June 20, 1996
* Cries of joy filled the air as the Robbinsville High School Class of 1996 received their diplomas. Seniors marched into the gym, led by Kristin Stewart, Chad Burchfield, Amanda Cable, Brian Mitchell and Kim Wilson, the junior class marshals; selected for having a grade point average of at least 3.3. Each senior received a diploma from superintendent Lowell Crisp as Nina Yeargin read their names and honors. Principal Ginger Cody, school board chair David Crowe and Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Joyce Dugan, shook each graduates hand.
* The 1996 Little League season ended with Ford’s Auto Parts’ Sparkplugs and Valley Ford’s Tarheels tying for the championship. The coaches agreed not to have a champion playoff, due to interference with All-Star practices. Three very competitive teams — the Sparkplugs, Tarheels and the Citizen’s Bank Bandits — ran neck-in-neck for first place the entire season.
June 20, 1975
* As part of the Bicentennial celebration, plans were being made for a countywide music festival. A special invitation was extended to all musicians, country, gospel and modern, with “old-time” musicians being especially invited. Visitors were asked to plan their vacations around this special event and to wear clothing illustrating a point in history between 1776 and 1940.
* Associate Agricultural Extension Agent Raymond Norton was selected as a young, outstanding agent in Western North Carolina. Norton’s selection was made by the North Carolina Association of County Agents, as helpful in increasing 4-H membership in the county from 200-600 and also increasing the number of volunteer leaders to work with 4-H groups from ages 10-45. A 29-year-old native of Madison County, Norton had joined the extension service in 1969, after graduating from Berea College, Ky. He was recognized at a state meeting in Charlotte.
June 20, 1969
* Several members of the Graham County Rescue Squad went to Nantahala Lake to assist in dragging operations, searching for the body of a member of Special Forces, who had drowned during maneuvers. Three boats from Graham County went to the scene and gave assistance. One of the local boats was operated by squad commander Modeal Walsh. Allan Gibbs and Mack Huffman used the dragging apparatus.
* The Graham County Rescue Squad had grown into one of the finest organizations of its kind anywhere. Vehicles owned and operated by the squad were evaluated at $15,000. This was made possible by the citizens of Graham County, as it was their donations that enabled the crew to offer its services in every emergency.
-Compiled by Diane West