10 years ago
* A Graham County native accepted the Country Music Award for Radio Station of the Year. Ida Mae Millsaps, known on-air as Nikki Thomas, is the daughter of the late Bill and Wilma Millsaps, and was the director of radio station KATM. Ida Mae lived in Modesto, Calif. “This station has been number one in the listening area for a long time,” said Millsaps. “It’s good for them to get this kind of recognition.”
* The Robbinsville Black Knights slipped by Cherokee 17-13, as a 24-yard field goal sealed the win for a 3-3 conference finish. “Winning this game was so important to us as a team and a major dose of confidence as we head into playoffs,” said senior Zack Waldroup. “We have underachieved so many times this season, but finally everyone was on the same page.” Josh Gibson made the game-winning field goal. Winning the conference put Robbinsville in a three-way tie with Andrews and Rosman.
25 years ago
* During the Star-Spangled Banner at the Masons and Eastern Star tribute to Veterans, Richard Stewart was overcome with emotion. Later in the ceremony, Opal Long told the audience some of Stewart’s background of service as a special recognition. Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm – as well as those who died for our country – were recognized during the evening.
* The N.C. Forest Service opened a new headquarters in Graham County. Employees at the N.C. Forest Service called on some old- fashion values to help them meet the need for the new building, in times of smaller budgets: they built it themselves. The new headquarters was located on John McKeldrey Road in the Massey Branch Community, named in memory of Ranger John McKeldrey, who served the N.C. Forest Service from 1953-85. The cost of the building was $79,000 and about 90 percent of materials were purchased in Graham County, helping the local economy.
50 years ago
* The Old Mother Church – possibly one of the oldest churches in Graham County – has been completely neglected in the past few years and is in a state of total disrepair. Adding to the unsightly appearance of the building are the broken window panes, the result of vandalism. Funds are being solicited by a group of interested persons to paint, replace windows and for the general repair of the building. Update: Local pastor Eric Reece is working to secure a status that would help restore the church.
* Robbinsville was named champions of the Smoky Mountain Conference, in a decision that left Hayesville fans steaming. Yellow Jacket supporters said that the team was cheated out of the championship. At the center of the controversy was a “tie-breaker” rule. Modeal Walsh – superintendent of Graham County Schools and president of the conference – noted that the “rule” was confusing, due to lack of information. The coaches voted to forget the tie-breaker and go to the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s handbook for ruling. With a record of 5-3-1 for the season, the Knights clinched the conference. Their final game with Andrews ended in a 40-8 victory and gave Robbinsville its fourth title in a row.
– Diane West