In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Oct. 30, 2013, Scout: Two local high school seniors, Amanda Volkman of Martins Creek and Ashley Self of Murphy, dedicated their senior exit projects to their older brothers, both who died from overdoses, bringing more awareness to how illegal drugs can kill.
- The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners agreed to temporarily provide the Valley River Humane Society in Marble an additional $1,250 per month to help prevent any service disruptions. Update: The amount wasn’t considered enough, so only weeks later the humane society considered terminating its contract with the county.
- Future officers experienced the excitement of being tased during Basic Law Enforcement Training at Tri-County Community College’s Center for Applied Technology in Marble. Update: 50,000 volts later, they were all OK.
Oct. 31, 2013, Journal: Andrews High School seniors Hannah Eller and Kyndra Payne were using their senior exit projects to make a positive difference in the community, donating their time and efforts with local nonprofit organizations.
- Christ Community Church pastor Michael Herrington when all smiles on the front page after baptizing 10-year-old Daniel Advent of Andrews, who along with six other youth gave their lives to Jesus. Update: That photo was taken by church member and retired Cherokee Scout/Andrews Journal staff photographer Scott Wallace. We’re sad to report that Wallace recently passed away, but the images he preserved will live on forever.
25 years ago – Oct. 28, 1998, Scout: David McGill Jr. of Murphy was sentenced to no less than 98.9 years in prison for six sexual offenses against a child less than age 13.
- One adult and three teenagers were charged with vandalizing Sue’s Storyland Gardens in Peachtree, which was well known for nursery rhyme and fairytale themes, and had also been used for weddings.
- Two children suffered minor injuries when their Cherokee County Schools bus was involved in a two-car accident at the intersection of Knoll Road and N.C. 60 in Culberson. Damages were minimal.
Oct. 29, 1998, Journal: Two competing cable companies, represented by William Cook and the Rev. Mitch Rinehart, exchanged barbs at the Andrews Town Board meeting.
- Cherokee County Health Director Elaine Russell said the theater is west Andrews was rat-free after burrows were discovered in the building’s foundation. Nearby businesses faced a similar challenge.
50 years ago – Nov. 1, 1973, Scout: A rare color photo graced the front page of the Cherokee Scout, this one showing off the brilliant colors of fall.
- The case of Blain Donnelly, who was charged with murder in a shooting at his farm that involved cattle rustlers, was continued in Superior Court because a witness failed to show up.
- Whether to allow liquor by the drink at restaurants was on the general election ballot in Cherokee County, with people on both sides of the battle lobbying hard in the community. Update: Liquor by the drink failed then and wasn’t approved in the county until a 2016 referendum.
Oct. 31, 1973, Journal: Andrews’ seven-man work crew asked town aldermen for a pay raise. All of the workers were making $2-2.10 per hour.
- George and Barbara El-Khouri of Andrews shared their journey of what life was like in their native Lebanon after working there for a year.
– Publisher David Brown