In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – March 9, 2016, Scout: The Cherokee County Board of Health took no action after listening to past and present employees during a seven-hour-and-20-minute meeting concerning Health Director Tawanna Roberts.
Lonnie Lee Dockery, 63, of Murphy, passed away unexpectedly from a medical emergency only hours after proposing to his girlfriend of 2½ years. Dockery worked with Tri-County Community College for 31 years.
Professional wrestler Matt Orton of Murphy was learning the ropes, and the ring, of the All-American Wrestling Alliance before vying for a title in Hot House.
March 10, 2016, Journal: Avery Cutshaw was ousted as head football coach of the Andrews Wildcats after four seasons. The “personnel decision” was made after his team won six games and made the second round of the state 1A playoffs.
The Andrews Chamber of Commerce honored Phil Rampy and Rob Scheiwiller of the Hawkesdene House as Businessmen of the Year, Bertha Duffey of Rambling Rose Florist as Businesswoman of the Year, Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. as the Beautification Award winner, and Andrew and Margaret DeLuna as the Joe El-Khouri Volunteers of the Year for their service.
25 years ago – March 14, 2001, Scout: Tamara Murphy, 55, of Murphy, died when the 1992 Mercedes she was driving left Boiling Springs Road while going around a tight curve and hit a tree. The vehicle’s speed was estimated by officers to be excessive.
A $52,000 new playground was getting ready to be installed at Konehete Park in Murphy thanks to Cherokee County Smart Start raising money. Update: That new equipment was replaced in 2025.
March 15, 2001, Journal: The fate of the Outboard Marine Corp. plant on Airport Road in Andrews was still unknown as Cherokee County leaders tried to help former employees after the plant’s closing.
50 years ago – March 11, 1976, Scout: The Murphy Town Council wanted to pass an ordinance concerning adult bookstores and massage parlors, asking town attorney Herman Edwards to draw up a document for consideration.
Thanks to new recreational facilities behind bars, a photo caption in the Cherokee Scout read, “Inmates at the Cherokee County Jail now have better ways to pass the time than sit in their cells thinking of ways to escape.”
March 10, 1976, Journal: Construction began on the new West End Plaza on Main Street in Andrews. Work crews from owner Wallace West and developer Billy Wells began pouring the concrete footing for stores, shops and offices.