. Coach Dee Walsh was excited about this year’s team. “We have some great young talent on the team and some great leaders to bring them along,” said Walsh. “I’m really liking the drive of these younger players.”
25 years ago
* Superintendent Donald Andrews submitted his resignation, after two years of service to the Graham County Board of Education. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have worked with everyone. Andrews had done some very positive things for the school system, noted to board member Donna Sawyer.
* Keith Eller was chosen by the Republican Party to complete the term of Sheriff Melvin Howell, following his death. Eller was a candidate during the primary runoff and was willing to serve, while Steve Odom – winning the Republican nomination – did not want the position until “the people put him in office by voting.” Odom faced Marshall McClung in the November election.
* James Gritz, a Colonel in the U.S. Special Forces, believed that area teenagers were helping Eric Rudolph to elude the law. Rudolph had been charged with the bombing of an abortion clinic in Alabama and with the death of a police officer. “Teenagers here are bored just like all teenagers,” Gritz said. He believed they were acting as a scout for Rudolph, and that volunteers should talk with the teenagers when meeting them on the trails.
50 years ago
* Three locals were killed in three separate accidents. Ronnie Lynn, 17, suffered severe head injuries received in a motorcycle accident on Tatham Gap Road in Andrews. He later passed away after being transported to Asheville hospital. Billy Jack Millsaps, 24, passed away from injuries when hit by a fallen tree as he was operating the bulldozer on a job in Georgia. Ted Moody, 30, was killed as a passenger in a Jeep accident. The vehicle plunged down an embankment, as 17-year-old Ted suffered a broken neck. The driver, Marty Moody, escaped injury.
* Patches of marijuana were found in two sections of Graham County by deputies Sam Shope and George Teesateskie. The plants ranged from two inches to five feet, and were located and “pulled up” on Moose Branch. The market value of the plants was $1,000. The second batch was found on Pinhook and was valued at only $50.
* The new 103,000-foot expansion to the warehouse at Burlington House Furniture was well underway. The steel was being placed and completion expected in November. The company employed 200 persons 50 years ago, when it opened its first plant. At the time, Burlington had more than 84,000 employees and 169 plants in the U.S., and 10 other countries.
-Compiled by Diane West