10 years ago
* Dr. Patricia Johnson was honored and applauded by Graham County for 36 years of service. After coming to Tallulah Health Clinic in 1977, numerous patients testified to her “miracle” diagnostic abilities. More than a crowd of 100 greeted the doctor at a barbecue at the home of Terry Buchanan, as State Rep. Roger West read a proclamation, honoring Johnson for her service to the region. Update: Johnson was again recognized last year for her work, with a bridge in the West Buffalo community on N.C. Highway 143 named in her honor.
* Graham County’s recycling program opened its third center at Sawyers Creek in the Stecoah area. This site joined other centers at East Buffalo and Snowbird Road site to serve the public. These centers were manned and as up to this date, the county had hauled more than 16 tons of recycled goods to an Asheville center, where the county was paid more than $22 per ton. Update: None of the centers are manned today, but are still open to the public.
* Three Robbinsville Knights made it to the podium at the state 1A track meet, held at NC. A&T University’s Aggie Stadium in Greensboro. Senior Greg Burchfield took second place in pole vault – reaching a height of 12 feet – and fourth in the 300-meter hurdles, with a time of 41:99. Sophomore Maddie Cole took fourth place in pole vault, while freshman Shawnda Martin placed second in the 1,600-meter run (5:24). Update: Robbinsville will send six track superstars to Aggie Stadium for the 2023 installment Friday.
25 years ago
* Seventeen Graham County runner’s participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run, sponsored by statewide law enforcement agencies to raise funds for the state’s Special Olympics. The Far West segment of the run raised $14K. The Special Olympics torch covered 2,000 miles in North Carolina, as more than 180 law enforcement agencies and 2,500 officers participated in the 14-day run.
* Two inmates at the Graham County Detention Center attempted to escape, but were contained before they left the building. Forest Shane Lynn – who was being held in connection with the murder of Ella Mae Holder – made up his bed to appear that he was still sleeping. As he began to leave the building, he was found and returned to his cell. Lana Jean Helton, the second escape attempt, was also returned to her cell.
* The Lake Santeetlah Marina was the launching site for a bass tournament, sponsored by the Graham County Fisherman’s Club. Out of the 23 entries came Terry Riddle and Mitch Hedrick – with a total weight of 11 pounds, 8 ounces – in first place; second place was Travis Hooper and Terry Williams, with a total weight of 11 pounds, 2 ounces; and in third place were Shane Garland and Shane Edwards, with a total of 9 pounds, 15 ounces.
50 years ago
* Clean-up began for the railroad cars at Bear Creek Station. Wilson Carpenter and Glenn Slaughter spearheaded the repair work. Tearing into brush and dead trees – and the repairing of walkways – was heard a mile away. Scenic cars were shifted around to be prepared for servicing and the whistle of No. 1925 was heard, as she made it to her shop to begin repairs as well.
* Fontana Village Resort was listed in the 1973 edition of the Mobile Travel Guide, one of the best travel guidebooks available at the time. Over 22,000 restaurants, hotels, motels and resorts were listed and rated on a 1-5 star basis in the seven-volume book.