10 years ago
* There were 77 students that received their diplomas in one of the earliest graduation ceremonies in the schools history. Thanks to an earlier start to the school year, students attending county schools were released almost two weeks earlier than any of the surrounding schools. Invocation was given by Shelby Andrews, and the “welcome” by Jacky McCray. After the presentation of diplomas, Lyndsey Orr gave the acknowledgements. She thanked everyone for the many helping hands bestowed on the class. Zack Waldroup closed with benediction and asked for God’s continued blessings on this year’s class. Students celebrated then their graduation by the tossing of their hats.
* A special alumni game between former Robbinsville Black Knights and Swain County Maroon Devils was being planned for June 22. The game featured former players who had a final opportunity to suit up and take on an old rival. Robbinsville’s 2004 quarterback Dusty Anderson was to be joined by his favorite receiver during that time, Kyle Garland, as well as John Pressley, Brandy Jones, T.J. Moody, Jeremy McCoy and Blake Anderson, to name a few. Josh Winfrey coordinated the game for Robbinsville. His dad, Terry, played on four Black Knights championship teams. The team’s coach was Lucas Ford. Update: Ford is still an assistant coach on the Black Knights football staff today.
25 years ago
* Frances Carver of Robbinsville pleaded guilty to five counts of felony embezzlement in a Cherokee County courtroom. Zeyland McKinney represented Carver and was able to have the case moved there. Between January 1989 and December 1993, Carver embezzled $62,572.66 from Graham County Travel and Tourism funds while she was executive director for the Chamber of Commerce. All other jail time was suspended by Judge Timothy L. Patti, but her sentence required that she make full restitution to Graham County in monthly installments of $350 beginning in June, along with court costs and probation. Prosecuting attorney was Darryl Brown.
* 4-H Activity Night offered members the opportunity to display their creative talents, as they participated in a talent show called “4-H Entertains.” The talent show provided a fashion show called 4-H Revue, including speeches given as well as demonstrations for 4-H Presentations.
50 years ago
* Two stores in the Jordan Shopping Center were broken into and entered. Ted Jordan – owner of both stores – reported the break-ins to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office the following morning. Entry was gained through the back door, where thieves made off with over $6,000 in merchandise. The robbers also entered into the Pink Daisy gift shop through a rear window. The gift shop was operated by Joy Jordan. Approximately 300 tapes were taken from the store. Sheriff Howell believed that the person that broke into the stores was also responsible for the theft of a 1964 Chevy Station Wagon – owned to Gudger Jenkins, who lived
only two miles above the shopping center. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation continued the investigation at this time.
* After weeks of play, the Blue Boars captured the lead of the Robbinsville Softball League by one game. The Blue Boars defeated the Red Bears, 9-2, as Jacob Jackson homered for the winning run. George Teesateskie was 3-for-3. In a second game, the Boars defeated the Jaycees 13-9. Jackson had two homeruns. The Little League Program was scheduled to be played before every softball game at 5 p.m.
-Diane West