In this week’s archives of the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal:
10 years ago – March 9, 2016, Scout: The days of Cherokee being a dry county came to end when voters easily approved referendums allowing beer, wine and mixed drink sales in unincorporated areas.
The banks along the Valley River at Konehete Park in Murphy were badly eroding as a result of four “record-breaking” flood events the previous year, according to Callie Moore of the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition.
The newest member of the Ranger Elementary/Middle School family was a 10-week-old good boy named Scout, a Dudley yellow lab, who was working with counselor Chelsie Picon to become an official emotional support dog for local students.
March 17, 2016, Journal: Plans to give Andrews Mayor Nancy Curtis a $100-a-month pay increase (from $500 to $600) and restore about $2,200 in back pay ran into a legal roadblock after Alderman Gary James protested.
Ed Wood of Andrews placed first in North Carolina in his growing class during the 2015 National Corn Yield Contest. Ed and Rebecca Wood picked up the honor during the annual Commodity Classic in New Orleans. Update: Wood Farm is still growing corn today on both sides of the U.S. 19/74 four-lane.
25 years ago – March 21, 2001, Scout: The Valley River Humane Society’s animal shelter in Marble remained closed, as officials said the nonprofit was out of money to pay for the influx of animals coming from Cherokee County.
Nathan Hass of Cherokee County pleaded guilty to the 1999 murder of east Tennessee minister William B. Petty Jr. The effective sentenced he received for the crime was almost 38 years.
March 22, 2001, Journal: The body of Johnnie Paul Prather, 43, of Murphy, was found after Andrews authorities received a phone call from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The tip told law enforcement officials to look behind the Ingles grocery store in Andrews.
50 years ago – March 18, 1976, Scout: The route of the U.S. World Bicycle Race was officially announced, going from Murphy to Andrews to Topton to Robbinsville to Bryson City. Bikers would start by taking 10 circular laps around Murphy.
John Snow Jr. of Murphy announced his candidacy for a new District Court judgeship created by the N.C. General Assembly. Snow was in private practice before becoming an assistant district attorney, giving him experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. Update: Snow later served three terms as a state senator serving Murphy and beyond.
March 17, 1976, Journal: The Andrews Wildkittens lost to Enka 46-42 in overtime on the road during a District 8 playoff game. While local fans were “arrested” momentarily for protesting referee decisions, the Enka coach allegedly threw objects at the refs and wasn’t even warned.