In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Oct. 24, 2012, Scout: Cherokee County Health Director Jim Higgins resigned, with the health board naming Monica Holley and Ronell Harris as interim co-directors. Higgins was named health director in Iredell County.
- Vandals released 2,000 gallons of wastewater into the Valley River, which was a really crappy thing to do. The Town of Murphy offered a $500 reward to help catch the culprits.
- The Scout’s series on local communities highlighted Grape Creek, an area that is named – now follow us closely here – for grapes growing along a creek. It’s also a place known for residents working together.
Oct. 25, 2012, Journal: StranStone’s Restaurant on Main Street in Andrews was seriously damaged by fire. Update: While the former Chestnuts Cafe building was not completely destroyed, it has never reopened.
- The Andrews volleyball team defeated Hiwassee Dam 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 27-25) to advance to the second round of the state 1A playoffs. Update: The Lady Wildcats fell to Rosman the following week.
25 years ago – Oct. 22, 1997, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners told the Valley River Humane Society to seek more money from Clay and Graham counties, while turning down a request for additional dollars.
- Hayesville volleyball player Rachelle Edwards and assistant coach Paul Laliska were killed when a tractor-trailer collided with their activity bus while returning from a tournament in Rosman. Six players and coach Tiffany Clapsaddle were hospitalized after the accident. Police said the driver of the truck, Wendall Perkins, was drunk while behind the wheel and charged him with second-degree murder.
- Cherokee County residents were reminded to not use their new 911 addresses quite yet.
Oct. 23, 1997, Journal: “We’re stuck,” homeowners of the Burnt Branch Overlook in Marble said about their property values and scenic views going downhill as a result of the new Cherokee County Landfill.
- Ella Mae Holder of Milltown died after being stabbed multiple times in the neck. She was well known and admired throughout the Andrews Valley.
50 years ago – Oct. 26, 1972, Scout: The planned four-lane highway linking Andrews and Murphy was on schedule for construction to get started in 1974.
- Winifred Wells, a native of Murphy, became the first female Superior Court judge in North Carolina when she took over in Hendersonville.
- Mr. and Mrs. Ben L. Fleming of Murphy were honored with a party at home to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Oct. 24, 1972, Journal: Sadly, this edition is missing from our files.
– Publisher David Brown