10 years ago
* Graham County had a record number of teaching scholars. Four high school seniors – Amanda Hooper, Summer Hedrick, Jean-Lue Rivera Miranda and Tyler Auffhammer – committed to three different colleges in North Carolina: Western Carolina University, Elon University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Each student received $6,500 per year for four years and agreed to teach four years in one of North Carolina’s public schools or United States Government Schools.
* The Knights continued to dominate in track with home wins over Swain, Rosman and Hiawassee Dam last week. Several individual Knights, both boys and girls, remain undefeated. The Lady Knights outscored Swain, 131-104 in the 18-event meet, in spite of giving up first place wins to the Lady Devils. Undefeated so far in the year in pole vaulting was Tesa Anderson, opening the season with a 9-foot vault. Robbinsville had taken first place in all but three events.
25 years ago
* A teacher was allegedly assaulted by a parent during school, for allegedly calling the parent’s child a derogatory name. Anna Kephart of Murphy – formerly of Robbinsville – was arrested for grabbing teacher Darla Colvin by the hair and hitting her. Kephart was released on a $1,000 bond the same day under restrictions. School Superintendent Lowell Crisp said that teachers concerned about safety “are working on it at the schools level.” Crisp also said that two teacher’s assistants were hired to help out until the end of the year.
* Snowbird Recreation Director Bucky Brown hoped that the bench press and dead lift would become an annual event. “It got our youth out,” said Brown. “I think that they will come back next year.” Brown and Joyce Dugan (Principal Chief) agreed regarding the benefits of weight training. “I’ve seen it turn kids around,” said Brown, “especially during the winter months.” Graham County participants that placed first in the contest included Doug McConnell, Kevin Jordan, Josh Holloway, Brian Jumper, Josh Crisp, Bucky Brown and Clay Lovelace.
50 years ago
* A fire of undetermined origin roared through a frame house on Eller Branch, destroying the roof and rear section of the home. Most of the furniture clothes and other household items belonging to Mr. And Mrs. Leonard Bridges, occupants of the house, were saved by the quick work of the firemen. The firefighters were hampered by a shortage of water and cars parked by onlookers on both sides of Eller Branch. Most motorists of the county were unaware that it was illegal to park within one block of either side of a burning building or firetruck.