In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – April 11, 2012, Scout: Two-year-old Austin Frey of Bellview was fine after spending a night alone in the woods. A team of local volunteers didn’t stop searching until the boy was found.
- An amphitheater being planned at Murphy Elementary School could create a noise violation, as outdoor amplification was not allowed under a city ordinance. Update: The theater showed great promise but was never built.
- A sustainable artisan community was planned for 285 acres in the Shoal Creek area of Cherokee County. Update: Shoals Farm Village also showed great promise but was never built.
April 12, 2012, Journal: None of the severe weather sirens in Andrews, Marble and Topton were activated when an EF-2 tornado touched down last month in Cherokee County. Officials worked to fix the problem by linking the sirens to the National Weather Service network.
- Former Andrews Police Chief Carl McLean – who served the town for 29 years, chief in 17 of them – passed away after having health problems.
25 years ago – April 9, 1997, Scout: The Ten Commandments in the main courtroom of the Cherokee County Courthouse became the subject of speculation after an atheist group filled to remove similar religious tablets from the Haywood County Courthouse.
- The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners sent school officials back to the drawing board after rejecting a request for $15 million in additional funding for a building program.
- Excessive speed was blamed after a cement truck wrecked going around a curve in Murphy. The driver was thrown through the windshield but survived, then was charged with reckless driving and a seat-belt violation.
April 10, 1997, Journal: Father-and-son William and Mark Rogers were charged after 50 pounds of marijuana was seized in Marble.
- Todd Reece, a native of Andrews, began working as Cherokee County’s planner. Update: His annual salary of $25,000 was paid from a three-year grant that eventually ran out.
50 years ago – April 13, 1972, Scout: Cherokee County Commissioner Jack Lovingood went free after a hearing on charges that he violated federal gun laws by making illegal sales to an undercover agent.
- Murphy High School students asked town council members to lift a ban on dances at the Rock Gym.
- A 1965 Volkswagen with a sun roof could be had for only $595 at Transportation Used Cars & Trucks, located across from Murphy High School.
April 12, 1972, Journal: Dozen of angry parents
expressed frustration at county school board officials for the 15-year delay in building a new elementary schoolhouse.
- A state education official called consolidation the solution to the county’s school funding challenges, but two groups from Hiwassee Dam were unhappy with bussing plans. Update: That sounds familiar today.
– Publisher David Brown