10 years ago
* Approximately 30 people gathered at Fontana for the “A Time to Remember” celebration, held in recognition of the families who sacrificed their land, homes and way of life to make way for Fontana Dam. Sponsored by the Proctor Revival Organization, the celebration focused on the World War ll era, the construction of Fontana Dam and how the event changed the world as well as culture of local citizens. The Proctor Revival Organization was started over 20 years ago by Judy Carpenter. “Their stories need to be told now,” said Carpenter, “otherwise they will be lost and forgotten.”
* Robbinsville High School planned to hold a youth basketball camp for students in grades 3-8, boys and girls. The camp would be held by coaches Tommy Johnson and Elle King. Although boys and girls won’t compete against each other in a game setting, there will be group shoot rounds and dribbling drills. “We will be teaching a lot of fundamentals of basketball at the camp,” said Johnson, who is the new basketball coach for the Black Knights. “I am looking forward to meeting the upcoming talent in their area.”
25 years ago
* An argument beginning between two neighbors ended in the death of Tony Phillips in November 1996. This resulted in a plea of voluntary manslaughter from Joe Billy Hayes. He was sentenced to 18-31 months in the N.C. Department of Corrections. Hayes was charged with second-degree murder after shooting Phillips. Assistant District Attorney Alan Leonard said that the men had argued earlier in the day, but had parted, then came back together in the evening. Amy Teesateskee was at the home of Hayes when the shooting occurred and witnessed it. Hayes was defended by attorney Rob Hensley.
* Paramedic Larry Hembree was thoroughly trained in making a difference. A native of Andrews, Hembree was able to complete the rigorous training while spending time with his three children and holding down a full time job. “I like to help people in need,” he said. He also said that being a paramedic offers rewards, by seeing the difference it makes in the lives of others. Update: Hembree just retired as county EMS director last fall.
50 years ago
* Ten Robbinsville students graduated from Western Carolina University. Edward Anderson graduated magna cum laude (with great distinction), with a bachelor of science in business administration. Being the top student in the School of Business, Anderson was selected to recognize fellow honor students at the graduation exercises. Anna Robinson Wachacha, and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Douglas Medlin, each received a bachelor of science in education. Daniel Edward Rogers received a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology. More than 780 students were candidates for degrees, the largest in Western Carolina University history.
* Two Robbinsville fishermen, Kenny Orr and Beacher Williams, teamed up to win the first Lake Murray Open Bass Tournament in South Carolina, besting 105 other two-man teams in the one day event with 37 pounds, 5 ounces of largemouths. The first place finish earned Orr and Williams a Mon-Ark bass boat with accessories, including a 50-horsepower Johnson motor, as well as $150 and a large trophy.
-Compiled by Diane West