In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Nov. 14, 2012, Scout: A state judge ruled that a live opossum could not be used during the infamous New Year’s Eve Possum Drop in Brasstown, saying organizer Clay Logan had no right to receive such a permit.
- “Baby Korbin” Smith of Andrews, only 15 months old, was pronounced cancer-free after fighting neuroblastoma with chemotherapy, with much celebration in the community.
- The Scout’s series on local communities highlighted Tomotla, which once revolved around agriculture and cattle, and still holds great importance to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Nov. 15, 2012, Journal: Andrews and Murphy officials were hoping to see the great Smoky Mountain Railroad running again in their communities. The cost to bring the lines back in shape was estimated at $8.5 million. Update: The repairs and upgrades still haven’t happened.
- Andrews native Stint Hardin, 78, shared her story about growing during hard times in the Great Depression, when families had to raise and grow everything they ate.
25 years ago – Nov. 12, 1997, Scout: Murphy council member Bill Hughes was elected mayor. Update: Hughes, former principal of Murphy Elementary School, would serve five terms and 20 years in office.
- Jeff and Barbara Howard of Youth in Christ Ministries planned to open a youth center in downtown Murphy, despite the fact that council members would not allow pool tables and video games.
- Murphy finished 5-5 on the season in football after losing to Swain 28-20 in the regular-season finale. The Bulldogs’ playoff run was set to start on the road at 10-1 Mount Airy.
Nov. 13, 1997, Journal: Andrews Mayor Jim Daley said town employees will continue to perform jobs for private homeowners – as long as the town is paid for both labor and any materials.
- Andrews High School student John Holcomb won a cool $50 just for wearing his “One way to play – drug free” T-shirt on campus.
50 years ago – Nov. 16, 1972, Scout: Sun Tok Price, 36, a native of Korea, was charged with murder in the death of her husband, Kermit Price, 57, of Hayesville, a retired U.S. Army veteran. Update: Ms. Price was under observation to see if she was mentally competent to stand trial.
- Two young married women – Joy Rich, 23, and Angelia Whitner, 21, both of Murphy – were injured, one seriously, when the vehicle they were riding in along U.S. 64 plunged down an embankment and into the Hiwassee River.
- Gibson’s IGA Foodliner in Andrews was selling Thanksgiving turkeys for just 39 cents per pound, and whole chicken fryers for just 29 cents a pound.
Nov. 15, 1972, Journal: Andrews United Methodist Church made the last payment on its fellowship hall. Update: Another new fellowship hall has been built since then for the growing congregation.
- The Harlem Stars, “an all-black team of professional basketball performers,” came to the Andrews High School gymnasium to play a squad of local All-Stars and raise money for the senior prom.
– Publisher David Brown