10 years ago
* The Fourth Annual Matt Stillwell Shinefest was held at Fontana Village, featuring western North Carolina’s favorite country star Matt Stillwell. With the single-day price jumping from $25 to $40 – due to more popular singers and stouter security – there was a less-than-anticipated turnout. Security being so tight, left more than a few disgruntled fans. “It was aggravating and annoying and also took away the atmosphere I’d come to expect here at Shinefest,” said “one fan” that had attended every year. But – as Stillwell explained – bigger names mean more planning and tighter security. Stillwell explained,” I try to go the extra mile and that is something that will never change.”
* The Robbinsville Knights proved to be too tough to handle, traveling to Hapeville, Ga. for their first game of football season and coming home with a 20-6 win. “This team was much quicker than we thought,” said head coach Dee Walsh. “We’re still in learning stages, so things were pretty interesting for awhile. This game was great experience for the kids.”
25 years ago
* Neal Marsh – charged with embezzling money from the Town of Lake Santeetlah – was released from the Graham County Jail, when his bail was reduced from $30,000 to $10,000. Town residents expressed their anger at a council meeting. “We have a very notorious problem going on in Graham County with our court system,” said William Austin. Jack Henson, Santeetlah’s finance officer, assured the council and residents that Marsh’s alleged misdeeds had not caused serious damage to the town’s finances.
* The Black Knights were looking forward to a winning season under the direction of head coach Rex Smith and his coaching team. Coach Smith had 17 starting players returning to the team, which meant that the team was more experienced at working together and playing the game. The previous season, the Knights had gone 2-8. “We’re going to have a much, much better year,” Smith said.
50 years ago
* Colonel Pete Tille of the Philippines Embassy in Washington, D.C. was the speaker at the Bataan-Corregidor Veterans Reunion at Fontana Village Resort. Approximately 300 veterans and their wives planned to attend. The affair opened with a Great Smoky Mountain Square Dance in the recreation hall of the village, with the speaker being Rear Admiral Kenneth R. Wheeler of Falls Church, Va. Wayne Carringer of Robbinsville was the Reunion Chairman.
* The Robbinsville Mites and Midgets opened their season at Sylva-Webster against the tough Golden Eagles. The Mites were expected to improve their record of 3-4 from the previous year. Shane Laughter was counted on to carry much of the load, as he was the only returning starter on the team. Roger Jordan was the other halfback. Dale Queen and Dale Farr rotated at fullback.
-Diane West