10 years ago
* About 100 people came through the Graham County Community Center to offer support and birthday wishes to congressional candidate Hayden Rogers. Rogers was a Robbinsville native and a Democratic nominee for the U.S. Congress, 11th District. He was formerly the chief of staff for Congressman Heath Shuler, as well as his top adviser. His decision to run for Congress came only after Shuler announced that he would not seek another term. Rogers spoke of growing up in Graham County and how his mom got him interested in politics at an early age.
* This year marked the 75th anniversary of the completion of the Appalachian Trail, the longest “hiking-only” footpath in the world, measuring 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine. The original trail took more than 15 years to build and was completed in 1937. The trail travels through 14 states along the crest and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains. About 2-3 million people visited the trail every year and only about 2,000 attempted to through-hike, with only 1-out-of-4 completing the entire journey.
25 years ago
* As the nation celebrated its 220th birthday, activities began with community church services on July 3. On July 4, activities began at the courthouse with opening ceremonies led by the Veterans of Foreign War dedicating a flag honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action. Several young soldiers from Graham County never returned from Vietnam and Korea. Following the military ceremony, the grand parade began with First Citizens Bank sponsoring prizes for the top three entries. After other activities, the fireworks began, followed by a street dance until midnight.
* The Graham County Aviation Fund was a $90,000 item in the 1997-98 budget, which according to commissioners was not costing taxpayers anything. Board of Commissioners Chairman Raymond Williams explained that the $90,000 came from the sale of 1-of-2 helicopters that the sheriffs department had owned. The money was used for fuel, insurance, etc. “The only thing coming out of the county’s money is to pay for a deputy on duty to fly in it, as that would come from his salary,” Williams said. “Carl Cooper, the pilot does his thing for nothing.”
50 years ago
* The Graham Star devoted its whole issue to the 100-year anniversary of Graham County, with a 2-section pictorial edition.
-Compiled by Diane West