10 years ago
* An incomplete 911 call resulted in a Panther Creek drug bust. When officer Brian Garland responded to the case, he entered through a half-opened back door, after getting no response from the front. He found a bedroom that was filled with bright light and a strong odor of marijuana. Upon getting a search warrant, Garland and narcotics officer Jeremy Spencer found two, 4-pound plants in a sophisticated growing system. Additional marijuana was found in a dehydrator. The estimated street value worth was several thousand dollars. according to Sheriff Mickey Anderson. No arrests made at this time.
* The homecoming football game was a true test for Robbinsville, as the underclassmen had to step up against a senior-laden Andrews squad. Sophomore quarterback Dakota Crisp passed for 80 yards and a touchdown, while freshman kicker Josh Gibson added two field goals to help lead the Knights past the Wildcats 20-14 at Big Oaks Stadium.
25 years ago
* Volunteers collected about 300 bags of trash from the Santeetlah shoreline, during the 10th Annual Big Sweep. Boats worked out of access areas at Massey Branch and Cheoah Point. Plastic, glass and round tobacco containers were among the items most frequently found. Vehicle tires found were too big for the trash bags.
* The Robbinsville Mites visited Andrews and came away with two big wins. The Termites won 22-26, while the Mites team won 36-0.
50 years ago
* The Thunderbird Homeowner’s Association Auction Sale netted $400. Money will be given to the Graham County Rescue Squad. About 80 people attended, buying lunch and enjoying the antics of “Hoss,” a calico horse dreamed up by Doc Gates.
* Mark Manuel was one of several on the Duke freshman football roster this season and Blue Devil mentor John Gutekunst had tabbed him for a starting role in defense backfield. Manuel garnered 14 letters in his four years at Robbinsville High School.