10 years ago
* Graham County Sheriff Mickey Anderson was planning to send some of his deputies to training for certification to clean up methamphetamine labs. The sheriff’s office had busted two meth labs in recent months, leaving the county paying the state and a Knoxville, Tenn. firm to clean up and dispose of chemicals. According to Chief Finance Officer Rebecca Garland, about $3,000 has been spent just to clean up the two labs. Technicians are paid $72 per hour, leaving the county to pay even more to have the chemicals disposed of. “We’re setting the course up now, and planning on it. Training deputies would save time and money,” Anderson said.
* The Lady Knights continued their winning streak with wins over Fannin County, Ga., 41-36 and Andrews, 57-40. The Lady Rebels established a lead in the second quarter that forced the Lady Knights to play catch up. By halftime, Fannin had a 22-15 lead over the Lady Knights Katie Williams came back to tie the game 24-24.
25 years ago
* Rescue Squad members responded to a search for a lost kayaker. Hannah Swayze, 28 of Nantahala, had hiked to Big Snowbird Creek from Hooper Bald with four companions. Swayze had realized that she couldn’t make it out before dark, according to Laney Cutshaw, the U.S. Forest Service’s liaison with the Rescue Squad, so she dug a hole in the ground for some protection. Her friends made it to Snowbird, then started hiking back to find her. They immediately called the Rescue Squad when they couldn’t find her. She was found by the Rescue Squad, walking out of the woods unharmed.
* The Robbinsville Middle School wrestlers traveled to Erwin Middle School for a match that began with Robbinsville 36 points behind because of forfeits. They fought well, losing by only three points, 42-39. “I am very proud of our young men. They wrestled up to the challenge and showed great sportsmanship and promise,” said coach Joe Phillips.
50 years ago
* The Graham Star from 50 years ago could not be located.
-Diane West