In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Nov. 12, 2014, Scout: Pilot Jerry Sherwood safely landed his experimental RV 7A propeller aircraft on the four-lane highway, then taxied to the nearby Big D convenience store in Marble, after the plane’s oil pressure dramatically dropped.
- After Jeana Hardin resigned to accept a position as chief technology office in the Rockingham School System, she was promoted to become chief technological officer, executive director of high school curriculum and Title One parental officer for Cherokee County Schools. Update: Staying put was a good move, as Hardin – Jeana Conley today – later was promoted to become superintendent, a position she retired from two years ago.
- It was another successful year for the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s Kickin’ Asphalt half-marathon, which was won by John Flor of Murphy in 1:18. Update: The once-annual event no longer takes place.
Nov. 13, 2014, Journal: In what was considered a political upset, Tim Coffey of Andrews defeated Erik Brinke of Murphy for his seat on the Cherokee County Board of Education, even though Brinke carried 10 of 16 precincts.
- The Valley River Humane Society in Marble was about to receive another inspection of the animal shelter from the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services after failing an inspection on Sept. 23.
25 years ago – Nov. 10, 1999, Scout: Leonard Hamby, 47, of Murphy, died after being struck by a van in the parking lot of DJ’s Bar in Turtletown, Tenn. Mark Allen Stacy, 37, of Farner, Tenn., was charged with first-degree murder after allegedly running down Hamby.
- The Cherokee County Economic Development Commission met to discuss a $17.5 million project to bring natural gas to the area from Atlanta Gas Light Co. Update: Officials later declined the offer due to cost.
- Murphy Medical Center in Peachtree broke ground on what would become Mountain Regional Cancer Center, which was scheduled to open in about a year.
Nov. 11, 1999, Journal: Jared Joseph Stiles, 18, of Marble, died after sustaining injuries in a one-vehicle wreck 8 miles east of Murphy. His body was thrown from the vehicle.
- Baker Furniture continued layoffs, with 87 more people losing their jobs at the Andrews business. In March, another 81 workers were laid off, then 30 more over the summer.
50 years ago – Nov. 14, 1974, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted to buy new voting machines for the entire county. Members also approved buying land to build a community center in Hot House.
- Homer Lee Tucker, 56, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to robbing Northwestern Bank in Andrews. He was sentenced to serve 15 years in a state penitentiary. A second man was still being sought in the crime.
Nov. 13, 1974, Journal: For the second week in a row, fires struck Andrews. Officials said arson was not indicated in a downtown fire, as a butane lighter left with the pilot light burning was suspected. However, arson was suspected in a blaze at Ethel Slagle’s barn.
– Publisher David Brown