10 years ago
* A group of young New Yorkers visited the rugged wilderness of Graham County, to clear brush and repair damage to seven miles of overgrown trails. Bill Hodge, director of Southern Appalachia Wilderness Stewards, said that the seven-member Yonkers Crew joined together with others to restore trails in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness area.
* A local woman faced allegations of statutory rape involving a teen boy. Barbie Orr, 36, of Robbinsville, also faced two counts of indecent liberties with a minor—class C felony. Testimony was heard from several key witnesses, including the minor in this case. Orr was found “not guilty”, at the time of this press by a Graham Co. jury.
* It had been one-year since middle schooler, Loudon Orr was killed at a baseball camp in Georgia. As 10-year old, Gracie Birchfield took to the softball field in Mississippi, she said, “This one’s for “Loudon.” Birchfield was Loudon’s cousin and wanted to honor him in some way. “Loudon loved baseball. I dedicate this season to him.”
25 years ago
* A Nissan pick-up that was taken from a residence near Nantahala Lake, believed to have been stolen by Eric Robert Rudolph, was recovered. Rudolph also stole food from the resident who owned the truck. Tracking dogs from the Georgia Department of Corrections, alone with other agencies, assisted in the search of Western North Carolina and Georgia.
* A considerable amount of sign-damage had occurred on the Cherohala Skyway. A fire had been set to a large wooden bulletin board at the entrance to the Skyway at Santeetlah Gap. Many signs were stolen, bent and blasted with a shotgun. The elevation signs were missing, as well as several mile markers. The bulletin board sign was over $2,000 to install.
* The first Dirty John Shooting Range competition was held on July 18, according to event planner, Charles Worritt. “This range is easily the finest public range in a-hundred miles,” said Dave Shultz, a competition organizer. Although organized for members of the Smoky Mountain Rifle and Pistol Club, the public was encouraged to attend.
50 years ago
* Burlington Industries formally opened its’ new plant in ceremonies in this month. The Robbinsville plant was initially operated by Lee’s Carpets Division of Burlington. It closed in 1971, when the carpet organizations were consolidated. In 1972, the company announced plans to re-open, re-equip and expand the facility for manufacture of a line of youth furniture.
* Fontana Village had a huge crowd attending the July-Fourth activities at the Resort, as a softball game was being played.The activities consisted of reading and songs by the Fontana Play Group, the presentation of a-hundred-dollar bill to the Wade Lewis family for finding the hidden treasure. The lowering of the flag was a special ceremony. Refreshments concluded the ceremony.
* The class of 1953 had their first reunion at Phillips Restaurant. A husband and wife dinner was attended by 21 members out of a class of 44. In attendance was the favorite teacher of all, Mrs. John Colvard. The program included a memorial for Mrs. Gladys Adams. Also, a committee was appointed to plan another reunion for July 1978.
- Compiled by Diane West