Oct. 31, 2002
* Dale Millsaps was set to stand trial for the Nov. 25, 2001 shooting death of Kenneth Garrison. Eyewitness alleged that Millsaps walked to Garrison’s nearby home, where he shot and killed Garrison before firing more rounds through a bathroom door and injuring Kenneth’s wife Mildred with a non-fatal shot. Millsaps then allegedly went outside and began firing at Graham County Sheriff Steve Odom and Tennessee Valley Authority officer Jerry Crisp, with Odom ended the spree by shooting Millsaps.
* A North Carolina State Highway patrolman was found to be at-fault in an accident on U.S. Highway 129. William Todd Norville was in the southbound lane when he traveled off the roadway, overcorrected and hit a truck being driven by 16-year-old Mitzi Cunningham. Mitzi and 39-year-old Karen Cunningham – a passenger in the Nissan Xterra – were taken to District Memorial Hospital in Andrews, where they were treated and released. Norville suffered elbow injuries and was evaluated at Swain County Community Hospital.
Oct. 31, 1975
* Two new, 60-passenger activity buses were ordered for both Mountain View and Stecoah schools. The purchase was a joint venture by the Graham County boards of commissioners and education. Update: Mountain View School closed two years later, while Stecoah was shuttered in 1987.
* Mark Williams was shown on the front page, proudly displaying the trophy he won by claiming first place in the men’s clogging contest at Fontana Village Resort’s Festival of Champions.
Oct. 31, 1969
* Ronnie Williams was arrested after he was discovered operating a copper still in the Santeetlah section of Graham County. His apprehension ended a week-long stakeout, with Federal Alcohol & Tax Office Agent Colin Flack making the arrest itself. Two other agents were present, as was Graham County Sheriff Arnold Crisp. The sheriff added that 20 gallons of whiskey and seven gallons of mash were destroyed. Another suspect at the scene evaded capture and was at-large.
* Anna R. Wachacha was pictured in full uniform, as a member of the 1969 Western Carolina University marching band. Wachacha was a sophomore, with a major in music education and a concentration in clarinet.
-Compiled by publisher/editor Kevin Hensley