10 years ago
* The N.C. General Assembly created the state’s newest town, Fontana Dam. Fontana Dam had been an unincorporated village since 1941. The village was originally formed for workers and their families, who worked on TVA’s Fontana Dam project in World War II. The town has many of the requirements and the infrastructure already. The community and the near by dam hosted more than 100,000 visitors, as early as 2010.
* Athletes from all around participated in the Duathlon held at Fontana Dam, in the first event ever of its kind, across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After the 5K footrace, athletes rode their bikes 16 miles to Deals Gap and back to Fontana. Irwin Portugal led the 5K with a time of 18:37. Team competition winners were Portugal and Karl Sutter in the male division, Shawnda Martin and George Kraushner in the mixed teams, and Robbinsville’s Melissa Duckworth in the women’s team division.
25 years ago
* Robbinsville High School student Margy Cacayorin – daughter of Jeff and Sharon Seabolt – was selected to attend the Legislators’ School for Youth Leadership Development at Western Carolina University. Cacayorin was a rising 11th grader. The Legislators School offered some 300 rising 8th-12th graders an opportunity to develop skills in leadership, critical thinking and communication, led by state and regional leaders. The funding came from the General Assembly.
* Parents, grandparents and Robbinsville Elementary School students were treated to a gymnastic exhibition, performed by students in Laurie Mintz’s gymnastic school. Pictured was Elliot Coward – granddaughter of Violet and Leonard Lloyd and Bernice Lloyd of Robbinsville – who moved through her balance-beam routine while a packed crowd in the gym, held their breath.
50 years ago
* Joe El-Khouri of Andrews – who was the newly-elected District Governor of Lions District 31A – was pictured in a front page photo with Lion Bill Singleton, President of the Robbinsville Lions Club, and Paul Spirdo, President of the Fontana Lions Club. Governor El-Khouri installed the officers for the two clubs, in a joint Ladies Night and Installation meeting, held at Tapoco Lodge.
* Chris Millsaps of the Red Sox prepared to swing at a pitch in the game against the Cardinals at the Robbinsville High School field. The catcher was Phillip Orr, while Randall Birchfield prepared to call the pitch. Scott Perkins was the next up to bat. Millsaps pitched his teammates to a four win over the Cardinals.
-Diane West