In the April 15 archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – April 13, 2016, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Health unanimously voted to fire Health Director Towanna Roberts due to “a hostile work environment.” Update: The case would end up in court.
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Patrick Lambert accused the tribe’s former regime of financial wrongdoing after a forensic audit revealed “shocking” preliminary data.
• Murphy Seventh-day Adventist Church members made 25 care boxes containing personal products for boys and girls up to age 17 who were living in Cherokee County’s foster care program.
April 14, 2016, Journal: Steve Bias was mourned across the Andrews Valley after the beloved firefighter and teacher died unexpectedly from a sudden illness. He was only 42. Update: Bias’ funeral was standing room only.
• The Andrews Board of Aldermen tabled a plan to hire a planning consultant for $125,000. The town’s zoning adjustment board requested a delay since members had not seen a copy of the contract from the group NFocus.
25 years ago – April 18, 2001, Scout: Burton Coker, 28, of Marble, was charged in the June 1999 robbery of First Citizens Bank in Peachtree. Four other recent bank robberies remained unsolved.
• A Ducktown, Tenn., man was charged with creating counterfeit money and video pirating at Foster’s Flea Market in Ranger, where he allegedly gave the phony money back to customers as change and sold illegal videos.
• A total of 16 firefighting units responded to a blaze in Wolf Creek that raged out of control over about 120 acres, with flames licking as high as 80 feet into the air.
April 19, 2001, Journal: A $1.25 million settlement was reached between the Anderson family of Andrews in the near-drowning of 4-year-old Tamara Anderson in the unopened town pool. The girl was left disabled.
• The concerns of inmates at the Cherokee County Jail were shared during a Cherokee County Crime Commission meeting in Murphy. Medical and dental care topped the list.
50 years ago – April 15, 1976, Scout: Money was found through Fletcher Mortgage Co. to finance the $3.1 million construction of what would become Murphy Medical Center in Peachtree. Update: That facility is Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital today.
• The U.S. World Bicycle Race, an international event scheduled to start in June in Murphy, was postponed for one year, expecting it to be “even bigger and better” as a result.
April 15, 1976, Journal: Sadly, this edition if not available in our archives.
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In the April 22 week archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – April 20, 2016, Scout: Joe Del Campo, who lives part of the year in Hiwassee Dam, made it to the final eight contestants on the popular television show Survivor.
• Murphy Mayor Bill Hughes’ lifelong love of railroads continued, despite the lack of having one wheeling in his town. He was undeterred in pressing on anyway.
• Cherokee County Manager Randy Wiggins’ proposed budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year included a $484,000 bump for county schools to help pay for six new teaching positions.
April 21, 2016, Journal: Buster Conley, a living history book of Andrews, was honored on his 98th birthday. “I’ve taken rabies shots, I’ve gotten snake bit, I about drowned on Devil’s Beach on Panama, I’ve turned a tractor on me about four times and I’m still going.”
• The Earth Day celebration returned for a second year in Andrews, with crafts, competitions and conservation on the schedule.
25 years ago – April 25, 2001, Scout: Youth leagues needed to get in compliance with new state laws in order to continue selling food and drink at concession stands. Having hot running water was a key concern.
• A facelift was possible for the historic Hackney Building in downtown Murphy. Heritage Partners held a meeting at the L&N Depot to showcase the possibilities. Update: The once crumbling facility is a beautiful venue today.
• Volunteers were needed to plant new flowers at the two pocket parks on the square in downtown Murphy, next to Parker’s Drugstore and The Daily Grind & Wine. Update: Both of those places have since sold and changed.
April 26, 2001, Journal: The Andrews Board of Aldermen asked the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners for an increase in funding to $302,042, a 300% hike over the year before.
• The average price for a gallon of gas in the United States was up 13 cents to $1.65. Update: The average price today is around $3.65.
50 years ago – April 22, 1976, Scout: The Murphy Public Library and Nantahala Regional Library were only two weeks away from moving into a new building downtown that cost $467,000.
• Ralph Ledford, 29, a native of Murphy, announced he was running for the 11th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He warned against people seeking office who are subject to “pressure from the politicos and special interests.”
April 22, 1976, Journal: As many as 40 mothers of little league players in Andrews – called the “Batmoms” – were launching a fundraising campaign to build up area youth sports programs.