In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Oct. 21, 2015, Scout: A Cherokee County grand jury charged Jonathan and Sarah Freeman of Murphy with brutally injuring a 2-month-old baby. Thankfully, the baby was getting healthier after suffering more than a dozen broken bones.
- The Cherokee Scout was working with the N.C. Department of Probation & Parole’s office in Murphy to publish “Most Wanted” graphics featuring people with outstanding probation violation warrants.
- A “great pumpkin” grown in Peachtree weighed in at a staggering 86 pounds. Corey and Julie Collins grew the pumpkin, which was won by Dale Allman after he guessed its correct weight.
Oct. 22, 2015, Journal: A 12-year-old boy came to his mother’s defense after a “very intoxicated” man came to the front door of their home and started arguing with her; turns out he was looking for someone who lived several homes away. The 36-year-old man was later charged with personal damage to property and simple assault on a child.
- Aly Jordan of Andrews stole the show at the Georgia Mountain Fair while singing with her father’s bluegrass group, The Steve Jordan Band. Her rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Walking in the Moonlight” got 5,000 people out of their seats to applaud.
25 years ago – Oct. 25, 2000, Scout: Christopher Teems, 4, of Peachtree, tragically died in a doublewide mobile home fire on Hendrix Road. The home was 50% engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.
- Nina-Ann Gunnison, 64, of Martins Creek, said she suffered a heart attack after a confrontation with a neighbor’s pit bull dog. She and an 80-year-old woman appealed to Cherokee County Board of Commissioners to address the problem of dangerous animals. Update: The neighbors came back a week later and said their dogs were family pets and not vicious.
- Family Resources of Cherokee County raised about $2,000 during its third annual Fashion Show. Volunteer extraordinaire Barbara Hughes of Murphy was praised for coming up with the idea.
Oct. 26, 2000, Journal: The Andrews High School Marching Band swept state 1A class competition to place first in music, marching and overall effect at the Southern Invitational Music Festival in Marietta, Ga.
- After much discussion, the N.C. Department of Transportation agreed to install a traffic light on U.S. 19/74 at Beaver Creek Road/Locust Street in Andrews. Update: Many local residents say that light has saved lives.
50 years ago – Oct. 23, 1975, Scout: The Cherokee County Mental Health Association was being organized in Marble by a group of professionals, semi-professionals and volunteers.
- Senior Debbie Graves was crowned the 1975 homecoming queen at Murphy High School. Her escort was Gary Woods.
Oct. 22, 1975, Journal: The Andrews Board of Aldermen and Mayor Ty Burnette were planning a $100,000 internal renovation of Andrews Town Hall. The town already had $20,000 set aside for the project.
– Publisher David Brown