10 years ago
* The pastor of the Robbinsville First Baptist Church, Noah Crowe, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, hoped to shut the door allowing the possible sale of alcoholic beverages on tribal land in Graham County.
Snowbird Tribal Councilman Diamond Brown said that if passed, it would potentially allow alcohol sales on any tribal land regardless of local sentiment. “We are taking a stand to keep alcohol sales out of Graham County. I’ve never heard anything good about alcohol,” Crowe said.
Update: Alcohol sales within the town limits passed in November.
* The Robbinsville Lady Knights rose to the top after handing Cherokee their first loss, with a resounding 70-56 win. “Everyone on the team played their best game,” said head coach Elle King. Senior guard Katie Williams was a huge factor in the game, scoring 28 points and picking off nine rebounds for the Lady Knights.
Robbinsville shot 49 percent overall and was 55 percent from the free throw line.
25 years ago
* Residents in Santeetlah learned that a total of $52,000 was embezzled from the town and federal government. According to Finance Officer Jack Henson, the town had made a claim for $28,000 to bonding companies for money taken from Santeetlah accounts. At the town meeting, Henson stated that the $28,000 represents “95-98 percent of the total amount that there is proof for.” Graham County law offices planned to bring 17 more charges against Noel Marsh, the former Santeetlah town clerk accused of taking the money.
* The Black Knights wrestling team traveled to Raleigh to participate in the Cary News Invitational Tournament. Robbinsville finished seventh out of 21 teams, being the only 1A school competing against 18 4A school and two 3A schools. Wayne Sawyer and Kyle Orr finished second in their respective weight class, while Ronnie Williams was third and Daniel Anderson finished fifth. Robbinsville destroyed a very tough Rosman team 60-15. Later that same week, the Knights pounded Cherokee 67-12.
50 years ago
* Grand Order for the Whiskered Males: “Be it known to all male species ages 18-100 years. Residing within boundary lines of Graham County, that after Jan. 28, 1972, all such male specimens will commence to sprout, grow and cultivate an acceptable beard or mustache.” Everyone was urged to grow a beard for the Centennial Celebration that took place that summer.
* Robbinsville midgets basketball girls played Stecoah and won 21-10. Joyce Ingram was high scorer for Robbinsville with eight, next was Cindy Colvin with five, Esther Jackson with four, Tammy Odom and Kathy Lynn with two each. Also, the local Midget girls won over Nantahala in their third game by the score of 32-12. Leading rebounder for Robbinsville was Gaye Walsh with nine rebounds. Jackson was high scorer with nine points, Colvin with eight.
-Diane West