North Carolina Newspapers

The Smoky Mountain Times Volume 87 - Number 16 - Bryson City, North Carolina - Thursday, January 8,1970 - I -.' .-_ ' ^_ _ _ t <i Around Town We have a tong overdue appiogy to make in connection with a two car accident that occurred December 5 and was reported on the front page of the TIMES December 11. In our artieie we reported that ' Kenneth Jenkins applied his brakes and siid into the side of an automobile driven by Haroid Wood. This information was misinterpreted from the accident report by tire TIMES and should have stated that Mr. Wood's vehicie siid into the side of a 1966 jeep driven by Mr. Jenkins. *** Miss Edith Moore, owner and operator of R E. Coffey Hardware, announced the winners of two drawings heid December 24 in connection with the Christmas saie. A bicycie and an eiectric bianket were given away Christmas Eve. The bianket was won by Mrs. Norma Merritt of Bryson City and the bicycie went to Mrs. Grady Mathis of Route 3, Bryson City. The regular second Saturday night singing wiM be held this Saturday night, January 10 at the Jackson Line Baptist Church. Singing groups from out of town inciude the New Hope Quartet from Robbinsviiie and the Cathy Trio from Asheviiie. Everyone is invited and it aM starts at 7 p m. AM local groups wiH be there as weM as these two out of town groups. *** The North Carolina State Highway Pa trot reports only three accidents in Swain County last week. While making four contacts, two wqte charged with drunk driving, no speeders, no pedestrian violations. The officers patrolled a distance of some 11&6 miles with theweek beginning December 29 and extending through January 4. *** WiHiam Wafker Mamed Presiden! Of MP&L Co. Wiiiiam T. Walker, vice president of Nantahala Power and Lighf Company for the past nine years, has been named acting president of the utility effective January 5, 1970. Mr. Walker succeeds the late John M. Archer, Jr., who died suddenly at his home in Franklin on December 28. Mr. Walker studied civil engineering at the University of Tennessee in his home town of Knoxville. Prior to joining Alcoa in 1937, he was employed in various civil engineering capacities with the Southern Railway Company and several contracting companies. Mr. Walker was first employed by Alcoa as a staff engineer in the company's power division at Alcoa, Tennessee. In 1949 he became assistant superintendent of that division and in 1953 he was named superintendent of the hydraulic department there. One year later, he became manager of construction for a major company power project in Tennessee. In 1958, Mr. Walker moved to Franklin and became chief engineer for Nantahala Power and Light Company. He was made vice president of engineering for the utility in Vitib To Park The claendar year 1969 brought an estimated 6,331,000 visits to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Superintendent Keith Neiison has just announced. Tire 1969 visits were 5 per cent iess than the 6,667,200 visits to the park during 1968. December 1969 contributed 120,700 visits, an 8 per cent decrease as compared to the 131,600 visits in December 1968. He visits were made through the park entrances as foiiows: Gatiinburg, Tennessee 2,793,300 (44 per cent); Townsend, Tennessee 723,700 Heritage Quiit Piant Hit By Fire Waste is scattered over the floor of the Heritage Quilts Plant to absorb water after the plant was hit with fire Tuesday night about 6 p.m. This picture was taken with the permission of Vincent Cammarato, plant manager after firemen left the scene due to a "get tough policy" set by the fire chief, this photographer was not allowed in the building until after firemen left. Mr. Cammarato estimated the damage to be between $10,000 and $15,000. Damage was to material only, the building suffered no visible damage. Defendant freed !n District Court For Second Time Because Of Fauitv Warrant The Honorabte Felix E. Alley, Jr., presided over a oneway criminal session of District Court here Monday, a 41-case docket was heard during the first 1970 term. For the second time in as many sessions the state failed to prosecute a Swain County woman charged with selling liquor to a minor. The state took a nol-pros-with-leave in its case charging Ruby Church with seiling liquor to a minor. After a 15-minute closed door discussion between the Judge, the prosecutor, and the defendants attorney, a motion was made by the prosecutor that the state take a nolprox-with leave in this case. After court was adjourned, Judge Alley stated to the TIMES, "the prosecutor will have to get new papers," he went on to day that there was two questions raised about the warrant. The first involved an incorrect name using the last name of Clark instead of Church and the second: the warrant charged selling luquor to a minor, but did not name the minor. Judge Alley said that it was on his recommendation after hearing these two points that the state decided to take a nol-pros-with-leave. The state's prosecuting attorney, James H. HoweM, made the statement that a "new warrant is forthcoming and wiii be served as soon as possible." Other cases heard Monday were: Joe McIntosh charged with non support. The state took a no! pros with-leave. Willard Upton charged with drunk driving. Called and failed. Nisi-sci-fa-capis issued. Ronald Thomas Teesateskie charged with drunk driving. Continued to January 20 session. Howell J. Crisp charged with assault with a deadly weapon called and vailed. Nisi-sci-fa-capis issued. Raymond McKinley Messer charged with violating traffic laws, accident involved. The judge found a nonsuit. Charles Smathers charged with non support. Capis outstanding. Ronnie Kent charged with larceny. Capis outstanding. Daniel Scott charged with reciprocal support. Capis remained outstanding. Harold Edward Suttles charged with reckless diving. Capis outstanding. Theron Kenneth Crisp charged with abandonment and non support. Plead guilty of non support. 90 days COUNTY NEWS EVENTS 6UHNS 69 EDITOR'S NOTE: (The following is a week by week account of events that took pi ace in or around Swain County during 1969. Did you make the news iast year?) 1961, and one year !ater became a director. Mr. Waiker is a member of the American Society of Civii Engineers, The National Society and the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers and immediate past president of the Frankiin Rotary Ciub and presentiy is vice president of this organization. He is a!so a member of the Aicoa 25 Year Ciub and is a former vice president of the Frankiin Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Waiker and his wife Eiizabeth have one son Wiiiiam T. Waiker, Jr. Decrease !n 69 (11 per cent); Cherokee, North Caroiina 1,888,500 (30 per cent); Other entrances 925,600 (15 percent) During the year 1969, 228,100 persons camped in tents and 288,900 camped in traders in the deveioped campgrounds of the park; 15,800 camped in tents end 7.200 in trailers in other camping areas of the park; and 48.200 were backcountry campers. Picnicking aiong the roadsides was enjoyed by 14,300 parties aggregating 58,000 persons; by 113,400 parties aapegating 481,100 persons in deveioped picnic grounds: Jan. 1 - Fraudulent checks passed during the Christmas holidays shared headlines with a progress report of the bridge at the west end of Bryson City. Miss Cecile Elizabeth Plott was wed to Morgan David Reinbold. Jan. 9 -^Appalachian Regional Commission announced the approval of a $92,038 grant for the Fontana Regional and Marianna Black Libraries. Mrs. Mable Rogers was nominated as a candidate for NCEA director. Nancy Gibson and Alan Williams announce plans to be married. The Blue Ridge Parkway was named one of two most scenic drives. Jan. 16 - Highway fatalities increase 50% in '68 over 1967. Five fatalities were reported. The square dance king, Sam Queen, was shot and killed at his home this week. Timber harvest could be doubled in Swain County according to local surveys. Jan. 23 - FBI agents arrested a 24 year old Cherokee man In connection with the shotgun staying of Nyron Littiejohn also of Cherokee. Congressman Roy Tayior expressed dismay over the government's intentions of ieasing campgrounds to private individual. Joe Jenkins was named to the dean's iist at Warren Wiison Coilege. The Swain High Devits took three basketbaii games from Cherokee. Jan. 30 -- The Swain County Chamber of Commerce was pronounced dead after several attempts failed to acumuiate enough interests. Sp/4 Phiiip Cope received the Purpie Heart for his meritirious service in Vietnam. Merriii Beal was named a°s assistant superintendent in the Great Smoky Mountains Nationai Park. A decision was handed down by the State Attorney General aiiowing magistrates to stay in office untii their successor is appointed. Feb. 6 -- Plans were announced for a new city-county fire house in Bryson this week. Officers met in Bryson City to pianasix county crime controi organization. Sam Bowers was named Chief Deputy Sheriff. The Swain Deviis iost two games to Frankiin. Feb. 13 -- Seventy=four year oid Joe Wiinoty was arrested by FBI agents in connection with the death of his son, Marshai! Wiinoty. James W. Tuck, Jr., became the fourth Swain County man to iose his iife in the Vietnam War. The Swain County Sewer Project reached 96/ completion. Connie Barnes was wed to Johnny Southards. Feb. 20 - Extension Service Agent, Donaid Bunn, completed a two week visit to Guatamaia, Costa Rica and Jamaica. The first of the Highway Patroi's '69 Fords arrived in Swain County this week. Winners were announced in the Fine Arts Festival. Magistrate issue is calied perfect exampte ot petty politics." Feb. 27 - Jurors were announced for the March term of Superior Court. Five hundred four citizens attended a diabetic ciinic he!d at the iocai Heaith Department. The Swain boys and gids basketbaii squads were defeated in quarter final piay in Syiva. March 6 - A memorial to servicemen has been proposed for the city square. Orris Hughes was named a county forester. Two county men received a totai of 64 years in prison sentences during the first day of Superior Court this week. Margaret Roper retired as Pubiic Heaith Nurse this week. March 13 - The Swain County Planning Board announced this week their endorsement of a county industria! park development. Debra Watson became Swain County's first high school senior to win the Shank Scholarship valued at $1,200. March 20 -- Three Bryson City girls were hospitilized as a Weather Report: Wednesday—Variabte ctoudiness, tow 38 degrees, high 56 degr Thursday—Partty ctoudy, tow 34 degrees, high 40 degrees Friday—Partty ctoudy, tow ! 8 degrees, high 43 degrees Saturday—Light snow, tow 32 degrees, high 46 degrees Sunday—Ctear, tow 17 degrees, high 40 degrees Monday—Variabte ctoudiness. tow t6 degrees, high 40 degrees Tuesday—4 inch snow, tow 32 degrees, high 42 degrees. result of a car-truck accident in Jackson County. The Swain County Heart Fund raised $2,132 during their recent drive. March 27 - The Whittier Homemakers Ciub received an award from the Cancer Society for their participation in the Cancer Educational Project. Paul Marr was named to the School Board this week. County Commissioners endorse the industrial park for Swain County. April 3 - The senior class at Swain High put on a Variety Show to heip raise funds for the Washington trip. Incumbents file for reflection as city elections draw near. April 10 - Two Swain County teenagers were drowned in a boating incident this week. Rescue squads from neighboring communities are assisting in dragging operations. Four school board members were swom in this week. The Sherriff's Department presented a $60 check to the Swain County Athletic Program. Swain Athietes were honored at an awards banquet. April 17 -- The second victim of last week's drowning accident was recovered after six days of dragging operations by eieven different rescue squads. The Swain High seniors left for Washington, D. C., and their annuai senior trip. Aprii 24 - The Northwestern Bank made news this week as they open their brand new building with an aii day open house Saturday, Aprii 26. The Mayor and City Aidermen wiii run unopposed in the May 6 election. Fredrickson Trucking Company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week. Drag racing season starts this week. May 1 - Mayor Hines proclaimed the month of May as "paint-up fix-up" month. Northwestern Bank's open house was one of the major topics throughout the city. The Cherokee Indians won a decision for a "writ of certiorari" against the incorporation of a new town on U S. 441 wanting to cali itself Indian Hills. Wanda Sawyer and Barry Hersh were married April 27. May 8 - The new Ere truck, ordered some months ago, Enaily arrived this week. City Aldermen endorse industrial park referendum. Incumbents were r&elected in a very quiet city election on Tuesday. The county jail report showed 48 drunks out of the 74 jailed during the month of April. Mrs. Jim Maxie served as a page at the annual Woman's Club Convention in Asheville. May 15 -- Work began this week on the new Ere house. A Tennessee man's body was pulled from the Fontana Lake after he apparently suffered a heart attack and toppled from a porch of a boathouse. May 22 - Don Casada, senior at Swain High, became one of the Erst to receive a Magnavox Scholarship. Students at Alarka School completed a three month reading program. Mrs. Esther Jabe was installed as president of B and P Woman's Club. May 29 -- District Court handed out a stiff sentence Continued on Page 4 Man Found Dead !n Car A 64 year o!d Andrews man, Glenn Conley, was found dead in the back seat of this '69 Ford Tuesday morning around 11:45. According to investigating officer, Z.V. Hawes, the man apparently died of a heart attack before the collision occurred. The man's son-in-law, Gary Marvin Cook, age 21, was driving the vehicle when he lost control because of snow and ice and hit the west end of the "high bridge" over the Tennessee River. Mrs. Conley, wife of the deceased, and a daughter were passengers in the vehicle. suspended 2 years. Pay cost and $10 per week. Eunice Ensiey Parker charged with drunk driving, accident invoived. Entered piea to reckiess driving. Piea accepted. Prayer for judgment continued Jan. 20. Raymond Charies Owie, Jr., charged with driving after license revoked. Continued January 20. Roy Wiibur Hombuckie charged with drunk driving. Caiied and faiied. Nisi-sci-fa-capis issued. Donaid Ray Wright charged with reckiess driving. Continued to January 20 session. Jimmie Bradley charged with pubiic drunkenness, second offense. Caiied and faiied. Bond forfeited. The state took a noi pros with ieave. Thomas Weich charged with pubiic drunkeness, second offense. Caiied and faiied. Bond forfeited. The state took a no! pros with ieave. Freddie Tiythe charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct. Piead guiity. Confined to jaii 20 days suspended two years if pay cost, and other condition. Doug!as Catt charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct. Piead guiity. Confined 20 days suspended two years if pay cost and other conditions. Haroid Jones charged with pubiic drunkenness, fourth offense. Prayer for judgment continued on payment of cost. Card Jones charged with pubiic drunkenness, second offense. Confined 20 days suspended two years on condition he pay cost^ Amonetta Sequoyah, Jr. charged with pubiic drunkenness, second offense. Caiied and failed. Bond forfeited. The state took a noi pros with ieave. Jack Davis charged with pubiic drunkenness, second offense. Prayer for judgment continued on payment of cost. Bud Messer charged with pubiic drunkenness, seventh offense. Piead guiity. 30 days to 6 months suspended two years. Pay $25 and cost. James Tayior Woif, Jr. charged with assault. Caiied and faiied. Nisi sci fa capis issued. Bud Messer charged with pubiic drunkenness, ei(frth offense. Prayer for judgment. Continued on payment of cost. Henry McCoy charged with breaking and entering. Continued Jan. 20, 1970 session. Continued on Page 4 . Jai! Report The number of jail inmates in Swain County continued to drop during the iast month of 1969. Oniy 63 inmates were accommodated during December as compared to 76 in November. Liquor vioiations continue to be the major cause for arrests. Out of the 63 people housed for varying lengths of time, 47 were put there for pubiic drunkenness. Eight more were locked up for drunk driving, leaving only 8 cases open for various other law violations which included 4 on warrants, 2 pickep up by Federal authorities, apd one each on charges of assault and breaking and entering. The Cherokee Police Department accounted for 29 arrests while the City Police arrested 19, the Swain County Sheriff's Depat^S^pnt locked up 9, the State Highway Patrol 4 and the FBI 2. Officers throughout the County have been pleased with the decrease in violations. Contract Doubttui For Swain County Corridor This Year N. C. State highway commissioner Ted Phiiiips of RcbbinsviMe, made a brief visit through Bryson City Friday afternoon, Jan. 2. Mr. Phiiiips spoke to County and Town officiais and members of the Highway pianning group. This group was formed in November 1969 for the purpose of trying to expedite road projects for Swain County and principaiiy the Appaiachian road and By pass for Bryson City. Severai organizations passed resoiutions and wrote ietters which were hand carried to Governor Scott by Mr. Phiiiips in December. Mr.PhiUips said that the survey and right of way pians were complete but the construction planning was not. Chairman Faircioth reportediy has asked for a status report of the Appalachian program in the state and contempiates scheduling aii work induding rights of way, engineering and construction. The Commissioner said that an effort is being made by him to try to get the funds to acquire rights of way in Swain County, but it iooked doubtful that any construction contracts would be let this year on the Swain County Corridor. Dr. Car! D. KiHian Wi!! Run for Senate Dr. Car) D. Killian, retired dean of the Western Carolina University Schoo) of Education and Psycho) ogy, announced Wednesday that he wi!) be a candidate for the State Senate from the 33rd Senatorial District subject ot the Democratic primary. The 33rd Senatorial District is composed of the counties of Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transyylvania. For the 68 year-old native of Clay County, now engaged in a crusade for better health and medical services in Southwestern North Carolina, this is his first plunge into elective politics for public office. Killian is the first Democrat to announce his candidacy for the Senate seat now held by Herman H. West, a Republican of Murphy. Until his retirement two ye .rs ago, Dr. Kiiiian had been known as "Mr. Education" at Western Carolina for 33 years during which he established the first guidance clinic in the state here and started the first course in North Carolina in audio visual education. And at his retirement from the university, he became executive director of the State of Franklin Health Council, Inc., art agency fostered by him to upgrade health and medical services in the southwestern counties. Dr. Killian is married to the former Winnie Alice Murphy of Asheville, and they have one son, Dan, who is now on An University of North Carolina Year at Lyon Program in France. Dr. Killian is a Baptist, and he is listed in Who's Who in the South and Southwest.