In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – March 7, 2012, Scout: An EF-2 tornado touched down in Cherokee County and left a path of destruction in its wake. Update: See the report on page 1A this week.
- The series “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” focused on how automobiles replaced Indians trails and dirt roads across the area.
- Despite senior Jackie Parks’ triple-double, which included a staggering 12 blocks, the Murphy girls basketball team fell to Cherokee 57-46 in the state 1A Western Regional semifinals.
March 8, 2012, Journal: The EF-2 tornado that caused massive destruction on the east end and middle of Cherokee County largely spared the Andrews Valley.
- Dane Rickett stepped down as head football coach of the Wildcats after its most successful season in four decades, with offensive coordinator Avery Cutshaw tapped to replace him. Update: Rickett today is principal of Murphy Elementary School.
25 years ago – March 5, 1997, Scout: Matthew D. Wooten, 18, one of two half-brothers charged in the stabbing death of local resident Randolph Atwalt, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
- Murphy got lucky from weather for a change, as torrential rains didn’t cause as much flooding as expected.
- The Hiwassee Dam girls basketball team claimed the Far West Conference Tournament crown, with Jennifer Pinkerton leading the Lady Eagles with 14 points.
- The top-ranked Murphy girls basketball team (22-2) won the Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament title, as Kristy Kent scored 22 points and Tabitha Kephart added 21.
March 6, 1997, Journal: The law office of Zeyland McKinney Jr. of Robbinsville was hired to represent Andrews as town attorney, though Mack Tallant was still expected to be on hand at meetings.
- Johnny Anderson was hired as the town’s full-time recreation coordinator.
50 years ago – March 9, 1972, Scout: The N.C. Highway Commission set a date for a public hearing to discuss expanding U.S. 19/74 between Murphy and Andrews.
- Top candidates for statewide office – including gubernatorial choices Jim Gardner, Jim Holshouser and Pat Taylor – made the trek to campaign in Cherokee County.
- Walt Disney’s classic movie Lady and the Tramp was playing at the Henn Theatre in Murphy.
March 8, 1972, Journal: Debbie Fuller, a center for Andrews, was named to the All-Smoky Mountain Conference basketball team.
- Andrews High School Science Project Exhibit winners were announced, with Pat Slagle earning an A-plus.
– Publisher David Brown