In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – May 29, 2013, Scout: Ten years after his arrest at a Dumpster behind the Save-a-Lot grocery store in Murphy, the fugitive run of Olympic Park, abortion clinic and nightclub bomber Eric Rudolph, formerly of Nantahala, continued to loom large in the minds of Cherokee County residents. Update: That Dumpster was a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
- It was a week of ceremonies, with six area high schools holding graduation events and fallen soldiers honored on Memorial Day at Veterans Park in downtown Murphy.
- The Hiwassee Dam softball team fell to East Wilkes 7-1 in the Elite 8 of the state 1A playoffs. Led by Haylie Shope on the mound and at the plate, the Lady Eagles finished 20-6 on the season.
May 23, 2013, Journal: Vandals damaged a dozen concrete memorial benches on School House Hill leading to Andrews Elementary School that were landmarks in the community.
- Andrews Chamber of Commerce President Margaret Deluna was appointed chair of the Cherokee County Tourism & Development Authority.
25 years ago – May 27, 1998, Scout: Arthur Paul Davies, 18, of Hanging Dog, was killed when a four-wheeler he was riding flipped over and landed on top of him. His mother went into shock finding him.
- Superior Court Judge James Baker denied David Clinton England’s request to withdraw his guilty plea to a second-degree murder charge, instead sentencing him to 18-22 years in state prison for the murder of 5-year-old Jared Krause.
- The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved giving the Town of Andrews a total of $300,000 – $50,000 a year for five years – to help fund improvements to its water and sewer systems.
May 28, 1998, Journal: The Andrews Police Department was down from six to three staff members after assistant chief Chris West and Officer John Dahdah resigned, while Officer Walter Willis was fired.
- Andrews Middle School Principal Jennifer Myers turned over the first shovelful of dirt to build a new campus next to the Lee Co., which donated land for the project.
50 years ago – May 24, 1973, Scout: Cherokee County’s land boom was in full swing, as home prices had quadrupled over the last five years. The register of deeds showed there were $2.1 million in land sales in 1968, a number that grew to $8.4 million in 1972.
- Former Cherokee County commissioner Luther Dockery of Boiling Springs passed away at age 70. He was active in the community, serving in a variety of volunteer positions.
- Sally Davidson, 85, a Murphy poet who wrote the “On Our Street” column for the Cherokee Scout, died after a period of declining health.
May 24, 1973, Journal: There were 69 graduates at Andrews High School. Principal Roy Pipes also handed out honors including the “I Dare You” award to Maurice West and Rebecca Sheidy for their inspiration and leadership qualities. William Moore was named Outstanding Senior.
- The final concrete was being poured on a new bridge over the Valley River leading into town. Builders Supply and Ready Mix of Andrews was supplying the concrete.
– Publisher David Brown