In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – June 27, 2012, Scout: The Cherokee County Tourist Development Authority began operating two welcome centers on U.S. 19/74 – one at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce office in Murphy, the other at the rest area in Andrews. Update: The TDA today operates a welcome center in downtown Murphy along with the rest area, along with supporting both chambers of commerce.
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted to use nearly $900,000 from the fund balance to pay for waterproofing the old part of the courthouse, which was being expanded and renovated, plus pay for a lawsuit settlement with The Learning Center charter school over per-pupil funding. Update: The Learning Center is closing effective Thursday.
Murphy mountain biker Josh Standish picked up a win in a qualifying race at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships. The teenager was ranked the No. 1 men’s downhill rider in the state.
June 28, 2012, Journal: The Andrews Journal started a series of people profiles with an article about Kelly Bryant of Marble, the Andrews Public Library’s technician.
Mount Zion Baptist Church in Marble celebrated 100 years of serving the Lord, with descendants from founding members on hand.
25 years ago – June 25, 1997, Scout: Clay M. Luther, 27, of Bellview, died from cardiac arrest after the tractor he was driving overturned on him in Hiwassee Dam. Luther was a volunteer firefighter and rescue squad member.
Local attorney and future Cherokee County commissioner David Sumpter was bitten by a brown recluse spider. It took a couple of weeks for his leg to return to normal.
There was a full page of television listings in the Cherokee Scout every week. Update: Many more channels have been added since antennas and basic cable, from satellites to streaming online, making a page of listings still far too little.
June 26, 1997, Journal: Supervisor Robert Allen said one-fourth of the trash at the Cherokee County Landfill in Marble was dropped off in Dumpsters by out-of-state residents.
Michael Shiver, 12, whose maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Joseph El-Khouri of Andrews, scored a remarkable 1,220 on the SAT, which is meant for high school students who want to go to college.
50 years ago – June 29, 1972, Scout: The Bear Creek Scenic Railway museum opened between Topton and Robbinsville.
Channel 5 in Asheville was back on the air in Cherokee County after a vandal shot the translator, silencing the network until it could be repaired.
Thieves again hit Smith’s Grocery, taking more than 1,100 cartons of cigarettes from the store on U.S. 64 West near the Tennessee line. Update: Smith’s was robbed of 950 cartons the month before.
June 28, 1972, Journal: Inspired by agricultural teacher Roy Gilbert at Andrews High School, student Robert Truett started a tomato farm to raise money as well as provide fresh vegetables.
The Class of 1922 held a reunion, with 10 of the 14-member class returning to Andrews High School for the 50-year event.