In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – Aug. 1, 2012, Scout: The Scout’s series on local communities highlighted Peachtree, home to the area’s community college, hospital and many industries.
Steven Hardin, 18, of Ellijay, Ga., was arrested by Murphy police officers after he was wanted for allegedly participating in a shootout in Fannin County, Ga.
The Murphy Volunteer Fire Department was working to lower insurance premiums for local homeowners and businesses.
Aug. 2, 2012, Journal: “Someone” donated space at 1440 Main St. in Andrews for the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles to open a new driver’s license office for Cherokee County residents.
The highly anticipated health clinic next to Andrews High School was delayed again, and Cherokee County Health Director Jim Wiggins was unsure when it would finally open.
25 years ago – July 30, 1997, Scout: Cherokee County Schools started classes one week late because new facilities at Martins Creek Elementary/Middle and Murphy Middle schools were still not ready.
The Cherokee County Republican Party Executive Committee picked Ernest Jones to be the next county commissioner in place of Charles Laney, who resigned. Update: Jones later was named county manager at the same time he was serving as a commissioner on the three-member board.
Two local men were facing animal cruelty charges, including a case in which H.C. “Red” King of Liberty was allegedly engaged in “torture” when he “beat a useful animal, a dog” with a rake. Update: All charges against King were dropped the next week after he was “counseled in the proper handling of animals” by Valley River Humane Society shelter manager Jeff Lockett.
July 31, 1997, Journal: During an emergency meeting, the Andrews Board of Aldermen voted to annex Purser family property that bordered U.S. 19/74 and Stewart Road – despite it not being contiguous to the town limits.
Four doctors were added to the staff at District Memorial Hospital in Andrews. Update: That included Dr. James Mock, an internal medicine specialist who still serves Cherokee County.
50 years ago – Aug. 3, 1972, Scout: Fred J. Miller Jr., 45. of Canton – who was working in Murphy and living with family here – drowned in the Valley River.
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners called for a public hearing on the proposed sale of Tennessee Valley Authority property in Hiwassee Dam.
The Murphy Town Council approved a $348,167 budget for the 1972-73 fiscal year, with a millage rate of $1.70 per $100 of evaluated property, down from $1.85.
Aug. 2, 1972, Journal: Richard Parker, a local barber, and Sam Ward, operator of Wood Farm, were appointed to the Andrews Town Council to fill the seats of Jack Raxter and Paul “Brownie” Parker. Update: The town’s board is called the Andrews Board of Aldermen today.
The Civilian Club of Andrews, led by President Jerry Cox, sponsored the first Open State Championship Horse Show at Andrews Ball Park.