In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Nov. 4, 2015, Scout: The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received approval from county commissioners to hire two new deputies and an investigator after a strong appeal by Sheriff Derrick Palmer.
- The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to allow four questions related to alcohol on the March primary election ballot. A large crowd at the county courthouse made passionate pleas for and against the proposals.
- More than 40 volunteers helped the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition complete the Morgan Creek restoration project near the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Kingdom Hall in Marble. New trees and shrubs were planted to prevent erosion of the creek banks.
Nov. 5, 2015, Journal: After an injury, Taylor Parker of Andrews moved from quarterback to halfback and promptly rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns in a 40-20 win over Hayesville. He also had 57 yards as a kick returner.
- The Andrews Pool leaks about 30,000 gallons of water every day, but the Andrews Board of Aldermen said it would cost $500,000 to permanently fix the ongoing problem. Superficial repairs would cost $250,000.
25 years ago – Nov. 8, 2000, Scout: A program called Mountain Projects was sponsoring seniors more than 65 years old to become foster grandparents for children in day-care centers, schools and Head Start.
- The N.C. Division of Forestry Resources issued a statewide burning ban until further notice. There were blankets of dried brush and leaves – otherwise known as fuel for fires – in many yards across Cherokee County.
- Members of a committee attempting to bring a new swimming pool to Murphy met to answer funding and design questions. Update: After years of fundraising, the pool was finally built; it’s part of Murphy Health & Fitness today. Check out the article on page 2A in the Oct. 29 edition of the Scout for more.
Nov. 9, 2000, Journal: Although Andrews Mayor Jim Dailey was not present at the first Andrews Board of Aldermen meeting since he was fired as town administrator/finance officer, he still had not resigned as mayor. Update: Dailey did resign one week later.
- Andrews resident Winnie Cathey, who was 101 years old, was spotted in line to vote in the general election. Her daughter, Judy Raxter, said Winnie had voted in every U.S. presidential election since she turned 21 years old.
50 years ago – Nov. 6, 1975, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners was seeking public opinion on whether to build a $500,000 community center in Murphy. The building would be paid for by a federal grant.
- The Murphy High School band raised $12,000 to purchase new uniforms. However, the new clothes were left behind on Halloween, when band members dressed up as Groucho Marx, the Wolfman, a Mummy and more.
Nov. 7, 1975, Journal: Ruth Wheeler, a widow employed at Andrews High School as a part-time cleaning woman in the past, said Principal Roy Pipes fired her for allegedly “plotting” against him with a woman.
– Publisher David Brown