10 years ago
* When Valley River Humane Society stopped picking up and receiving stray animals from Graham County, they were owed $10,000 from the county government for services rendered. County Manager Greg Cable was unaware of any funds owed to Valley River and questioned a contract. After six months with no pay from the county, Valley River Humane Society “pulled the plug on serving the county.”
* The U.S. Forest Service estimated that at least $1.2 million would be needed to repair a slide-ravaged portion of Tatham Gap Road between Robbinsville and Andrews. Often called the “Trail of Tears Road,” portions had been washed out during heavy rains last January. The forest service had applied for the grant through the Federal Highway Administration, to repair the damage. There was no solid timeline on the damage repair at press time.
25 years ago
* Four-year-old Andy Williams was missing for nine hours after he took off for his grandfathers’ house. More than 100 volunteers came out to search the woods for the little boy. After calling the rescue squad, Team 14 arrived with leader Marshall McClung and began the search by calling Andy’s name and it wasn’t long until Andy answered. He was safely found between Locust Cove and Dry Creek. Andy was eager to see “mom and dad.”
* Sheriff Melvin Howell had been charged with assaulting two females and communicating threats to a male. All three were employed by the Sheriffs’ Office. According to Assistant District Attorney Frank Lay, “unusual circumstances” led him to subpoena attorney Jerry Townsend to testify against Howell. The case was dismissed due to Howell being Townsend’s client.
* Some 150 Fiat cars roamed around Fontana, as it was the first time in the Fiat’s 16-year history coming to the Southeast. “Some people will go to great measures to have their Italian-made automobiles displayed at this three-day car show,” according to Brett Melancon, event coordinator for Fiat Lancia Unlimited. As much as $93,000 was paid to have one of the cars shipped to Fontana.
50 years ago
* Unfortunately, an edition from 50 years ago could not be located.
-Compiled by Diane West