June 27, 2002
* A motorcycle crash on the Cherohala Skyway resulted in the death of William Sanders from Caswell Beach. Sanders lost control of his motorcycle in a sharp curve near mile marker 10, struck the guardrail and was thrown 50 feet into brush below the road. According to emergency medical service worker Russell Moody, Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering massive chest trauma. The following day resulted in two more motorcyclists being injured just over a mile from the fatality. These men received back and leg lacerations, and were transported to a hospital in Sweetwater, Tenn.
* The U.S. Forest Service hosted more than 100 children for its annual kids fishing derby at Rattler Ford Campground. The largest brook trout of the day was in the ages 5-9 division – measuring 17 ¼ inches long – and caught by 7-year-old Dylan Orr. Second place went to Ethan Zagari with a 16 ½-inch trout. In the 8-12 division, Curt Eller placed first with a 16 ¼ inch catch; and second place went to Jeremiah Holder with a 16-inch catch.
June 27, 1985
* Dr. Robert Lash, medical director for LifeStar, established a program and was able to send a helicopter to areas within 150 miles of Knoxville. Working with Graham County Emergency Medical Services and the rescue squad, LifeStar was able to provide better transportation for critically-ill patients. “I have no doubt that lives will be saved because of this service,” said county EMS director Gordon Farley.
* A youth basketball camp in Robbinsville was a great success, with 32 boys and 18 girls participating. Donald Icenhower – boys Robbinsville High School boys coach – was the coordinator and instructor of the camp. Spotlight Walker – point guard from Western Carolina University – was the special guest for the day. The “Hot Shot Winners” were Melanie Holder and Doug Key of Robbinsville, and Paul Vaughn of Murphy; foul shot winners were Barbie Adams and Key. Each winner received a new basketball. Everyone attending camp received a t-shirt.
June 27, 1975
* While on vacation in Graham County Mr. and Mrs. Harold Roberson of Greensboro celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary. Enjoying the outdoors, Harold and their son, Joe, went fishing at Mouse Branch, dragging in a 22-pound catfish.
* From court costs being raised to $25 in district court and a 4-bedroom, 2-bath lakefront home selling for $29,000; to hair cuts and styling for $3 and a “Sportsman’s License” selling for $25, the rising costs of today makes one yearn for a 1975 economy.