10 years ago
* Way out in the Pacific Ocean, the forces of history drew at least eight Graham County servicemen to the island of Iwo Jima. Robbinsville resident Doyle Brock remembered Iwo Jima like it was yesterday. “They were fanatics,” Brock said of the Japanese. “They would rather die than surrender to Americans.” In the end, 22,000 Japanese were killed, as well as more than 6,800 Americans. Brock said that perhaps 10 servicemen from Graham County participated in the epic battle.”To think there were that many people from Graham County on that Island,” Brock said. The known servicemen on the island were Brock, Leonard Lloyd, Ray Wiggins, Charles Phillips, Hobart Stewart, Eston Hooper, Arnold Jenkins and William Green. Update: a profile on Brock appears in the Salute to Veterans magazine that is available in this week’s edition.
* The Graham County Sheriff’s Office made two arrests involving illegal drugs. Narcotics Investigator Cade C. Adams said that Randall Edenfield was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. “We had information about the possible manufacturing of meth and searched the property,” Adams said. The sheriff’s office also released information on the arrest of William R. Stiles of Robbinsville, for possession of a controlled substance, which was previously prescribed for the late Jamison Copeland. Multiple charges were filed, including felony possession of a schedule II drug, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, forgery or subterfuge.
25 years ago
* Phone records and interviews, according to Chief Deputy Jerry Crisp, were furthering the investigation into Ella Mae Holder’s death, while the state crime lab in Raleigh was finishing up their tests. Holder was stabbed to death in her Milltown home. Crisp also stated that the $5,000 reward for information offered by family was discussed with Tom Frye of the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, before it was made. The family’s reward offer was then matched by Gov. Jim Hunt, bringing the total to $10,000. “We’re going wide open,” said Crisp. “As far as leads, we do have them, and the heat is on with our suspect. We do have some solid leads, and are getting calls everyday.”
* While most of the outcomes in the 1997 general election were a foregone conclusion, uncertainty surrounded which of the eight candidates would fill the three seats on the Robbinsville’s Board of Aldermen. Incumbent Steve Hooper led the election with 94 votes and was followed closely by incumbent Teresa Lewis. The third position was won by Richard Eller, with just two votes ahead of Johnny Williams. Santeetlah’s Mayor Bill Wood also retained his seat.
50 years ago
* The Fontana Ramblers had recently performed at the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh. The band came in second in competition with bands throughout North Carolina. Pictured in front of the N.C. State Capitol were Gene Williamson, Vance Trull, Johnny Hensley, Doyle Barker and Gerald Enloe. Trull placed first in the fiddle competition and Barker also placed in guitar playing. Bill Nichols won once again as the state’s leading clogger.
* It was syrup-making time in Graham County and the “makers” were kept pretty busy this particular year, with several local farmers growing cane. Golman Orr and Chuck Patton were included in this event, as well as Ruby Crisp and Charlie Raines (who made the syrup for Mr. and Mrs. Crisp). Helping was James Stevens, on whose farm the syrup was made.
-Compiled by Diane West