June 13, 2013
* An active member of the Robbinsville community drowned in a boating accident at Massey Branch Boating Access area. Ralph Hooper and his wife took their boat to the ramp, but when loading it on a trailer, it slipped away into deep water. Hooper jumped in to retrieve the boat, but never surfaced. The body was recovered shortly after forest service workers called 911.
* The annual U.S. Forest Service Kids Fishing Derby was enjoyed by local youth and families. Luke Garrison came in first place with a 14 ½” native brown trout. In the 8-12 year old category, second place went to Kane Dutcher, with an 11” rainbow trout, and third place to Carson White, with a 10 ½” brook trout. The derby was made possible by donations of fish from the N.C. Wildlife Resource and some local businesses. Officer Austin Hernandez was on hand to weigh and measure the fish.
June 13, 2002
* The request of confederate soldier Thomas Jefferson Hooper – made over 100 years ago – continued to be fulfilled. Hooper suffered terribly from exposure to the elements while serving in the Army during the Civil War. His request was being fulfilled by relatives, as they replaced a roof over his grave. Hooper would forever be sheltered from the elements, as he requested before passing in 1895. His grave continued to keep him safe from the elements, even today.
* Long-awaited road projects like Corridor K and improvements to the Cherohala Skyway were still on the state’s agenda, but expected to happen far into the future. Some of the work was slated to begin before 2010. A portion of Corridor K would eventually force many homeowners in the Sweetwater area to sell out. According to John Lansford – design engineer at the N.C. Department of Transportation – the exact route for this portion had not yet been chosen. Update: Corridor K finally broke ground Oct. 3, 2022 – and we have all enjoyed the lengthy traffic delays since.
June 13, 1975
* Two Graham County 4-H participants were among the 250 delegates invited to the 20th annual 4-H Regional Resource Development Conference at Fontana Village. Karen Taylor and Keith Walters represented the county at the event, which drew attendees from the seven Tennessee Valley states.
* Advertising spread throughout the expansive 4-page edition included a listing for a 2-bedroom, 2-story lakefront home for $35,000; roasts at Five Point Market going for a whopping $1.09 a pound; and a $2 fee to enjoy all-day on the Santeetlah Golf Course.
-Compiled by Diane West