In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – April 1, 2015, Scout: L.B. Ledford of Brasstown, a barber since 1964, was finally calling it a career at City Barber Shop in downtown Murphy. His haircuts included funny stories and tall tales that put customers at ease – and kept them coming back for more.
u Cherokee County Schools, and society at large, was getting used to a new smoking trend called “vaping.” While some people said vaping was much safer than using tobacco products, other people weren’t so sure about that.
u Three members of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners wanted to change state rules to allow them to carry firearms in the courthouse, where monthly meetings were held. Update: Results of a poll question one week later showed 63% of respondents agreed with them, although there was heavy lobbying.
April 2, 2015, Journal: The N.C. Highway Patrol’s “Troop G” honored Korbin Smith of Andrews for his bravery and courage in facing treatments against cancer. Meanwhile, doctors said he had a new kind of the disease.
u “Gospelfest” at Grace Community Church in Andrews was presented by Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and sponsored by One Dozen Who Care and friends. The event was held in honor of Ann Miller Woodford’s parents, Purel and Margaret Ann Wykle Miller, in celebration of Black History Month.
25 years ago – March 29, 2000, Scout: Arnold Eric Tilley, 64, died from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle accident on N.C. 294 in Hiwassee Dam. His vehicle entered a curve, left the roadway and collided with a large tree.
- Mark Allen Stacy, 39, of Farner, Tenn., was convicted of second-degree murder by a trial jury for deliberately running his van into Leonard Hamby, 47, of Murphy.
- James Derreberry, 27, and Darcy Wetmore, 21, both of Murphy, were indicted by a grand jury on murder, assault and kidnapping charges in the shooting death of Patrick Howell, 31, of Crawfordville, Ga.
March 30, 2000, Journal: The Andrews Board of Aldermen’s annexation plans began to get scaled back after Rick Walker, attorney for Citizens Against Forced Annexation, and group spokesman Jim Whitehouse argued against the proposal, which the town said it needed in order to provide services.
- Scott Selby of Nantahala and his daughter, Elizabeth, enjoyed their hobby of panning for gemstones in local creeks and rivers. He found several medium-size garnets, along with some low-grade amethyst and emeralds, while Bernie Wooley said he has found gold in these waterways.
50 years ago – April 3, 1975, Scout: Cherokee County was seeking a federal grant of $500,000 to finance the construction of 10 community center buildings. County Manager Ron Hill had applied for $1.6 million in grants.
- Men’s tube socks were available for only 66 cents each at Sky City Discount Center in Murphy. In addition, stereo eight-track tapes were on sale at 20% off.
April 3, 1975, Journal: Nantahala Power & Light Co. filed an application with the N.C. Utilities Commission asking for a 26% rate increase for residential, 15.4% for commercial, 30.8% for industrial, 25% for yard light and 25.6% for street and traffic light customers.
– Publisher David Brown