10 years ago
* A project was finally taking off on Rodney Orr Bypass. The Town of Robbinsville planned to plant trees, shrubs and bulbs along with constructing several sitting areas. This “facelift” started three years prior, but was awaiting approval from the N.C. Department of Transportation.
* After being put on a donor list for a kidney, due to diabetic issues from the age of 13, Josh Orr’s wife Jamie made the decision to donate her own kidney. Taking Josh from a four-plus year waiting list for a donor, Jamie’s donation would help in his survival from complications of Type 1 diabetes, as well as improving his quality of life.
* The Black Knights were off to a a solid season start. Robbinsville kicked off the track season with three wins for both boys and girls. Shawnda Martin set a new school record in the 800-meter run, beating Tacey Trammell’s previous record by less than a second.
25 years ago
* The next phase of Corridor K from Watia Road and Almond Bridge to Tobacco Branch Road, was set to begin on April 27. The most recent estimate of the cost of completion was $341.4 million, projected by the N.C. Department of Transportation. Update: As Graham County travelers are well aware, the project continues to this day – but is edging closer to completion.
* Anna Grindstaff, 12 months old and Austin Brooks, 17 months old, were selected from 61 entrants as The Graham Star’s 1998 Easter Babies Contest winners. The field was narrowed to six boys and six girls by the Star’s staff, with sisterpaper the Cherokee Scout making the final selections.
* The Black Knights returned from Cherokee victorious over the Braves, 6-2. Dominating the mound was junior Tyson Stiles, pitching a terrific game. Robbinsville showed many tremendous improvements in its batting skills. The Knights were 2-4 in Smoky Mountain Conference action.
50 years ago
* U.S. Forest Service Operation Mainstream employees were pictured on the front page – along with foreman Marshall McClung – as they stood on the new heliport that they recently helped construct near the Cheoah Ranger Station. The helicopter was used for many fire-related duties, including transporting seven-man crews into remote areas.
* Will Junior Ayers, 43, was arraigned on a bill of indictment charging him with the felony murder of Dillard Ledbetter in 1972. Ayers pled not guilty, but deliberations ended in a deadlock and a mistrial was declared. A new trial was set for May 14, with members from outside the county being summoned to serve as jurors. Until then, Ayers would remain in custody under a $25,000 bond.
* Tina English of Fontana Dam was thrilled to catch her very first fish ever on Lake Fontana. She caught a 22-inch walleye while fishing with her father Robert English. Soon, the Fontana fishing contest would be opening on Fontana Lake, with specialty-tagged fish worth $5,000 cash.
-Compiled by Diane West