In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Feb. 3, 2016, Scout: The first Chromebooks were distributed to all middle and high school students in Cherokee County in what Andrews Middle School Principal Andy Pyle called “a celebration.” Update: Cherokee County Schools has since switched to students using iPads.
- Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies found a second meth lab on property in Martins Creek. When the Blackberry Bend home was first searched, only a “one-pot” meth lab and small indoor marijuana grow operation were recovered.
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel officials reported $300 million in payouts in the first four months of operations in Murphy. Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer said his office had received “very few calls” about the casino.
Feb. 4, 2016, Journal: Andrews police located a 50-pound dog that bit a 15-year-old freshmen on the calf as he walked along Third Street after Andrews High School let out. The dog was quarantined for 10 days to ensure it wasn’t rabid, but the town’s leash law did not spell out how to enforce the ordinance, according to a patrol officer.
- State Employees Credit Union purchased the former PNC Bank building on Main Street in downtown Andrews. The N.C. Highway Patrol was expected to use part of the building for a regional headquarters.
25 years ago – Feb. 7, 2001, Scout: The Big D convenience store on Hill Street in Murphy was quickly robbed by a man brandishing what appeared to be a semi-automatic firearm. The robber took the entire cash register with him.
- Senior Samantha Maney, a starting guard for the Lady Eagles’ basketball team, was named Hiwassee Dam Union School’s 2001 homecoming queen. She was escorted by senior Joey Baker.
- David Maennle was paving the way for disabled students at Marble Elementary School, not letting the fact that he had Down syndrome keep him from attending school with his sister, Bekah. His mom, Becky Garland Hopper, called him “healthy and happy.” “Overall it has been a good experience,” she said.
Feb. 8, 2001, Journal: Water customers who lived outside the town limits were finally approved by the Andrews Board of Aldermen to have the same minimum number of gallons every month – 3,500 – as in-town customers.
- This display ad in the Andrews Journal went out to Lindy and Dayna: “Roses are red, violets are blue, this is from your mom, I love you.” In another ad, Pat praised his wife, Sandi, for “having the strength to be married to someone like me for seven years.”
50 years ago – Feb. 5, 1976, Scout: Cherokee County commissioners were concerned about unpaved roads, many which were described as non-drivable during inclement weather. They claimed not enough gravel was being put down by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
- Murphy businessman Roy Underwood formally announced he was running for Congress in the 11th District as an “independent American.”
Feb. 4, 1976, Journal: Andrews wrestlers won six matches against Robbinsville, losing three and tying one. Athletic Director Mike Whitley said the most exciting match was wrestled by Alan Pipes, who lost a 12-10 decision. Update: Pipes is a retired mechanic today.
– Publisher David Brown