Jan. 9, 1986
* The filing period for 1986 local races opened with 11 individuals signing up for the election. Five qualified for the sheriff's race: Republicans Leonard Williams and Don R. Stewart, as well as Democrats Oliver H. Farley, Jimmy Jordan, Jr., and former sheriff Fred Anderson. Then-sheriff A.J. Peterson (R) opted to run for clerk of court, against incumbent O.W. Hooper, Jr. (D). Democrats Ralph E. Holland and Wade J. Garland both filed for seats on the board of commissioners, as did fellow party members Gary Leonard Davis and Ralph Lee Crisp, Jr., for register of deeds.
Jan. 9, 1976
* A high-speed chase ended in the death of 21-year-old Charles Phillips. Deputy Ray Shuler said he spotted a 1969 Camaro speeding excessively on U.S. 129 and pursued the car. Once the officer activated his blue lights, the car sped away. Shuler said the chase exceeded 120 mph, but he lost sight of the Camaro until being flagged down by residents of a home right at the crash site in Phillips Curve. The driver, 21-year-old Arnold David Crisp and another passenger, 30-year-old Jewel Millsaps, were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Crisp was cited for speeding in excess of 100 mph, driving in violation of his limited driving privileges and driving under the influence.
Jan. 9, 1970
* Robbinsville resident Virgil Posey Phillips was killed in a New Year's Eve knife fight at a local motel. The 58-year-old victim was found outside a room purchased in conjunction with another local man, Briggs Deaton. Both were rushed to District Memorial Hospital in Andrews, where Phillips was pronounced dead on arrival and Deaton required over 400 stitches to close the wounds on his body. Charges had yet to be filed.
* The North Carolina State Highway Commission approved the start of a survey to improve State Road 1211, which covers 9.4 miles and connects U.S. 129 with N.C. 28. Aerial photography was part of the plans to complete the survey. Update: Today, State Road 1211 is better known as Sweetwater Road (N.C. 143).
-Compiled by publisher/editor Kevin Hensley.