10 years ago
* A meth lab was busted in Panther Creek, which produced two types of meth; “Shake and bake” and red phosphorous, also known as “Nazi Meth.” Graham County Sheriff Mickey Anderson said, “We’re whittling it down,” due to four drug busts in the area in recent months. The State Bureau of Investigation’s Hazardous Materials Unit were called to the house and outbuildings, to handle and inventory the hazardous materials, many of which were explosive. Three suspects were arrested in the incident by the sheriff: 34-year-old Hal Anthony Franklin; 39-year-old Mark Wayne Carver and 26-year-old Jennifer Marie Clark.
* The Lady Knights’ cross country team won the conference meet in Cherokee. Although the Lady Knights hadn’t won a meet during the season, they found the fortitude to win the Smoky Mountain Conference meet, beating Hayesville, 44-55. Amber Long was the first Lady Knight to cross the finish line and finished third overall, with a time of 22:03.46. Only five girls came out to run this year.
25 years ago
* Graham County lost 160 jobs, as Barclay Home Products – one of Graham County’s main employers – announced that its doors will close, just before Christmas. Employees received 60 days notice that their jobs were dissolving; just hours before the announcement was made on television. According to Robbinsville Mayor Bobby Cagle, Jr., “The Chinese labor market forced them out. These are good people and this should not have happened to them.” Inquires had been made regarding the building, still occupied by Barclay.
* The Robbinsville High School Black Knight Marching Band once again received a superior rating in band competition. In the Blue Ridge Classic Marching Band Festival at Mars Hill College, the band received first place in drum major, percussion, horn-line, color-guard, general effects and overall marching. Margy Cacayorin, Rhonda Crisp, Adrian Blackney, Tabi Phillips, Heather Farley, Thomas Brooks, Shan Pressley, Jeff Wojdylo and Chris Cantrell were among those recognized for their excellence.
50 years ago
* District Governor Joe El-Khouri of Andrews made an official visit to the Fontana Dam Lions Club for a special occasion. The club had a Ladies Night and met at Tapoco Lodge. El-Khouri inducted two new members into the Fontana Club: Tony Farley and Allen Jenkins. He commended the Fontana Club for their work and support for the N.C. Association for the Blind. The club raised more money – per member – than any other club in the state in 1970.
– Diane West