10 years ago
* When Robbinsville High graduate Koty Burdette graduated from Western Carolina University, he returned to Graham County for the job of his dreams. “I feel very fortunate to be able to do something I love right out of college, Burdette said. “Being able to do it in my hometown is even better.” Although he realized the challenges associated with special education, he wanted to be that positive influence every student needs. “Even at Western Carolina, they recognized how well Robbinsville incorporated special education into mainstream school,” said Burdette.
* After suffering a 42-22 loss to Swain County to start the season, the junior varsity Knights bounced back to win their last two games, to win their last two games, including a 32-30 win at Rosman. Lane Millsaps picked up the first score for the Knights on a five-yard run. Reece Postell added the two-point conversion. Cody Hemphill made a 45-yard touchdown run and Colby Millsaps added two points. Millsaps then connected with Postell for a 64-yard touchdown pass, then added another two points for the win. The Knights also won 26-14 against Cherokee.
25 years ago
* Five people in two boats on Calderwood Lake were fishing early in the morning. As their eyes gravitated to the cranes at work at the bridge, scuba divers were attaching lines from the crane to other objects under water. Suddenly they saw a sports car break the surface of the lake and what appeared to be a limp body, flopped through window of the convertible. Fortunately, this gruesome “accident” was not real. It was the clean-up from the movie In Dreams, which used local residents, their vehicles and boats as extras and props, while shooting at Cheoah and Fontana Dam.
* Robbinsville traveled to Fannin County, Ga. and came away with a 19-8 win. Lee Howell gave the Knights a 6-0 lead in the first quarter on a two-yard touchdown run. Fannin County came back in the second quarter on a 10-yard touchdown pass and two-point conversion, giving the Rebels an 8-6 lead. Robbinsville regained the lead before halftime when Howell scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard plunge. The final score of the game came in the fourth quarter, when Aaron Gross hit Drew Hill on a 35-yard touchdown pass. Darren Anderson added the extra point. The Knights had a solid night with 196 yards rushing with limited penalties and turnovers.
50 years ago
* Democrats from all over North Carolina invaded Graham County, as the Young Democrats sponsored the Far Western Six-County Democratic Rally. “We hope everyone has the chance to meet the candidates for N.C. offices,” said Ronald Gregory, president of the “Young Democrats.” Secretary of State Thad Eure will deliver the keynote address. Former state representative and local attorney Leonard Lloyd served as Master of Ceremonies. The counties of Graham, Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Jackson and Swain were active participants in this rally.
* Robbinsville Black Knights traveled to Cherokee and beat the Braves 28-8. The Black Knight victory was led by the passing of Dee Walsh. In the first quarter, Walsh passed 13 yards to Calvin Key for a touchdown and then passed to Phil Orr for the two-point conversion. Eddie Phillips scored on a 4-yard plunge and Walsh passed to Tommy Hooper for the extra points. Walsh then passed to Andy Jordan for another touchdown, but the two-point conversion failed.
-Compiled by Diane West