From the files of the Polk County News ..

In 1938, court cases included wife desertion, manufacturing whiskey and transporting whiskey ... Carl Abernathy of Copperhill came down and lectured to the Men’s Bible class ... At the movies: Laurel and Hardy in “Swiss Miss.”

In 1948, the county budget was $1,014,000, including allocations for the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, Elementary School Fund, High School, Public Welfare, Health, Agriculture, and Debt Service Fund ... Officers of the Republican Primary Board were Dr. John Lillard, Walter Higdon, G. Parks Hyatt, Noah Merrell, and Warren Wattenbarger ... At the movies: Tarzan and the Mermaids starring Johnny Weissmuller.

In 1958, county libraries had a circulation of 47,623 books and periodicals ... Ray Hughes was the winner in Young People’s Speakers Tournament at Shiloh Baptist. Second place went to Joan Rogers ... J.W. Orr was awarded a 50 year pin by F&AM Lodge 430 ... An intra-church ball league was formed.

In 1968, a referendum was planned to approve funds to build a new school to consolidate Conasauga, Old Fort and Ocoee, as well as provide additions to Benton, Copper Basin H.S., Copperhill and Turtletown ... PCHS principal Jasper Rogers was hired as principal of Valley Point HS in Dalton ... Opposition was voiced to a proposal to build a six-inch pipeline between Tyner and Copperhill.

In 1978, the state asked three election commissioners to resign to give the public full confidence in the election process .. All three members of the board of directors of Ocoee Utility District resigned, followed by the superintendent of the water facility ... Officers of the Benton Lions were Jimmy Goddard, Barry Massengill, David Humberd, Don Curbow.

In 1988, a new county road map was scheduled for completion and some road signs were to be installed ... The budget committee was wrestling with the problem of more needs and less money ... Tennessee Chemical began the process of appealing its tax bill ... More county money was needed if the Benton Station Bridge project was to stay on track ... U.S. Sen. Jim Sasser enjoyed a trip down the Ocoee.

In 1998, the Benton Police Department was audited and there were several findings of violations. The city agreed to make needed corrections … Marsulex was bringing a new attitude to Intertrade, with emphasis on safety and environmental protection … Congressman Zach Wamp was confident that the state would come up with its share of funds for Hwy. 64 … A blue line was painted at the state line in Copperhill-McCaysville as part of spruce-up efforts in the twin cities.