10 years ago
* The Class of 2011 had earned their fair share of scholarships and awards, as they were honored at the academic banquet. They earned an estimated $750,000 in various scholarships. In addition, five students used their athletic ability to further their education, four of which planned to attend Mars Hill College. Summer Hedrick said, “The need to give back and help others has always been a driving force for us. We raised $1,500 for cystic fibrosis, $24,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation and more than $4,000 to supplement the elderly.”
* Dr. Gordon E. “Gordy” Howell, retired after serving 44 years as administrator and member of Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. He was co-captain of Robbinsville’s Blue Devils his junior and senior years. His coach was Blain Denton. Howell went to Western Carolina University where he lettered three years for the Catamount football team, while also earning a bachelor of science in business administration. He then went to Rollins College following his service as an officer in the U.S. Marines. Howell was honored greatly at his retirement ceremony.
25 years ago
* Seventy-seven charges against 13 Graham County residents were filed as a result of an investigation by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency and the Graham County Sheriff’s Department. They warranted 42 felonies and 35 misdemeanors, mostly related to the sale and distribution of alcohol or drugs. “In this round-up, some were suppliers or middle dealers,”said Chief Deputy Jerry Crisp. No one arrested in this sweep was under the age of 29.
* Eleven-year-old Brandon Williams of the Valley Ford Tarheels, was the first Little Leaguer to hit a home run over the new fence at the Little League field. Josh McNeill of the Stanley Sox was pitching when Williams hit the solo home run. The Tar Heels won the game 3-2. The Little League field also received a new flag pole in recent weeks.
50 years ago
* Andrews’ Joe El-Khouri was elected as District Governor for 31A, an 11-county district of North Carolina. Mr. El-Khouri, a citizen of Andrews since 1955, was prominent in the town by virtue of his many involvements in programs, committees, groups and clubs of every stripe.
* Graham County commemorated the flag of our country, the most honored symbol of the nation’s past, present and future. As this great day approached, people were reminded of the “American’s Creed.” In order to give due respect for the flag of the United States, it is our duty as a nation to fly it with honor and to devote ourselves to it: “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.”
-Diane West