10 years ago
* The Graham Star won Community Newspapers Inc.’s President’s Award for 2010, competing against 24 other daily and weekly newspapers for the best exemplifying the company’s mission statement with journalistic excellence. In addition, the Star won Community Newspaper Inc.’s, Best of CNI for Division B, which takes into account news, advertising, circulation and financial performance. “For CNI’s smallest newspaper to win such prestigious honors in the same year is unprecedented,” said David Brown, regional publisher.
* The junior varsity Black Knights were once again preparing to face Murphy, after a sound 42-12 thrashing over the Hayesville Yellow Jackets. “This was a big game for us, but I think my guys are ready for it,” said coach Lucas Ford. Mistakes and turnovers didn’t seem to be a problem at Hayesville. Although the team got off to a slow start and let the Yellow Jackets score first – on a 12-yard run – by the second quarter, Colby Hemphill stripped the ball from the Jackets and ran it 12 yards to the end zone.
25 years ago
* When Community Newspapers, Inc. held its annual meeting in Hartwell, Ga., Editor Kate Henry and The Graham Star brought home the President’s Award for the most improved paper in the 28-newspaper chain. CNI President Dink NeSmith commended the Star for its high profit margin, its successful subscription drive and commitment to covering the news of Graham County. “This is the last CNI President’s Award that will recognize a paper for being most improved,” NeSmith said. The Star also received a first place award for Henry’s best feature photograph of the comet Hyakutati.
* The junior varsity Black Knights football team extended its record to 3-1 with an exciting win over Rosman. The Black Knights started scoring early in the first quarter with a 30-yard scoring run by William Wayne Adams, following a great kickoff return by Jessie Daniels, who scored the second touchdown just before the half. Defensively, the Knights had a great team effort. Leading tacklers were Shane Rogers and Dustin Eller, who really stepped up with the absence of two defensive starters.
50 years ago
* Stella W. Sawyer, editor of The Graham Star, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Western North Carolina Lions, Inc. at the meeting of the Lions and their Ladies. Arnold Hyde, president of the Western North Carolina Lions, Inc., made the presentation along with Wayne McClung, president of the local club. A certificate was presented in recognition of the cooperation in publicizing the Eye Screening Program presently being sponsored by the Lions.
* A Veterans Day Parade was scheduled for Oct. 25, sponsored by the American Legion Post No. 192. Participants included units from the Graham County and Stecoah Rescue Squads, Robbinsville High School Band, Lions Club, 4-H Club, Scout Troops, the American Legion Auxiliary and Fire Department. Ralph Crisp, Commander of the American Legion Post, said that other Veterans Day activities would include a program for students at the school, to a dinner at the Thunderbird for Graham County veterans and guests.
– Diane West