In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – May 23, 2012, Scout: Former Cherokee County Department of Social Services director Lisa Davis only received probation and a $1,000 fine after being found guilty of embezzling about $184,000. District Attorney Michael Bonfoey said he was “very unhappy” about the plea deal, as well as that the case was moved from Cherokee to Clay County.
- A murder solicitation charge was dropped against Corey Luther of Murphy, although it might be reinstated later. Luther was already behind bars after being accused in the murder of Marble resident John Newton.
- Cherokee County’s Relay for Life at Konehete Park in Murphy raised about $95,000 to help cancer victims. Update: A local Relay for Life has not been held for several years.
- Murphy retired the No. 7 jersey of quarterback Seth Curtis. The only other Bulldog with a retired jersey was that of legendary wide receiver and future NFL star Carl Pickens of Texana.
May 24, 2012, Journal: Oak Grove Baptist and other churches, along with local residents, rallied around Korbin Smith, a 9-month-old boy diagnosed with cancerous tumor.
- Barry David Jones, 23, was charged with assaulting two local women.
25 years ago – May 21, 1997, Scout: Petitions were circulating against two Cherokee County Board of Education proposals; one to make end-of-grade tests count more toward students’ promotion, and one making up sick days on Saturdays.
- Murphy businessman and former chief sheriff’s deputy Charles White Sr. passed away at age 75. He operated White’s Sales & Service, plus also served as chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Elections and Department of Social Services Board.
- Cow patty bingo was coming to the 1997 Spring Fling in Brasstown. Update: If you have to ask what that is, you probably don’t want to know.
May 22, 1997, Journal: One man was airlifted to a hospital, but no one else was seriously injured during a five-vehicle pile-up in Granny Squirrel.
- Gayle Lay, president of the Andrews Chamber of Commerce, rescinded her resignation, which came in the aftermath of Executive Director Ann Woodford being placed on temporary layoff. Update: Woodford later turned down a request to work part time for the chamber.
50 years ago – May 25, 1972, Scout: Murphy Elementary School was planning on merging classes in grades 1-3 on an experimental basis. Update: The experiment ended a year or so later.
- Local senior citizens Dorothy Parker and Lona Galloway were killed when their vehicle collided with another one on U.S. 64 East near Hayesville.
- Lifeguards Bill McKeever and Terry Newman painted the diving platform at the Murphy Lions Club pool, a popular summer spot for local kids. Update: The old outdoor pool near the Rock Gym in Konehete Park later closed and was replaced by what today is Murphy Health & Fitness.
May 24, 1972, Journal: Four Square Community Action funded a total of $340,000 worth of projects in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Jackson counties.
- You could buy four 28-ounce Cokes for just a buck at the Andrews A&P store. Update: That would cost you at least $6 today.
– Publisher David Brown