In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Oct. 17, 2012, Scout: The local newspaper hosted a series of political forums at the Cherokee County Courthouse, with state Sen. John Snow (D) debating challenger Jim Davis (R). However, Mark Meadows (R) failed to show up for his debate with Hayden Rogers (D), despite committing to being there or sending a representative, which the Scout noted in an editorial.
- The Scout’s series on local communities highlighted Valleytown – an area that blends with Andrews, Tathum Gap and the Trail of Tears – and got its name from the Cherokee.
- The Scout published 20 letters to the editor over four pages – a record for one edition – from readers about local and national issues.
Oct. 18, 2012, Journal: The annual Chautauqua AVE! event had a great turnout over several days in town to celebrate the arts.
- Bear Ridge Enterprise was giving away an automobile not a lucky Andrews High School senior at graduation. Every “A” grade will put their name in a hat for the drawing.
25 years ago – Oct. 15, 1997, Scout: Cherokee County planner Todd Reece resigned, only six months after replacing Jeff Robinson. “It just isn’t my bag,” Reece told the Scout.
- Students moved into the new Murphy Middle School building this week, with others getting ready to move into the new Martins Creek Elementary/Middle School next week.
- Cherokee County Schools received almost $2 million more from the state, with almost all of it going to pay raises for staff and teachers.
Oct. 16, 1997, Journal: Andrews High School Principal Tim Coffey transferred to Peachtree School after almost 10 years at the helm of the Wildcats.
- Bobby Lynn Luther of Andrews and Richard James King of Marble faced felony charges after drugs were found during a traffic stop.
50 years ago – Oct. 19, 1972, Scout: The Grizzle brothers announced plans to build a large hotel and supermarket on U.S. 64 West in Murphy. The brothers, who were partners at the Grizzley Bear Trading Post in Ranger, were planning on a Piggly-Wiggly opening.
- Cherokee County Sheriff Blain Stalcup was planning to sell two 1969 Plymouth Roadrunners that were confiscated during an illegal drag race held in Culberson.
- Two 16-year-olds from Georgia came up to Murphy to obtain a license to get married. (Yes, you could do that sort of thing at that age then.)
Oct. 17, 1972, Journal: The proposed four-lane highway linking Andrews and Murphy was put higher on the N.C. Department
of Transportation’s priority list.
- Cherokee County Schools Superintendent John Jordan’s comments about how best to spend state money for education was criticized by local residents for not including any Andrews schools.
– Publisher David Brown