10 years ago
* Graham County had the highest jobless rate in the state during November 2012, according to the figures available from the N.C. Department of Commerce. The department reported that Graham County had a jobless rate of 16.3 percent, compared with a 15.3 percent rate in October. The county’s November 2012 rate was down from November 2011, as the rate was 16.8 percent.
* Vader Campbell made front page news with his expertise in bee-keeping, having kept bees for over 40 years. Campbell was one of few local residents who was still selling honey, hoping to pass on to his love of honey bees to others. “Bees are fascinating to watch, and I never get tired of them,” said Campbell. “The overhead to get started is very low, as a 3-pound package of bees – with a queen bee included – ranges from $80-$100.”
25 years ago
* Kim Crisp of the Graham County Board of Elections said that more people had filed to run for the county offices than she had ever anticipated. As of Jan. 7, 1998, six people were running for sheriff; two for clerk of court; two for register of deeds; two for school board; and four had filed for county commissioner. Filing fees for the candidates ranged from $5 for school board members to $576.70 for clerk of court. The fee was based on one percent of the salary of the involved position.
* Trash collection in Graham County suffered a setback when an operator drove a dump truck under a bridge, with the truck’s upper door open and lifting forks in the air. The truck suffered major damage and also damaged the bridge. Another truck had been sent for repairs, adding to the hindrance of the collection of tremendous amounts of post-Christmas trash. Commissioners said that the county dumpsters were emptied daily up until that time. According to Chairman Raymond Williams, the county rented a truck and along with help from Swain County, quickly resolved the problem the following day.
50 years ago
* Army Sergeant Alvin Messer, 24, received the Army Commendation Medal while serving with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. The medal represented meritorious service for demonstrating skills and dedication above average. Sergeant Messer earned the award while assigned as Operations Sergeant in Divisions 503rd Replacement Detachment. He entered the Army in 1968 and was a graduate of Robbinsville High School in 1966. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Messer – and wife Yong Wol – resided in Robbinsville.
* A Robbinsville man, 26-year-old Tom Peterson, was shot in the aftermath of an argument with Fred Collins and Peterson was transported to the Andrews Hospital. According to witnesses, Collins and Peterson had argued earlier in the day at the home of Collins’ son who lived nearby. The shooting occurred a short time later when Peterson and his wife, Lee Ellen, arrived at the Collins’ home. The investigation into this shooting was continuing by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office.
-Compiled by Diane West