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This feature mines our archives for what was going on this week in local history.
Eighteen years ago this week, the N.C. General Assembly approved a multi-million dollar deal to purchase more land around Lake James. The plan would go to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature. This action would result in the massive expansion of Lake James State Park and the creation of the Paddy’s Creek section of the park. This photo by McDowell News photographer Peggy Rowe shows a watercraft driver giving a tube rider a thrill on a sunny day at the lake.
Eighteen years ago this week, Jeff Duckworth, 24, showed off an illustration from “Gruzzle,” a children’s book he planned to self-publish with the help of a Regional Artist Project Grant.
Eighteen years ago this week, Bugs Treasures and Consignment Shop, at 378 S. Main St. in Marion, carried new and used clothing and accessories for infants, children and adults, as well as a variety of furniture, glassware and collectibles. Owner Brenda Stevens named the shop for her granddaughter, 11-year-old Kaylee Burnette, called “Katiebug” by her grandfather.
Eighteen years ago this week, the Glenwood Dodgers were the Junior Boys regular-season and tournament champions, finishing with a 10-0 record. Members of the team were (front row, left to right) Coach Larry Dixon, Tommy Ferguson, Josh Huskins, Nick Newton, Jennings Vess (back row, left to right) Coach Boo Huskins, Ethan Patrick, Larry Dixon, Chris Vaughn, Colby Laney and Coach Johnny Johnson. Not pictured was team member Justin Johnson.
Eighteen years ago this week, the McDowell 9-year-old all-star team had placed second in the district tournament. Members of the team were (front row, left to right) Eric Burton, Johnny Cooper, Grant Robinson, Jordan Logan, Cody Walker (second row, left to right) Zackery Peek, Devin Vaughan, DaLante Rodriguez, Josh Shelton, Landon Dirhold, Heath Newton, Casey Camby (back row, from left) Coach Johnny Cooper, Manager Scott Vaughan and Coach David Peek.
Eighteen years ago this week, the McDowell Mariners 2004 summer league swim team were (front row, left to right) Jordan Berryhill, Leandra Parker, Sasha Monosso, Jill Lawing, Abby Clark, Kathy Thompson (second row, left to right) Kelsie Sewell, Kelsie Styles, Megan Johnson, Allison Bryant, Ale Tolley, Rachael Whittemore, Mike Minton, Malcolm Mayfield (back row, left to right) Willie Wilkerson, Brittney Mace, Charlotte Randolph, Eli Watkins, Jeremiah Johnson, Brianna Mayfield, Kelsie Fender, Josh English, Andrew Wilson, Aaron Whittemore, Coach Adam Gilliam, Ian Gilliam and Ginger Boyd. Not pictured were team members Kara Dietrich, Madison Dietrich, Katie Guinn and David Long.
During the week of July 17, 2004, emergency personnel responded to the McDowell County Senior Center, where several men inhaled carbon monoxide. Ambulances lined up while EMS and Rescue Squad personnel systematically assessed, loaded and transported seven people to the hospital. One man was airlifted to Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville and six were taken to The McDowell Hospital. The men were using a gas-powered troweling machine to finish a concrete floor in the basement of the new Senior Center when they breathed in the carbon monoxide.
During the week of July 17, 2004, first-responders helped a horse and its rider that were both trapped on an old wooden bridge. The accident happened when Steven Rhymer, 13, attempted to ride his horse, Ellie, over an old wooden bridge along Epley Road. Ellie’s right rear hoof went between the boards and became lodged, bringing her and Steven down. Animal Control Officer Frank Holder rushed in to prevent Ellie from lunging over the side of the bridge in a frantic attempt to free her leg. It took several people to calm her and keep her in place while waiting for help to arrive. Once Ellie’s leg was freed, Veterinarian Contessa Thomas of Crestview Veterinary Hospital said Ellie suffered mostly abrasions, scratches and muscle damage, but recommended that X-rays be taken. Ellie eventually walked to a trailer to be transported. Rhymer was not hurt.
During the week of July 17, 2004, employee Allen Carr invited folks to come and see the assortment of arts and crafts at Spooky Hollow Crafts and More, owned by Wileen Humble, located at 8474 U.S. 221 South. The shop carried a wide assortment of items including homemade rocking chairs, wrought ironworks, leatherworks, lamps, wooden windmills, sterling silver jewelry, Native American crafts, wishing wells, candles, fantasy art and custom-designed pencil portraits – all at reasonable prices.
During the week of July 17, 2004, the McDowell Rotary Club installed new officers for 2004-2005 at a luncheon. The new officers were (from left) Larry Ramsey, treasurer; Caroline Moore, president; Lisa Davis, outgoing president; and Aileen Sheehan, secretary.
During the week of July 17, 2004, the new officers and directors of the Rotary Club of Marion were installed by Past District Governor Dean Kanipe. They were (seated, from left to right) Annette Bryant, past president; Larry Greene, president-elect; Dan Smith, president; Bob Boyette, secretary; and standing (from left to right.) Nancy Spencer, vocational service director; Larry Wilson, sergeant-at-arms; Marsh Dark, club service director; Richard Shirer, community service director; Robert Taylor, international service director and Kent Brown, director-at-large. Not pictured wer Bobbie Young, treasurer; Mike Rabb, director-at-large; Steve Dirhold, bulletin editor and David Wooten, assistant district governor.
During the week of July 17, 2004, Marion’s Roy Stepp placed the finishing touches on his canned green beans. Stepp, who had been canning since he was a boy, kept up the tradition every summer, putting away almost every quart he can get his hands on. He and his wife Peggy spent many of their weekends stringing, boiling and pressure canning.
This feature mines our archives for what was going on this week in local history.
This feature mines our archives for what was going on this week in local history.