10 years ago
* A series of thunderstorms raced across Graham County, damaging homes and causing the most power outages in the region since 2004. Commissioner Raymond Williams said, “I was at Wesser Creek and saw
two tornadoes form and move over toward Bryson City.” Duke Energy reported more than 70,000 outages in the region. Meteorologist Blair Holloway with the National Weather Service said the the storms that were plaguing this region weren’t typical, “pop-up” thunderstorms.
* The Lady Knights youth softball team went undefeated in the tournament championship, to place number one in the league. They were 6-3 for the season. Pictured were McKaylyn Waldroup, Mikayla Morgan, Tristiney Blevins, Jasmine Jackson, Haylee Garland, Carleigh Anderson, Madison Lail, Lauren McGuire, Ashely Allen, Maddie Garland, head coach Amanda Morgan and assistant coach Michael Morgan.
25 years ago
* The new General Manager of Fontana Village, David Kerr, had visions of returning the resort to its former place in the community. Kerr, who had an extensive background in resort management, began his career in 1974 at Lake Tansi Village. According to Kerr, he liked the times of old, when things were simpler and family values meant something. The quiet beauty of the mountains – and Fontana being the place to return to those family values – are just some of the reasons that drew Kerr back here. His wife and children plan to join him after school is out, residing in Fontana.
* Compared to the children’s fishing tournament that was held, the adult fishing tournament at the Snowbird Recreation Center brought in fewer and smaller fish. Heather Teesateskie, Israel Weeks, Diamond Rattler and Zena Rattler were among those fishing for a $100 trout. In the end, Diamond Rattler and Willie Jumper had the winning fish and split the grand prize. All other tagged fish caught were worth $10 each.
50 years ago
* Ira Rogers, Jr., a teacher at Robbinsville High School, attended the teacher Drug Abuse Education Project at the UNC-Asheville, sponsored by the School of Pharmacy and N.C. Department of Public Instruction. The purpose of this meeting was to exchange information regarding school drug abuse programs and new findings in medical and legal aspects of the program.
* Employees of the Fontana Dam Post Office prepare for Postal Service Day on July 1, by planting a flower garden in front of the building. To celebrate this occasion, there were free envelopes commemorating Postal Service Day and by purchasing an eight-cent Postal Service Commemorative Stamp. The public was invited to attend. Pictured were, Sarah Holland, clerk; Faye Stewart, officer-in-charge; and Sheila Beasley.
– Diane West