In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Feb. 17, 2016, Scout: A father and son in Culberson, Ricky and Charleston Waldroup – along with local resident Mary Rankin – were arrested amid a horrific child abuse investigation involving rape, prostitution and incest. All three were given $1 million bonds. Sheriff Derrick Palmer said he prayed for “swift but fair justice.”
- A 41-year-old Brasstown man was arrested on a federal charge after officers determined he was part of a militia group that surrendered after a 41-day standoff at a wildlife refuge in Burns, Ore.
- Seven months after being left for dead in a trash bag at the Cherokee County Landfill in Marble, the baby goat named Edith Ann was healthy and doing well at her new home at Ye Olde Goat Farm in Martins Creek.
Feb. 18, 2016, Journal: Andrews High School musicians Madison Bias and Hannah McCaw performed with the Western North Carolina All-District Bands at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee after winning their spots.
- Andrews police zipped up a rash of indecent exposure calls with the arrest of a 33-year-old local man, who allegedly exposed himself to several people at different locations around town, which was caught on camera.
25 years ago – Feb. 21, 2001, Scout: Cherokee County residents donated $18,753.58 to show support for Cherokee County sheriff’s Deputy Milton “Sport” Teasdale, who was run over in a parking lot by an alleged robber.
- Wayne Henry Burchfield of Cherokee County pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm in a crime of violence, for which he received 13 years and five months in a federal prison. He was accused of attempting to kill a special agent with the FBI.
- Cherokee County 911 coordinator Bill Bateman was dismissed after commissioners learned he had another full-time job as a water plant operator in Andrews, which Mayor Jake Buchanan said would take 55-60 hours per week.
Feb. 22, 2001, Journal: Mayor Jake Buchanan Sr.
imposed a five-minute limit on speakers at Andrews Board of Aldermen meetings. While one resident backed the town’s restriction, another questioned its wisdom.
- A total of 13 town employees attended a workshop, chaired by Andrews Alderman Ray Frazier, to discuss job satisfaction and related issues. Frazier wanted to give the employees a chance to discuss problems and find solutions.
50 years ago – Feb. 19, 1976, Scout: Former international bicyclist Steve “The Woz” Wozniak, a new resident of Peachtree, was named assistant director of the U.S. World Bicycle Race, which was scheduled to start in Murphy.
- The Hiwassee River between Murphy and Hayesville was being considered for possible designation as a Wild & Scenic River by the federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. There were 40 such rivers proposed in the Appalachians.
Feb. 18, 1976, Journal: Sherry Pruett and Tim Coffee were named Andrews High School’s 1976 Heart King and Queen, as chosen by their classmates. A record total of $372 was raised with the balloting and fundraising party.
– Publisher David Brown
In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Feb. 24, 2016, Scout: After the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners spent considerable time debating what to do about a “life estate” contract with the family of Cecil Martin Hembree, whose home was at Western Carolina Regional Airport. However, it was discovered that she had been dead for almost two years.
- Rocky, a beloved dog running around at Fields
of the Wood in Hiwassee Dam since he was dropped off as a puppy about 10 years ago, was ordered to leave due to liability concerns on behalf of the insurance company. - The Hiwassee Dam girls basketball team’s 74-27 win over Highlands was the fourth Little Smoky Mountain Conference tournament title and 100th victory overall for coach Ray Gutierrez and seniors Haylie Shope, Kameron Foreister and Katie Estep.
Feb. 25, 2016, Journal: Andrews police, with the help of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, nabbed a 42-year-old fugitive from Towns County, Ga., who was wanted on numerous drug charges and motor vehicle violations.
- The play Suessical the Musical was getting ready to open at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center in downtown Andrews. Director Lori Coffey was bringing the world of Dr. Suess to the Community Youth Players/ACT 2 stage.
25 years ago – Feb. 28, 2001, Scout: Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies arrested 42 people ages 16-60 from across the tri-state area at a cockfight in Marble, where five roosters were found dead and 20 others confiscated.
- Two Ranger students were suspended after bringing a pellet gun to school and storing it. Two other students alerted school officials about the gun before the 8 a.m. bell rang, making Principal Virginia Williams proud.
- Funding for the Valley River Humane Society in Marble was once again called into question after a payment was less than the $72,880 expected, which stems from taking care of 1,822 animals for four days at $10 per day.
March 1, 2001, Journal: The new convenience center at Granny Squirrel was completed by Cherokee County, giving local residents a closer place to take their household trash and recycling. The center also had a swap shop.
- The Andrews boys basketball team earned its second straight shot at the Western 1A regional title with a win over Cherryville. “It gets a lot harder from here,” said Wildcats coach Kenneth Solesbee, who
was also coach of the 1977 Wildkittens who brought home the girls state title.
Update: Yes, “Wildkittens” was used for a spell in Andrews.
50 years ago – Feb. 26, 1976, Scout: The Rev. Gerald Glenn Hancock, 25, of Marble, was killed as a result of a fiery wreck in Hiwassee Dam. The driver’s truck burst into flames after running off N.C. 294 below the school.
- Officials from the Tennessee Valley Authority said lakes were managed for power, telling local leaders that recreation was not a consideration in the fluctuating levels.
Feb. 25, 1976, Journal: Sadly, this edition is missing from our files.
– Publisher David Brown