10 years ago
* Investigation into illegal distribution of controlled substances led the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office to seize substantial amounts of marijuana, prescription controlled substances, firearms, drug paraphernalia, and large sums of cash from the Topton Store at the Graham County line.
* As the Lady Knights Basketball team learned that coach Warren Knott had resigned his position, there was more than a few leaders on this squad nervous about any further expectations. Principal David Matheson suggested Elle King as new coach and the board accepted. “It’s hard to win the first season under a new coach. I hate this happened," said junior Lynsey Crisp.
25 years ago
* The Tennessee Valley Authority and Alcoa began drawing down lake levels for the winter. Many vacationers had headed home from Fontana Lake – avoiding the Labor Day crunch – leaving only a few boaters there on Sept.1. Most students had returned to school, although picnic areas remained full over the last weekend of summer.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights were victorious in the season’s first battle, with a 34-13 win over Andrews. The Wildcats rushed for 73 yards and averaged just under two yards per carry. In all, there were 12 fumbles on the rain-soaked field – including six by Robbinsville High School – but the Black Knights lost the ball only once.
50 years ago
* Graham County citizens called on the U.S. Forest Service to explore steps to relieve the critical unemployment situation, which was calculated to be about 30 percent of the work force. John A. Derks, Cheoah District Ranger, conducted a session with about 100 people in attendance. Derks’ district of Nantahala National Forest contains 111,000 acres, or 60 percent of land in the county – a point that people referred to in getting help with the job pinch.
* The Robbinsville Midget and Mites football teams took a sweep of a doubleheader from the Hayesville Yellow Jackets on the home field of the Knights, before a crowd of over 300 fans. The Mites took a comeback of a 20-12 victory and the Midgets shut out Hayesville, 28-0. The Mites used a balance passing and running attack to whip the Yellow Jackets. The key to the win was the offensive line of the Mites. The Midgets were much improved, as the defense in the game looked real strong.
-Diane West