In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – May 13, 2015, Scout: Leon Dockery, 55, of Murphy, was arrested after his third high-speed chase with law enforcement officers in the last year, this one starting in the Walgreens parking lot.
- Retired police chief Jim Murray of Hanging Dog was preparing to be a contestant on the new television show The Island With Bear Grylls. Update: Murray made it to the very end, and the Scout kept track of his progress with weekly updates.
- The Cherokee Scout published an astounding 15 letters to the editor over three pages on a wide variety of issues, from the Andrews Pool to gun control to giving thanks to speaking out for Christians.
May 14, 2015, Journal: Andrew Klima, 18, of Andrews, was honored for reaching the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank – Eagle Scout – just like his brother Gregory did five years previously. His grandfather and father were also Scouts.
- Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Andrews was sponsoring an “Officer Down! Memorial Dinner” to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty as part of National Police Week.
25 years ago – May 10, 2000, Scout: Hiwassee Dam Union School officials accepted a Grammy and $5,000 award in recognition of the staff’s commitment to music education in the face of adversity.
- The Murphy Town Council approved building a new fire department substation on land off of Natural Springs Drive donated by Dr. Barry Watson and his wife. The building was expected to be 32 feet wide by 40 feet deep.
- The annual Spring Festival in downtown Murphy was bigger and better than ever, according to organizers. About 3,000 people attended the free event, despite temperatures in the 80s. Update: The event left for a while before a new Spring Festival emerged as sponsored by the Murphy Business Association.
May 11, 2000, Journal: Cherokee County Republican Roger West (R-Peachtree) was appointed to fill the seat of state Rep. Bob Carpenter (R-Franklin), who resigned to spend more time on his business.
- Cub Scout Pack 401 took part in the annual Pinewood Derby on Chestnut Street in Andrews, with the Andrews Fire Department providing traffic control. A fun, fast time was had by all.
50 years ago – May 15, 1975, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners picked Dickey Farm as the site for a new farmers market, paying $3,000 per each acre of the 20-acre property near WKRK radio in Murphy.
- Local officials were against the proposed U.S. 19/74 bypass’ flat, grade-level intersection with U.S. 64 in Murphy. Mayor Cloe Moore said, “People are going to get killed there if it is not changed.”
May 15, 1975, Journal: The Andrews A’s – the community’s first Dixie Youth Baseball team, led by manager Jesse Mashburn and several assistant coaches – was set to play their first game against the Murphy Braves.
– Publisher David Brown