In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Aug. 26, 2015, Scout: Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies broke up a 60-person bonfire party in Hot House, finding children as young as age 14 with moonshine, grass marijuana, edible cannabis and Ecstasy. “Jolly Ranchers” candy seized at the party was found to be laced with THC.
- Murphy Medical Center was closing its Alzheimer’s Unit in order to make room for involuntarily committed behavioral health patients, who were flooding the emergency department. A holding area was needed for safety.
- The Cherokee Scout published a full page of photos from the first day of the new school year, with classrooms filled with mostly smiling faces from Hiwassee Dam to Murphy and Andrews.
Aug. 27, 2015, Journal: Two Andrews residents were arrested and charged with the thefts of a pit bull puppy, firearms and accessories. One of the pair allegedly threatened the homeowner if they reported it.
- Congregation Bamidbar dedicated a Torah that was transcribed in Poland more than 100 years ago at Andrews United Methodist Church. An Israeli flag was draped outside during the historic event. Update: The Torah includes the first five books of what many Bible readers know today as the Old Testament.
25 years ago – Aug. 30, 2000, Scout: A study of all Cherokee County departments that cost $90,000 – a staggering sum back then – was shared with residents. Many recommendations were offered in the study.
- Bridge replacements on N.C. 94 in Hiwassee Dam and the new U.S. 64 East highway were among the road construction added to the N.C. Department of Transportation’s draft of all of the work scheduled from 2002-08.
- Murphy’s football season got off to a smooth start in a 34-14 win over visiting Franklin. Junior wingback J.C. Brown had a 60-yard touchdown run, a 25-yard touchdown catch and recovered a fumble for another score.
Aug. 24, 2000, Journal: A nationwide recall of Firestone tires landed in Andrews, where business owner Dillon Gibson advised all residents to check their vehicle’s wheels for hairline cracks and peeling.
- Robert and Judy Walker sued Cherokee County and three sheriff’s deputies, claiming their constitutional rights were violated when their grandson was removed from their home and taken out of state. They wanted in excess of $10,000 for false imprisonment.
50 years ago – Aug. 28, 1975, Scout: Gov. Jim Holshouser was coming to town to give Murphy its Governor’s Award designation. Mayor Cloe Moore was to accept the blue-ribbon ranking on behalf of the town’s fathers.
- The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners changed the site of a planned farmers market from Murphy to Ranger. Commissioners agreed that Dickey Farm was inadequate, so they were buying 26 acres on U.S. 64 West.
Aug. 27, 1975, Journal: The historic Walker Inn of Valleytown was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in Washington. The inn was recently restored by Margaret Walker Freel, a descendant of the original owner, Squire William Walker.
– Publisher David Brown