In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – May 6, 2015, Scout: The Town of Murphy gave the Hiwassee Valley Recreation Foundation $25,000 to help keep the Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center open. Update: The facility today is private and known as Murphy Health & Fitness.
- Danny Cordell, a Marine from Brasstown, was homeless for two years until the Cherokee County Veterans Office and community helped him find both a good job and a nice place to live.
- Martins Creek Middle School students created an anti-bullying week full of themed days, art, activities and guest speakers. They encouraged other people to also “Be a hero.”
May 7, 2015, Journal: The Andrews Board of Aldermen was working on an ordinance to restrict people from carrying firearms on town property. Both open carry and concealed carry would be part of the plan. Update: Officials and local residents clashed over the proposed changes at a meeting the following week.
- More than 275 people enjoyed Korbin’s Christian Concert at Marble Springs Baptist Church to benefit 3-year-old Korbin Smith of Andrews, who has battled cancer since he was 9 months old. More than $4,000 was raised.
25 years ago – May 3, 2000, Scout: A group of 39 walkers gathered at the Hillbilly Mall in Andrews to raise $3,560 to help fight multiple sclerosis.
- Rubella vaccine shots were urged after 30 German measles cases were confirmed in nine North Carolina counties. Most Americans had been immunized while in school.
- Cherokee County had a higher rate of arson and suspicious fires than the national average. From 1996-98, the county’s rate was 45%, much higher than the national rate of 17.1%.
May 4, 2000, Journal: District Memorial Hospital in Andrews was talking with attorneys about the possibility of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would give it a chance to reorganize while staying afloat.
- The shooting death of Carl Michael Burris, 47, of Andrews, was under investigation. The tragic incident occurred at Curtis Trailer Park.
50 years ago – May 8, 1975, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners came out strongly against the Mountain Land Management Act. The controversial legislation would involve the state in determining local land-use regulations.
- The Cherokee Scout cost 20 cents per copy lo those 2,600 editions ago, while an annual local subscription was just $6.24 – $12.48 if you lived outside of Cherokee and Clay counties.
May 8, 1975, Journal: Christopher Max “Chris” Killian, 21, of Andrews, died one day after his Jeep went off of U.S. 19/129 about a mile west of Andrews. His vehicle struck a rock bank and rolled several times, pinning him underneath.
– Publisher David Brown