In this week’s 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 be debated locally before ending up in court, where Roberts received a settlement.
• 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.