10 years ago
* A Robbinsville man was named a “person of interest” by the Graham County’s Sheriff’s Office in the murder of Robert Smith. Jackie Slaughter of Snowbird Road was arrested on numerous charges, but officers believe that Slaughter committed or had knowledge of Smith’s murder. While Slaughter wrestled with officers at his arrest, a dead body was discovered on Circle Street. Slaughter, who had more than 70 arrests and was considered a habitual felon, was once again facing additional charges, such as assault with a deadly weapon, with intent to kill. He was under a $75,000 bond.
* The Lady Knights blasted the competition at a home meet with the score of 100 to Hayesville’s 62 and Hiwassee Dam’s 15. Senior Katie Williams had an outstanding day by breaking two school records on her own and helping the 4x200 relay team set another record. This record had stood since 2008, when it was set by Maggie Jackson, Dixie Hedrick, Hannah Ritter and Karissa Garland with a time of 1:50.30. This years team of Cheyenne Orr, Kadey Phillips, Ashton Orr and Williams set the new record with a time of 1:49.37. Update: The 4x200 relay record stood for 10 years, before being broken by Kensley Phillips, Zoie Shuler, Delaney Brooms and Caylin Lunsford on March 23.
25 years ago
* Former Lake Santeetlah clerk Noel Douglas Marsh was faced with nine counts in a federal indictment, according to U.S. Attorney Mark Calloway. Marsh’s suspicion began when he suddenly resigned in 1996. Lake Santeetlah Mayor Bill Wood and council members found a letter from Marsh on his desk in the town hall announcing the resignation. Council members found most of the towns bills, bank statements and financial records were missing from Town Hall files. After learning of missing funds, if convicted, Marsh faced a minimum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,00 fine on each count plus restitution.
* Candace Howell pitched a no-hitter to bring the Lady Knights a victory over Andrews, 19-0. Howell walked six, had two errors and five strikeouts. Leading hitters were Krissy Williams, Jessica Yates, Tiffany Eason and LouAnn Jenkins. The Lady Knight’s season record was 7-0.
50 years ago
* It was time for more fun, good will, fellowship, music, contests and happiness in Graham County. The next chapter of the Pre-Centennial show got underway inside the Courthouse. Local merchants furnished gifts and surprises for winners of the Centennial Year Contests. Graham County people showed great support to the program, and all of those working expressed thanks and urged support of local business folks. All Vietnam Veterans were admitted free of charge.
* Willie Perkins, 7 years old and son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perkins, caught a 19-inch rainbow trout in Tallulah Creek, just behind his home. Willie said that he was using a spinner for bait. With a big smile, he sure seemed to be proud of himself.
-Diane West