In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Dec. 25, 2013, Scout: Under the headline, “Workers can now pack heat,” the Scout reported that the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted to repeal an ordinance governing concealed handguns and allow some county employees to carry concealed weapons at work.
- Cherokee County Toys for Tots helped 1,200 local children have a Merry Christmas, while another 65 children received an opportunity to Shop With a Cop and buy themselves presents.
- The Scout’s editorial for the Christmas Day edition, “Good news of great joy today,” was simply the Scriptures – Luke 2:1-20, New International Version, to be precise – which shares the story of how Jesus was born. Update: The Scout shared the same message in last week’s edition.
Dec. 26, 2013, Journal: It took more than 21 years, but Gary “Always Late” Galloway of Andrews finally finished hiking the 2,180 miles that make up the Appalachian Trail.
- The Nantahala girls basketball team entered the Christmas break with a 7-0 record after thrashing Woody Gap 41-16. Amber Gearhart was averaging a double-double of 11 points and 12.7 rebounds per game for the Lady Hawks.
25 years ago – Dec. 23, 1998, Scout: A two-year investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies into crack cocaine in Cherokee County ended with the arrests of seven people – including five from Murphy – on various drug-related charges.
- Hortense Michelsen of Culberson said a neighbor’s pit bull/boxer dog bit her several times, resulting in a trip to the doctor, while Brenda Wyke of Marble had two pygmy goats killed by a pack of dogs. Yet, the residents’ request for a leash law went unanswered. Update: Nothing has changed one score and five years later.
- After being called “the most dangerous road in Cherokee County,” work was finally scheduled to begin on N.C. 294 heading into Hiwassee Dam. Residents were happy their pleas had been heard.
Dec. 24, 1998, Journal: A live Nativity was held at Andrews Presbyterian Church as a Christmas gift to the community. Four biblical scenes were on display. Update: A live Nativity, “One Night in Bethlehem,” was held this year.
u About 20 children from the Boys & Girls Club of Cherokee County brought some Christmas cheer to local residents at Helping Hands Adult Day-care Facility in Andrews, singing carols and bringing lots of goodies they made for the seniors.
50 years ago – Dec. 27, 1973, Scout: The Hughes lodge building at Bear Paw Resort burned, with a new lodge planned to be rebuilt in the same space.
- Plans were revealed for a new Murphy Public Library building in downtown Murphy. The $350,000 project was being paid for through fundraisers, town, county and state taxes.
- Four Murphy football players – Willie Brown (running back), Randy Dockery (center), Tim Myers (tackle) and Norman Phillips (guard) – were named All-Smoky Mountain Conference. Andrews was represented on the team by punter Donnie Bradley and end Dany Hawk.
Dec. 26, 1973, Journal: The Magnavox plant in Andrews, which made television cabinetry, was preparing to re-tool as Baker Furniture and start manufacturing high-quality wood furniture. Officials said Baker had never had a layoff. Update: Baker has long since closed operations here.
– Publisher David Brown