FROM THE ARCHIVES: HERE'S A LOOK BACK AT THIS WEEK IN 2002
This feature mines the McDowell News archives for what was going on this week in local history.
Twenty-four years ago this week, Jonathan Edwards, 5, got some help with his cap in preparation for graduation exercises for the McSmiles preschool program, which were held at Eastside Baptist Church in Nebo.
The 27th annual Assault on Mount Mitchell and the ninth annual Assault on Marion took place.Organizers were expecting around 1,300 cyclists for the weekend event. In this photo, Michael and David Bingham were father and son cyclists who rode in the Assault on Mount Mitchell. It was dad David’s third time in the mountain challenge while Michael took on the task for the first time.
The Marion Kiwanis Club recognized The Big Picture as the Kiwanis Business of the Month. Wayne Silver (right), business recognition chairman of the Marion Kiwanis Club, presented Tim Griffith with the award. Griffith, who owned and operated the business, gave a brief history of his digital studio, which specializes in pageant photos, photo restoration and other services.
McDowell County Farm Bureau women’s committee member Shelby McClure assists McDowell County Farm Bureau board member Donald Jackson with a piece of cake at a reception for an exhibit at the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. “Working the Land” was a traveling exhibition about the past, present and future of farming in Southern Appalachia, particularly western North Carolina. The joint effort by Western Carolina University and N.C. Farm Bureau examined the history of the family farm, how it has changed and what lies ahead.
During the week of May 26, 2002, Shelia Frick, a West McDowell Junior High School student, celebrated the end of the school year and success with her end-of-grade tests at a fun day on the school grounds.
The McDowell High School Interact Club had new officers. They were (from left) Elizabeth Long, secretary; Todd Laughridge, president; Mandy Palm, treasurer; and Laura Dark, vice president. They were shown with Marshall Dark with the Rotary Club of Marion.
Marion Police Chief Tim Benware directed traffic around a gas line break at the intersection of South Main and Morgan streets. A city backhoe broke a gas main at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, according to Fire Chief Jim Neal. The fire department blocked the street and Marion police officers rerouted traffic onto other roads. A couple of people in nearby businesses were asked to leave until the main was repaired. Public Works employees had the gas line fixed by 1:30 p.m.
Natalie Morgan’s fourth-grade class at Glenwood Elementary completed this model of an imaginary theme park called Tar Heel Thrill. Morgan and A.G. teacher Betty Ross wrote the project, which students had been working on since January 2002. The class was told that Disney had hired them as consultants to build a theme park in North Carolina. Every ride at the imaginary park had to be directly related to North Carolina and park themes incorporated the mountains, Piedmont and coastal plains regions. The project integrated math, reading and social studies as well as creatively engaging students in curriculum requirements.
The McDowell High Spring Sports Awards program was held. Athlete of the Year award winners were (left to right) Tyler Pool (Scholar Athlete of the Year), Erin May (Female Athlete of the Year) and Turner Kincaid (Male Athlete of the Year).
The McDowell High Spring Sports Awards program was held. Varsity baseball award winners were (left to right) Justin Dalton (Big Hitter Award), Michael Taylor (Most Valuable Pitcher), Adam Grindstaff (Gary Burleson Memorial Award), Steve Wilkerson (MVP) and Sterling Parker (Gold Glove Award).
