May 16, 2002
* Three local graduates from Tri-County Community College – Andy Lynn, Leon Allen and Mitch Colvard – were chosen from Graham County to earn a degree in emergency medical science. The trio was the first among local EMTs to earn the certification and hopefully bringing a higher level of emergency care to local residents. Only 17 individuals received the degree.
* The Robbinsville boys track and field team placed second in the Smoky Mountain Conference, while the girls placed sixth. Ty Gibbs placed second in the triple jump, and first place in both the 110- and 300-meter hurdles.
May 16, 1991
* The Graham County Woman’s Club recycling project was recognized at the “Take Pride in America” ceremony. This campaign was developed to increase the importance of the usage of public lands and natural resources. Bonnie Arbuckle accepted the award for the “Woman’s Club” from Gov. Jim Martin and William Cobey Jr., of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources. The ceremony was held on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Raleigh.
* John F. Howell’s lunar lander drawing – along with a description of the first mission to the moon – was placed in the Smithsonian Institution’s Air and Space Museum. Known as an inventor and dubbed a “fixer of all things,” Howell was a Robbinsville native that had passed away in April 1985.
May 16, 1975
* The Graham County Board of Commissioners received a school budget for the 1975-76 fiscal year of $123,700. For the three schools, the money would be to employ library aides, possible teacher aides, fuel purchases and extracurricular activities within the schools. Superintendent Modeal Walsh expressed his appreciation to the commissioner’s for their support, assuring them that every effort would be made to obtain maximum benefits for all of the children of the county.
* Robbinsville Town Hall was “shot-up” by an unknown marksman, causing about $300-$500 in damages. The policeman on duty, Jackie Lynn, explained that he had been lured away from his post by a phone call regarding a commotion at Five Points. Both the North Carolina and the Federal bureaus of investigation were looking into the matter.
-Compiled by Diane West