In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – March 20, 2013, Scout: Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy was getting closer to approval, with nearby law enforcement agencies saying crime hasn’t really increased since Cherokee Casino Resort opened in 1997.
- Larry Wayne Reid Jr., 41, of Murphy, who was arrested on a sex registry violation, was also charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, trafficking in opiates and conspiracy to traffic.
- The Murphy High School shooting team won its first Far West Division title in the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Youth Hunter Skills Tournament, with the middle school coming in second place.
March 14, 2013, Journal: The Andrews Chamber of Commerce honored Jack and Judy Faulkner, representing the Andrews Garden Club, with the town’s beautification award.
- Bill Green was again brought back as Andrews’ town manager, this time after a tie vote was broken by Mayor Johnny Brown.
25 years ago – March 18, 1998, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Education accepted the resignation request of longtime Murphy High School Principal Bob Hendrix.
- Building B at Tri-County Community College in Peachtree was renamed after former state legislator Herman “Bull” West.
- Cherokee County resident Boyd Davis, 78, finally received the Bronze Star medal he earned as a U.S. Army infantryman during World War II.
March 19, 1998, Journal: A dozen youths were suspected of vandalizing property, including religious statues, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Andrews.
- Local businesswoman Cindy Day withdrew a proposal to start a summer program for kids in the Andrews Community Center.
50 years ago – March 15, 1973, Scout: Dr. Charles VanGorder of Andrews, who also served as the county’s medical examiner, resigned from the Cherokee County Board of Education. “That’s long enough,” he said.
- The boat-launching ramp on Hiwassee Lake at Hanging Dog Campground was ready for use, with other U.S. Forest Service facilities set to open soon.
- In the personals column, readers learned who had been on vacation, who had visitors in from out of town and who was taken to or got to come back home from the hospital. Update: Yes, that all was big news then.
March 14, 1973, Journal: Claude “Hoot” Gibson, coach of the Mars Hill football team, spoke during the annual Andrews High School Sports Banquet.
- Andrews police officers made 30 arrests over the previous month, with the most frequent charges being public drunkenness with eight offenders and driving under the influence of alcohol with five.
– Publisher David Brown