In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – July 24, 2013, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted to no longer financially support the work of the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition. As a result, the county was placed lower on the priority list for water quality projects provided by the nonprofit. Update: The watershed coalition later merged with the environmental group Mountain-True, which operates an office on Tennessee Street in downtown Murphy.
- Fresh off of abolishing the Western Carolina Regional Airport Advisory Board, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted to also cancel the Recreation Advisory Board, blindsiding local residents who volunteered to serve on the board.
- The Cherokee Scout continued its Celebrate Cherokee County series about the offices in county government with the Facilities Maintenance Department headed by director Roy Dickey, who later became a county commissioner.
July 18, 2013, Journal: The body of Shannon Christy, 23, a 2008 graduate of Andrews High School, was found after she was reported missing while kayaking in the Potomac River.
- Lifelong Andrews resident Purel Miller, 90, passed away after an illness. “He was a great citizen of Andrews, and everyone loved him,” Realtor Ralph Crisp said, speaking for many. Update: The fact that a white man could say that about a black man who grew up in troubled racial times showed just how much Miller was beloved in the community.
25 years ago – July 22, 1998, Scout: Ryan Shawn O’Keefe, 16, pleaded guilty to murder and robbery in the death of Shamrock Publishing owner Daniel Green, 55, who was shot in the head, though O’Keefe said he wasn’t the shooter. Alex Bryant, 18, was facing a capital trial in the case.
- Wayne Lee Odell of Greasy Creek Road in Murphy pleaded guilty in federal court to charges that he cultivated marijuana on land inside the Nantahala National Forest.
- Motorcycle rider Stephen James Dicks, 52, of Arlington, Va., was killed in a wreck when he tried to outrun Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies at speeds of up to 80 mph on U.S. 64 East in Peachtree.
July 23, 1998, Journal: James Robin Mach, 49, of Chattanooga, Tenn., who claimed to be a bounty hunter in pursuit of fugitive Eric Rudolph, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed weapon. Bach, who was argumentative, also had a very large hunting knife strapped to his hip.
- The national news media’s arrival in Andrews while covering fugitive Eric Robert Rudolph received good reports for being friendly, but no so much for the negative, anti-government way area residents were often portrayed.
50 years ago – July 19, 1973, Scout: Cherokee County was getting ready to enjoy its first Bluegrass Jamboree, a three-day event at Higdon Farm across from the Andrews Airport.
- Quick action by the Murphy Volunteer Fire Department was credited with saving the home of Lloyd Ramsey and his family. Once the residents were safe, firefighters actually carried furniture out of the home to save it from smoke and water damage.
- An editorial in the Cherokee Scout included the headline “Sex and seat belts.” To which the newspaper wrote: “Sorry about that headline. But would you have read another editorial about ‘Seat belts save lives’ or ‘Buckle that belt?’ ”
July 18, 1973, Journal: Workers were busy getting Healy Field ready for the first Bluegrass Jamboree at Higdon Farm near Andrews. A new stage was built to make the event happen.
- Ingles grocery store in Andrews had whole chicken fryers on sale for 45 cents per pound. Plus, if you spent at least $5, you received a free child’s ticket to visit the park Ghost Town in the Sky in Maggie Valley
– Publisher David Brown