10 years ago
* According to Superintendent Chip Carringer, the Graham County Board of Education plans to file a lawsuit against the county commission in Graham County Superior Court, to challenge $200,000 in school cuts that were approved by the commission in the new budget. Public and private mediation between the commission and school board resulted in an impasse over any cuts. “The financial commitment to Graham County School impacts far beyond the schools themselves,” Carringer said. “As long as I can remember, we have ranked near the bottom (in funding).” Commission Chairman Mike Edwards said the school’s fund balance was an “elusive mystery.”
* An Ohio man was killed on the Cherohala Skyway, after losing control of his motorcycle near the Stratton Ridge overlook. State Troopers said that Gary Eugene Laudermilt – 73, of Massillon, Ohio – was killed instantly after losing control of his 2005 Yamaha. He was traveling east on the Skyway. Trooper Sgt. J.K. Ledford reported witnesses saying that the driver seemed to be looking off of the overlook and didn’t notice the sharp curve ahead. Reports showed that the driver had crossed the centerline, went down an 80-foot embankment and was thrown from the vehicle.
25 years ago
* Johnny Williams was chosen to fill the unexpired term of Robbinsville Alderman Max Godfrey, who resigned on July 10. This came after Mayor Bobby Cagle said that the town put several names not currently serving as alderman, who had filed to run for the election and all of the ones suggested to fill Godfrey’s seat, on paper and put in a hat. Williams was willing to start right away, being sworn into office on July 17. He attended his first town board meeting the same night. “There’s a lot I need to catch up on,” Williams said.
* Hard work and dedication paid off for four karate students from the Stecoah community, as they competed in the National Karate Championships in Orlando, Fla. Randy and Carandee Wachacha, Randy and Kevin Rich qualified for Nationals by placing in the top of their division in state and regional championships. Facing fierce competition from all over the country, they each did very well in their divisions. All four qualified for the Junior Olympics, held in Charlotte.
50 years ago
* W. Ted Phillips, a local land-clearing contractor, announced his resignation from the N.C. State Highway Commission. Phillips – who represented Clay, Cherokee, Graham and Swain counties – was appointed to the post by Gov. Bob Scott to succeed J. Boyd Crisp of Robbinsville. Crisp was killed while flying his private plane. Phillips added that pressures from his business – Phillips and Jordan, Inc. – as his reason for resigning.
* Gary Steppe and Edwin Crawford of Graham County Jaycees were pictured presenting Modeal Walsh, president of the Graham County Recreation Association, with a check for $150. The association supported the Adult Slow Pitch Softball League, Little League Baseball Program and the Midget-Mite Basketball program. They also sponsored the summer recreation program, which kept the Robbinsville High School Gymnasium open and paid the salary of two trained recreation directors.
-Compiled by Diane West