In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – May 21, 2014, Scout: Tri-County Early College’s technology team took kits to Cherokee County’s seven elementary schools, helping the youngsters assemble robots.
- The Cherokee Scout ran a point-counterpoint on the opinions page featuring Jeff Stevens, who argued in favor of comprehensive planning that shares the community’s overall vision; and Hugh Williamson, who pointed out that poorly researched plans can be disastrous.
- The Scout won Community Newspaper Inc.’s prestigious Best of CNI award for the fourth straight year, along with several other honors.
May 22, 2014, Journal: Troubles continued with Andrews Broadband Services, even after it was sold to Dnet. This battle was over equipment at Western Carolina Regional Airport.
- The Andrews Journal won two awards from Community Newspaper Inc., both photos taken by the late Scott Wallace. The images were from a young girl eating spaghetti at a contest and a local couple dealing with the loss of their child.
25 years ago – May 19, 1999, Scout: The last remaining claim from former Cherokee County tax office worker Rex Kephart’s lawsuit claiming discrimination was dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge.
- Cherokee County Sheriff Alan Kilpatrick coordinated an 11-officer team that made unannounced visits to Mountain Youth Center in Martins Creek as well as Murphy high and middle schools. Despite the use of drug- and firearm-sniffing dogs, nothing illegal was discovered.
- Ronnie Carr of Texana told the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners that he felt like more minority representation was needed in order for the county to understand all of the community’s needs.
May 20, 1999, Journal: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners gave provisional authority to buy 18.1 acres owned by Robert and Evelyn Heaton for $252,000 in order to expand Andrews-Murphy Airport.
- Graduating seniors Melody Brown, John Holcomb and Jonathan Spradling were recognized for their years of dedicated service to the concert and jazz bands in Andrews Schools.
50 years ago – May 23, 1974, Scout: Herman West, the “Bull of the Woods,” announced that he was selling all of his land-clearing equipment. West served three terms in the state’s General Assembly.
- The town and fire department voted that the two fire trucks in Murphy, which were purchased and are maintained by town taxpayers, would not go outside the town limits for fire calls after midnight Sept. 15.
- Hayesville played Cullowhee in a state playoff baseball game that started after midnight, and with a fog rolling in. No one in the outfield could see the ball, only respond to the crack of the bat, which explains why the game finished at 3 a.m. with Cullowhee up 17-16.
May 22, 1974, Journal: George and Bard El-Khouri of Andrews continued their series of stories about “Life in Lebanon” by discussing
“the Palestine problem.” Update: The same debates are occurring internationally today.
- Two local residents, Lucy Caldwell and Ann Whitaker, were scheduled to undergo surgery. Members of the community were encouraged to donate the 10-14 pints of blood needed for each operation.
– Publisher David Brown