In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – July 25, 2012, Scout: A building in the middle of Ranger Flea Market burned to the ground, although firefighters kept the blaze from spreading to the newly rebuilt Foster’s Flea Market next door on U.S. 19/129, which was lost to fire only a year before.
James Murphy, a flight crew gunner in World War II, was selling intricate wood carvings at Ranger Flea Market while living out of a van.
The Scout’s series on local communities highlighted Hiwassee Dam, which sprang from construction of the dam in the 1930s.
July 26, 2012, Journal: Joseph El-Khouri – an icon in the local business community who was also well known for his faith, generosity and service – passed away at age 87.
The Town of Andrews sought a state exemption
to allow Andrews Broadband to continue to operate beyond the town limits,
as the town’s enterprise predated the General Assembly’s bill outlawing it. Update: The town later was forced to sell Andrews Broadband.
25 years ago – July 23, 1997, Scout: Frank Chance was found guilty of murder in the shooting death of James “Two Feathers” Lewis in Murphy.
Bud’s Discount City was closing soon in Murphy, with many employees expected to move to Walmart. Update: Bud’s was located in the original local Walmart building on Andrews Road, where Big Lots is today.
A man dressed in black pants, shirt and ski mask attempted to take money from the manager of United Grocery Outlet in Murphy, but Thomas Kitchel chased him into the woods after stockman Dennis Hitchcock was doused with pepper spray.
July 24, 1997, Journal: The union and management at Baker Furniture Plant in Andrew reached a deal on a new three-year contract, with wages going up 3½ percent and the company continuing to pay all of
their employees’ insurance premiums.
Plans were on the drawing board for a new Andrews Middle School building featuring a cafeteria and media center.
50 years ago – July 27, 1972, Scout: Five youths from western North Carolina were injured in a wreck near Canton that killed Stan Sloan, son of Franklin Press Editor Bob Sloan.
Many local residents were opposed to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan to sell 200 acres of Hiwassee Lake waterfront property.
Physical exams were set for Murphy football players, which meant one of the most uncomfortable parts of playing high school sports was almost over for them.
July 26, 1972, Journal: Four girls from Valleytown – “all young and, naturally, all pretty” – were entered in the Miss Cherokee County beauty pageant; Becky Sheidy, Charlene Jordan, Patty Sherford and Dana Wilson.
The Andrews All-Stars fell to Franklin 19-6 in the final round of the district baseball tournament, but the team “at no time seemed very intimidated” by their bigger opponents.