In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Aug. 29, 2012, Scout: Amanda Davis, 23, of Murphy, pled guilty to killing Thomas Stiles, 63, of Hiwassee Dam, with her speeding car as he mowed grass next to Hiwassee Dam Access Road.
Four people were injured in a two-vehicle accident in front of Lifetime Kia in Murphy, with an Alabama man facing reckless driving charges.
The Scout’s series on local communities highlighted Brasstown, home to John C. Campbell Folk School, Tri-County Racetrack and, back then, the infamous and original Possum Drop.
Senior running back James Posey scored four touchdowns on only seven rushes as Murphy walloped Fannin County, Ga., 42-13 on the football field.
Aug. 30, 2012, Journal: Bear Ridge Speedway opened at the former Hillbilly Mall in Andrews to loud engines and rave reviews from the 143 spectators. Update: The speedway later closed, with the mall sold and broken up.
Lifelong Andrews resident Jean Christy, a longtime teacher, celebrated her 107th birthday at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home in Peachtree. Update: Christy later had a road named after her family in town. Since then, both the nursing home and hospital have been sold.
25 years ago – Aug. 27, 1997, Scout: Daniel Green, 55, of Cherokee County, and Guy Penner, 70, of Young Harris, Ga., were killed in separate incidents after being struck in the head. A Georgia couple, Victor and Laura LaFountain, was charged with Penner’s murder and considered suspects in Green’s death.
A dozen employees at Sakhina Fashions were sickened by carbon monoxide fumes and sent to Murphy Medical Center.
A legislative study on whether to split the 30th Prosecutorial District was sent back to the General Assembly for review. Update: Nothing was ever done with the study.
Aug. 28, 1997, Journal: A first-grade student at Andrews Elementary School was diagnosed with a viral type of meningitis, which was not contagious, but precautions were taken anyway to disinfect the classroom.
Winnie Cathy, 98, of Andrews, took her very first ride in an airplane, with pilot Richard Parker taking her up on “a perfect day to fly.”
50 years ago – Aug. 31, 1972, Scout: Ray Killian of Murphy died after being shot twice in the chest. His wife – Bettie Sue Killian, who had been separated from her husband for the last year – was charged in the shooting.
The 54th annual Cherokee County Fair was held in Murphy, with agriculture, animals, arts and crafts, games, rides and more. Update: The county fair is set to return in September at Andrews.
Murphy “surprised everyone concerned, except perhaps themselves” with a 56-12 win over county rival Andrews in football. Junior fullback Kenny Hall ran for five touchdowns on more than 300 yards rushing.
Aug. 30, 1972, Journal: Giles Luther’s 3 acres off Fairview Road were filled with a good crop of burley, the only tobacco crop being grown then in the western North Carolina mountains.
The Valleytown Rural Fire Department was circulating a petition asking Cherokee County government to call a referendum for a 10-cent fire tax.