10 years ago
* N.C. Governor Beverly Perdue met with representatives from Graham, Clay and Cherokee Counties at the Tri-County Community College’s Robbinsville campus. “This is a listening tour for me,” Perdue said. The governor also visited the office and publisher of The Graham Star.
* Ronnie Keener may have snagged the biggest catfish ever to come out of Santeetlah Lake. The 33-pound monster was 39½ inches long and 10½ inches across the head. After fighting the Flathead catfish for 15 minutes, he finally got him to shore.
25 years ago
* The pilot of the Graham County helicopter, Carl Cooper, spotted some marijuana plants growing in the Pinhook community, while flying on a mission. Deputy Jerry Crisp obtained information which linked to 12 plants to the home of Jack “Jackie” and Janie Phillips. A search of the home found drug paraphernalia, supplies for growing the plants and spray paint cans, which were used to camouflage the containers used in the operation. Janie turned herself in and was charged, while the warrant for Jackie was still outstanding. The estimated value of the plants was $30,000. Update: Crisp was appointed Graham County Sheriff on July 28.
* The Graham County 9 and 10-year-olds that participated in three All-Star games in Sylva were: Blake Marino, Dren Jones, Brent Icenhower, Dusty Anderson, Tanner Philips, Stuart Nelms, Josh McNeilly, Wren Millsaps, Matthew Moon, Patrick Davis, Dusty Williams and Ty Gibbs. Coaches were Jerry Anderson and Rick Davis.
50 years ago
* Effective Aug. 4, 1970, calling another “party line” subscriber on their line will be necessary. You will need to dial code “37” and the listed party that you are calling. After you hear a busy signal, hang up and the called party’s phone will ring. After waiting about 20 seconds for the called party to hear the ring, pick up your receiver and wait for the called party to answer, then proceed.
* “Meet the Black Knights”, will be a weekly series until the first football game on Sept. 4, which will be a home game against Andrews. The purpose is to acquaint the fans with the players and will run for about three weeks. The six players this week are: Mark Manuel (senior), Barry Millsaps (sophomore),Tim Brock (junior), William Collins (senior), Terry Odom (senior), and Marty George (senior).
– Diane West