Dec. 26, 2013
* Fontana Dam’s newly-elected council was sworn in: Tammie Dees, Robert Horton, Sarah Houston and mayor Tim Gamble. An unidentified candidate who had been elected in the municipality’s first race since being formed in 2011 had to withdraw from holding a seat, due to eligibility requirements. Jessica Cooper served as the town’s administrator. Update: This story was written as part of Zelerie Rogers’ final edition with the Star. Today, she is Fontana Dam’s town administrator.
* State Rep. Roger West said he would do whatever it took to avoid the diversion of funds allocated for the Corridor K project to other roadwork, such as I-26 in Asheville. “I will fight any attempt by anyone to take the funds.” Update: The funds stayed put, though they would not be put to use on the final leg of the improvement plan for another nine years.
Dec. 26, 2002
* The Cheoah Health Clinic was set to close its doors, with no plans to reopen the following year. Andrews District Memorial Hospital had operated the facility until being purchased by Southwestern Health Care earlier in 2002; the latter had staffed the clinic with a physician’s assistant and a nursing staff. However, Southwestern spokesperson Janet Kernea reported that the clinic only averaged 11 patients a day. “If we had … been breaking even, we would have kept it open,” Kernea told the Star. The decision left Graham County residents with just Tallulah Health Center as the only local medical clinic. Update: Tallulah Health is now known as Appalachian Community Mountain Health Center.
* The Victorian Carolers made their annual visit to Britthaven of Graham. Comprised of local resident, the group visited the facility each year to spread holiday cheer.
Dec. 26, 1996
* Around 43 customers off Long Creek Road were experiencing significant water-pressure issues with the Town of Robbinsville’s new system. Those on city water each received about 20 pounds of pressure; however, customers affected were only getting four. Running a new, parallel water line to fix the problem was being estimated at $250,000. Update: Today, the Long Creek water plant serves as a major water source for town customers.
* The Graham County Chamber of Commerce installed its 1997 officers: president Jane Odom, vice president Colleen Ward, treasurer Betty Smith and secretary Jennifer Churchill. The chamber’s board of directors were Donald Andrews, Allen Garver, David Hunt, Marshall McClung and Barbara Sanders.
-Compiled by publisher/editor Kevin Hensley.