In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – July 18, 2012, Scout: The death of Billy Ray Arp, 61, of Ranger, was being investigated as suspicious, as there was an indication that foul play was involved. Update: A person of interest was identified a week later.
- Three members of the Bartley family, who owned a vacation home nearby, were killed when the plane they were flying crashed in Mississippi after taking off from Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews.
- The Scout’s series on local communities showcased Marble, which was once bustling with activity, including a bus station and train depot.
July 19, 2012, Journal: Loudon Orr, 13, of Robbinsville, was killed after he was hit in the back of the head with a bat during a baseball camp at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School.
- Andrews coach Ray Cable held a four-day wrestling camp in the high school gym.
25 years ago – July 16, 1997, Scout: The murder trial of Frank Chance, 74, got underway in Cherokee County Superior Court. Chance was accused of shooting Mervin James Lewis during a fight at the Royal Waffle King in Murphy.
- The Murphy Town Council nixed a $1.3 million water line extension to N.C. 60 that was approved by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.
- A vehicle driven by Kristen Lee Winnegar, 16, crashed into seven other vehicles in downtown Murphy while cruising about 11 p.m. after the gas pedal stuck.
July 17, 1997, Journal: Both Ray Frazier and Gary Tatham filed to run for mayor of Andrews in the 1997 town election. No one had signed up yet to seek an alderman’s post.
- A $2,350 Challenge Grant was expected to help the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center with upgrades, but the county cut the Valleytown Cultural Arts & Historical Society’s allocation to only $500 of a requested $7,500.
50 years ago – July 20, 1972, Scout: Two local murder cases were headed to the docket, one involving Noland Rogers, who was charged in the death of his brother in law; and the other involving Jewell Kirby, who was finally standing trial in a 1967 shooting.
- Cherokee County Schools Superintendent John Jordan, a Democrat, defended himself against sharply critical comments made by Republicans on the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.
- The Valley Village Shopping Center was under construction and on schedule on U.S. 19/129 in Murphy, with Sky City discount store expected to be the biggest tenant.
July 19, 1972, Journal: The Andrews All-Stars defeated the Waynesville All-Stars 1-0 in extra innings during the first game of the district baseball tournament. “Little” Ray Maney scored the winning run.
- Jim Jensen of the Brookside Trailer Park in Topton said the park’s swimming pool was open for the community to use at an admission price of 50 cents.
– Publisher David Brown