10 years ago
* Graham County native Jessica Cooper came back home to work after ten years in Greensboro, rounding out her education. She was hired as the administrator for the state’s newest town, Fontana Dam. Cooper graduated valedictorian of Robbinsville High School in 2000 and went to the Elon School of Law. Cooper’s interest in involving herself with this new town led her into the town administrator position. “It was a chance to be part of history that definitely appealed to me,” Cooper stated.
* Robbinsville Middle School Knights opened up basketball season with wins over Hiwassee Dam/Ranger. It took a few trips up and down the court for the team to get into rhythm of things, but still managed to have a 17-13 lead at the half. The Lady Knights were led by Shawnda Martin with seven points, Kinsley Orr added six and Kaitlyn Carringer with five. While not the explosive powerhouse of the last couple of seasons, this year’s Knights certainly proved being capable of continuing their winning streak of the last two years, with a final score of 29-25.
25 years ago
* A five-lane road through Robbinsville – widening Massey Branch and Snowbird Road – were suggestions presented at a public meeting. Scott Walston of the N.C. Department of Transportation originally presented the plan. Walston expected a large turnout at the meeting to protest the planning for the five-lane road, but only two people were present. “Once the county adopts the plan, commissioners will know what to ask for, when the state transportation board has their meeting.” Update: The project – known as “Corridor K” – will instead cover N.C. 28 and N.C. 143 into Robbinsville.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights lost the season finale to Cherokee, 15-12. The Knights football team was far better than the record reflected at that time. They played with a lot of heart all night, as they were ahead 6-0 when Coy Adams scored on a one-yard run. The winning touchdown for Cherokee came on a one-yard run by Anthony Swayney, with 23 seconds left in the game, accompanied by a two-point conversion by Will Locust.
50 years ago
* After fulfilling much-needed renovations, the work on the outside of the Old Mother Church was completed, thanks to all of the donations received from churches and people who gave so generously. The church was finally in condition to be used for funerals.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights football team beat Rowland, 30-14, to move onto the 1A semifinals. After the Knights received the kickoff in the first quarter, they did not score until three seconds before the end of the first quarter. Randall Birchfield scored on a quarterback-sneak from the 1-yard line. The final touchdown of the game came when Dewayne Cable swept around the end for the touchdown.
– Diane West