In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Oct. 31, 2012, Scout: The Kickin’ Asphalt race was returning to Cherokee County for a second year. Update: Despite successful years, the half-marathon is no longer held.
- Local residents were warned about a man driving around in a white van who was trying to steal pit bulls, ostensibly to use in illegal dog-fighting operations.
- The Scout’s series on local communities highlighted Junaluska, an area known for outdoor recreation as well as being famous for the Cherokee Indian chief the land is named after.
Nov. 1, 2012, Journal: A sketch was released of a man accused of raping a woman in the Nantahala National Forest. She had stopped to see if he needed assistance.
- Internet minister Jerry Luther of Andrews took home two honors from the Branson Gospel Singer Songwriter Association Awards, including being named Broadcaster of the Year.
25 years ago – Oct. 29, 1997, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners canceled a meeting with opponents of the new landfill in Marble from the Burnt Branch Overlook
Association.
- A tractor-trailer hit a county school bus on Harshaw Road, but thankfully no one was injured. The driver of the truck – Anthony Walker, 33 of Canada – was charged with driving left of center.
- Two missing Murphy High School students, both 14-year-old girls, were found after a long weekend being away from home.
Oct. 30, 1997, Journal: Richard Plouffe said a pack of 13 or more dogs belonging to a local woman killed their family’s pet in Liberty, which “tore our hearts out.”
- Valley Ford in Andrews was selling a 1993 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 for $9,995. Update: The dealership closed several years later.
50 years ago – Nov. 2, 1972, Scout: Three young men – two from Nantahala, one from Andrews – were hospitalized in hunting accidents that were deemed accidental shootings.
- An armed robber made off with about $70 from the cash register at McGill’s store on U.S. 64 West near the Tennessee line – after buying two packs of cigarettes.
- A barn burning in Warne marred an otherwise quiet Halloween night. The owner of the barn, which contained about 1,500 bales of hay, offered a $300 reward to help find those who set the fire.
Oct. 31, 1972, Journal: A liquor-by-the-drink referendum topped the ballot as Andrews voters went to the polls.
- George and Barbara El-Khouri shared what life was like in Lebanon in the first of a series of stories.
– Publisher David Brown