10 years ago
* Natalie Nelms Elders, formerly of Robbinsville, had a lot to be thankful for during Easter weekend. She survived a life-threatening car wreck in 2003. Despite receiving brain injuries, a ruptured spleen, internal bleeding and a collapsed lung, her amazing recovery – combined with family faith in God – has been told in several publications, including The Graham Star. Her story was also heard on the 700 Club television show.
* The Robbinsville Volleyball Club finished up the season, after participating in the Junior High Neighbor Volleyball Tournament. The team ranked number one and were moved into the Gold Level semi-final playoffs, where they ranked third overall. The coaches anticipate that their hard work will pay off for a great varsity season ahead.
25 years ago
* Donald Andrews was chosen from 11 applicants as the new Graham County Superintendent of Schools. He replaced Lowell Crisp, who held the position for 13 years. Andrews served in several positions as educator and administrator in his career. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1975. Andrews was very excited about his new position and was looking forward to coming to Robbinsville to be a part of the community.
* The Women’s Basketball League of the Snowbird Recreation Center finished with a one-point Red Dog victory over the Black team. After a 52-52 tie against the Black team, the Red Dogs won 63-56 in overtime. The most valuable player of the league was Lou Welch, who scored a total of 174 points during league play. Sheri Wachacha was most valuable as the three pointer shooter with 19 3-point shots.
50 years ago
* Russell Lee Jones of Robbinsville escaped from Cherokee County Jail after sawing bars out of two doors. Sheriff Blain Stalcup said the hole that the prisoner went through was a 7X12. Jones was recaptured in Graham County and charged with escaping, stealing a car in Murphy, possession of a stolen car in Graham County and failure to stop for a highway patrol siren. Previously, Jones had escaped from Clay County Jail and was re-captured several hours later in a stolen car back in his hometown of Robbinsville.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights baseball team won their third game in a row on its home field by the score of 12-2 over Andrews. Black Knights Coach Bergin Edwards said, “The Knights scored five runs in the first inning to get the lead for good.” Mark Manuel hit the first homer of the season to give the Black Knights a 2-1 lead. Manuel then hit a second two-run homer over the right field fence. Manuel’s two home runs set a school record for the most homers in one game and one season. It also gave him three career homers, which was also a record.
– Diane West