In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Oct. 22, 2014, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Education allowed Schools Superintendent Stephen Lane to retire. Lane had been charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon after blowing a .12 on the Breathalyzer; .08 is the legal limit).
- The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services suspended the Valley River Humane Society’s license to operate the animal shelter in Marble, effective Nov. 12. The state’s judgment was called “hasty.” Update: It was, as the shelter continues to operate today.
- Murphy police Officer Adam May suffered an injured ankle while chasing down Charles Lee Mayberry, 26, of Topton, from Walmart after thefts were reported from a parked car. After giving his correct name, Mayberry also faced charges from Graham County.
Oct. 23, 2014, Journal: The Coalition for a Safe & Drug-free Cherokee County was working with Andrews High School to crack down on vape pens used by some students on campus.
- Four of Andrews’ World War II veterans – Garland Watson, Albert “Buster” Conley, Arnold Wilson and Richard Parker – shared their stories at the veterans memorial on Schoolhouse Hill.
25 years ago – Oct. 20, 1999, Scout: While accused murderer Nathan Hass’ bond was originally set at $1.5 million, he ended up being released on an unsecured $50,000 bond after appearing court.
- Damages from flooding caused by inmates at the Cherokee County Jail in downtown Murphy were estimated at $20,000. The inmates clogged drains and toilets, flooding the jail, forcing officials to move them to Macon County for about a month.
Oct. 21, 1999, Journal: Linda Hutto was selected to replace her late husband, Jim Hutto, on the Andrews Board of Aldermen. Aldermen John Paul Jones was opposed to the decision and resigned immediately afterward.
- The Andrews Board of Aldermen named local residents Tom Rennick and Pat Postlewhait to the town’s ABC Board. Steve Truett was appointed zoning administrator, while Russ Pruitt and Darrell Stevens accepted positions on the zoning board.
50 years ago – Oct. 24, 1974, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved buying six trucks for rural fire protection at a total cost of $50,000, with the money coming from revenue-sharing funds.
- Workers resurfaced N.C. 294 in Hiwassee Dam, which was known for being particularly slippery when wet, with a number of wrecks reported around Elrod Mountain.
Oct. 23, 1974, Journal: The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that they had a suspect in the robbery of Northwestern Bank in Andrews, though no arrest was made.
– Publisher David Brown