In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Sept. 24, 2014, Scout: Megan Diane Allison, 25, of Murphy, died when her car veered off U.S. 64 in Hayesville and struck a tree. She complained about having a headache the night before as well as before she left.
- The Charters of Freedom were dedicated in a downtown Murphy pocket park. The $75,000 gift displayed the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Update: The Charters of Freedom have since been moved to Konehete Veterans Park in Murphy, with a rededication ceremony held last month.
- A group of 17 local residents presented a petition to Cherokee County Sheriff Keith Lovin demanding action regarding continued dog bites on Maltby Road. Update: With problems like this still unresolved, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a work session on animal control Monday.
Sept. 25, 2014, Journal: The second in a four-part series on Andrews’ water infrastructure focused on what workers do at the Andrews Waste Water Treatment Plant, which empties into the Valley River.
- Retired Seventh-day Adventist pastor Carl Hartman of Andrews was honored as the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year for his volunteer efforts and encouraging residents to have healthier lifestyles. Update: Hartman has since passed away.
25 years ago – Sept. 22, 1999, Scout: Two homes in the Lover’s Leap area of Murphy were saved thanks to a multi-agency firefighting effort. No injuries were reported, but the decks on two homes were charred.
- The Cherokee County Economic Development Commission approved a resolution in favor of Vengeance Creek Stone. Company owner Robert Garland wanted to expand, but it would need the county’s help.
- Murphy beat both Andrews and Hiwassee Dam in the first-ever soccer games between the three primary high schools in Cherokee County. The Bulldogs’ Dustin Finch scored a hat trick (three goals) in only 28 minutes of the first half against the Eagles.
Sept. 23, 1999, Journal: A car was discovered on fire at Andrews Industrial Park that belonged to lawyer William Petty Jr., 56, of Hamilton County, Tenn., who was fatally beaten and burned the previous day in Monroe County, Tenn.
- Jim Hutto, who was elected to the Andrews Board of Aldermen in 1997, died after a long battle with colon cancer. He was only 54. He and his wife, Linda Hutto, transformed the old Walker home into Rails End Bed & Breakfast, and also opened a barber shop on Graham Street.
50 years ago – Sept. 26, 1974, Scout: The Tennessee Valley Authority urged customers to decrease their power usage by 20%, as fears of blackouts and rationing swept through the region.
- Hadley Dickey, 81, of Murphy, died after a period of declining health. The veteran of World War I was the owner of Dickey Chevrolet Co. and volunteered with Cherokee Lodge No. 146 AF&AM as well as the Lions Club.
- Elisha Townson, 93, of Murphy, died after an extended illness. He served two terms as a Cherokee County commissioner. He also built and operated the Cherokee Hotel, where he lived until his death.
Sept. 25, 1974, Journal: Proposed expansions of the Andrews Recreation Complex and District Memorial Hospital in Andrews were put on hold after funds were cut from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Gary Gray was the Wildcats football team’s Player of the Week for his play at defensive end, earning himself a steak dinner at the Wagon Wheel restaurant, which had a new owner in the late Marvin Raper. Update: Raper has since passed away.
– Publisher David Brown