10 years ago
* More than $1,400 was raised during the Eat-Out-for-Education fundraiser, which was held at various restaurants around Robbinsville. Coordinated by volunteer Lena Spencer, seven restaurants agreed to donate 5-10 percent of dinner sales to help fund the elementary library and to purchase art supplies. Spencer stated that she was very impressed with the giving nature of this community. Restaurant representatives and Robbinsville Elementary School principal Shane Laughter were on hand for the check presentation.
* The Diamond Knights traveled to Mitchell County to face the Mountaineers in the first round of N.C. High School Athletic Association’s 1A state playoffs. The game was suspended after the first inning – due to heavy rain and lightning – and was played at a later date. Robbinsville’s bats came alive in the top of the fifth, starting with Jaron Ayers’ leadoff triple. Robbinsville scored three more runs in the top the seventh to give the Black Knights a 9-3 victory.
25 years ago
* Fontana Village held its first-ever First Responders Class and according to Lee Vonda Riddle, chief of Fontana Public Safety, the 8-week, 56-hour course is “nothing to sneeze at.” The First Responders are only certified in CPR, not state certified as EMT’s. This was a good idea since Fontana was so far removed from county services. Laurel Smith, a graduate of the class, works in the food service at the cafeteria and feels better knowing that she can handle an accident calmly and correctly until someone arrives. “It’s a very secure feeling,” she said.
* The Robbinsville High School Lady Knights softball team went into extra innings to defeat the Lady Bulldogs 10-8. The win over Murphy means that the Lady Knights were tied for first place in conference play. Leading hitters were: Pam Beasley, 4-for-5 and Jessica Yates, 3-for-5. Coach Judy Nichols was excited about her team’s efforts. The Lady Knights were 9-2 in conference play. Playing through, they won the final conference game over Cherokee Lady Braves, 18-2; clinching the conference championship.
50 years ago
* Residents of Graham County were warned to beware of stray dogs. “They might have been infected with rabies,” said Mark Wachacha, Snowbird Health Committeeman. As all dogs should be vaccinated, all of the people of the Snowbird Indian Community were urged to take their dogs to the nearest veterinarian.
* The Lady Knights softball team was tied for the conference lead with a record of 5-1, for their best record in the past two years. The team was well-balanced with good fielding and hitting. Linda Waldroup led the team. Pictured were: Connie Calonehuskie, Violet Carpenter, Margaret Allen, Kathy Cable, Jeanne Riddle, Doris Cook, Linda Waldroup, Vicki Walsh, Lynn Clifford, Anne McKeldrey, Margaret Jenkins and Shirley Jackson. Ethel Jackson and Vickie Culp were not pictured.
– Diane West