10 years ago
* A former Robbinsville High School student was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Todd Lambka died from wounds suffered when he encountered an enemy explosive device. Lambka’s body was returned to the United States accompanied by his twin brother Jordan, who was also stationed in Afghanistan. In the three years that Lambka attended Robbinsville High School, he was known for “the person who led by example” with a great smile and gentle nature. He also made an impression in the sporting arena, both in wrestling and football with teammates and coaches. “He was the epitome of a class guy,” said wrestling coach Todd Odom.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights’ marching band was gearing up for the new football season, while attending camps and practices in preparation of the season. The theme for the show was “American Classics.” The band played songs about American cars and planned to be in four marching band contests, and also to perform at all home varsity football games.
25 years ago
* The Graham Star returned from the Community Newspapers annual managers meeting in Rockingham, with the title ”Best of CNI” for 1996. The Star received a first-place award for a subscription drive, which directed a portion of the earnings from new subscriptions to the Graham County Food Bank and Graham County United Services. “We are so thankful for the communities support of our efforts to report the news in Graham County,” said Kate Henry, the Star’s managing editor. “Without it, our staff would not have received this special award.” Other CNI’s annual managers receiving awards were Jeff Robinson, the former editor of The Andrews Journal; Glenn Harbison, associate publisher for Community Newspapers, Inc’s. Murphy region; and Becky Long, publisher of the Clay County Progress. Update: Harbison is now the publisher of The News Observer in Blue Ridge, Ga., while Long remains publisher of the Clay County Progress.
* This year’s Robbinsville swim team ended the season with a win over Murphy and according to Coach Pat Briggs, it was a big win. “It was the team’s first win over Murphy in four years,” said Briggs. The swimmers set 24 team records, which was about half of all team records. Luke Perkins was the team’s youngest member to make the All-Star competition and placed second. The team’s oldest member, Jesse Lovelace, also made it to the All-Stars. According to Briggs, the 1997 swim team was the best that he had coached since the team began four years ago.
-Compiled by Diane West