In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – April 18, 2012, Scout: Child neglect cases were rising in Cherokee County, according to the Department of Social Services, casting a shadow on Child Abuse Prevention Month.
- Cherokee County taxpayers were only funding $40,000-80,000 of the annual costs involved in running the Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center in Murphy, not the entire operating expense of about $400,000. Update: Murphy Health & Fitness operates independently at that location today.
- A 33-year-old Murphy woman faced charges after allegedly cutting her boyfriend’s neck and slicing her wrist.
- Cherokee County and local resident Roger Swanson were close to settling a lawsuit over whether a new courthouse was supposed to be built on 24 acres Swanson sold the county off Pleasant Valley Road in Murphy.
April 19, 2012, Journal: Cameras may be used to get litterbugs to quit dumping trash on Tatham Gap Road, which is part of the Trail of Tears.
- Stories from bootleggers and war battles were expected to make Chautauqua, the Andrews Valley Experience, a must-go event for everyone in the area. Update: More than 200 people attended the annual event, which has not been held for several years.
25 years ago – April 16, 1997, Scout: While teachers complained about their crowded and again campuses, the Cherokee County Board of Education debated how to get a new Ranger School built and other facilities repaired on budget.
- The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners agreed to front the Murphy Town Council $125,000 to fund the extension of water and sewer lines on U.S. 64 West.
- The Murphy softball team routed Andrews 35-6 in five innings to remain undefeated on the season. The Lady Bulldogs were up by 15 runs after only one inning.
April 17, 1997, Journal: The Andrews/Murphy Airport celebrated turning 50 years old. During one memorable air show, a small plane landed onto the top of a moving car. Update: Western Carolina Regional Airport celebrated turning 75 in October 2021.
- Renovations at the Andrews Post Office were expected to cost $62,000.
50 years ago – April 20, 1972, Scout: All that stood in the way of a new Murphy Public Library was $38,000.
- To no one’s surprise, construction bids for a new building at Tri-County Tech in Peachtree came in more than $35,000 over budget. Update: You know the place today as Tri-County Community College.
- The annual Spring Cleanup was coming in Murphy, with town trucks picking up brush, tree trimmings and other things too large for residents’ garbage cans.
April 19, 1972, Journal: “Smoke jumpers” from the U.S. Forest Service showed off their specialized training in Andrews.
- Senior Bill Moore was named the Most Valuable Player of the Wildcats’ football team. Debbie Fuller was named MVP of the girls basketball team, while Frank Maennle was MVP of the boys squad
– Publisher David Brown