In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Feb. 22, 2012, Scout: The three-part series “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” started with a look at how the railroad opened Cherokee and surrounding counties for commerce, recreation and residents.
- A proposed ordinance to regulate subdivisions was shot down by Commissioners Steve Jordan and David Wood, who said the measure was too much like zoning.
- Shortly after Hiwassee Dam exited the state 1A playoffs, Lady Eagles basketball coach Chris Reynolds tendered his resignation.
Feb. 23, 2012, Journal:
According to N.C. House Bill 129, Andrews Broadband Network’s internet
service may be illegal. Update: The network, which local businesses said worked well, ceased operating and sold off its assets a few years later.
- After 50 years, students still had strong memories of a fire at Andrews High School in 1962.
25 years ago – Feb. 19, 1997, Scout: Autopsy results confirmed that Amanda Laney, 19, of Marble, died from a drug overdose, likely from morphine. The person she was with who also was discovered unconscious and unresponsive – Brian Newton, 27, of Marble – recovered at Murphy Medical Center.
- Charges were dropped against Georgie Joseph Raudenbush, who allegedly had a rocket launcher in his possession after a high-speed chase.
- A Lithuanian exchange student in Murphy, Laimetus “Lymus” Grybe, earned a starting spot on the basketball court with Warren Wilson College.
- Andrews was the first high school in the country to screen all student-athletes for illegal drugs.
Feb. 20, 1997, Journal: Andrews town attorney James Blomeley quit, but he would not say why.
- Cherokee County planner Jeff Robinson, former editor of the Andrews Journal, resigned to become editor of a newspaper in Cleveland, Ga.
50 years ago – Feb. 24, 1972, Scout: Eight residents of Cherokee County filed to seek a seat on the Cherokee County Board of Education, which at the time had seven members serving six-year terms.
- Cuz Bagley pointed out in his column that there was quite a demand for young men who have the ability to be “good listeners.” Update: Those people are still being sought today.
- Your Weekly Horoscope encouraged Sagittarians to buy something beautiful – but not costly – for the one you love, like a rose, book of verse or French pastry.
Feb. 21, 1972, Journal: Ronnie McInturff, 23, of Andrews, and Veronica Revis, 19, of Marble, were killed when their vehicle crashed into a tractor-trailer in Georgia.
- Director Milton Carlson said Four Square Community Action was being phased out due to President Richard Nixon’s spending freezes. Update: Fortunately, the nonprofit agency based in Andrews that covers four counties is still in action today.
– Publisher David Brown