This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Mar 06, 1966
Page
5
Limestone County grand jury indicted Billy Joe Sylvester and Jerry Howard Baggett both 19 and 18 for first degree murder and robbery in the January 1965 Decatur construction worker slaying. They will be tried in a special Athens circuit court session during March 21 to 25.
National news reports confirm astronauts Elliott M. Lee Jr and Charles A Bassett II died when their twin jet craft crashed into a McDonnell Aircraft building in St Louis Missouri during a planned Gemini 9 test flight. President Johnson signed the cold war GI bill amid debate over its cost and scope and urged North Vietnam to negotiate peace while promising a broad reconstruction program. Defense chief McNamara stressed U S capacity to meet commitments elsewhere as Congress approved a 4 8 billion defense budget supplement. Administration aides dismissed Fulbright calls for a Southeast Asia neutralization accord as China remains unwilling to talks.
Savage tornadoes struck at least four Mississippi counties Thursday night killing more than 60 people and injuring hundreds. The twisters touched down near Jackson and moved into neighboring rural counties causing multi million dollars in damage per state officials.
On Wednesday morning official filings showed a crowded governor’s race with 11 candidates hoping to win. Analysts note past contests had 14 to 15 contenders, while current forecasts suggest turnout could reach about 800000, with leaders aiming for roughly a third of the vote to lead the ticket.
Voter estimates place Negro turnout around 150000 to 200000 for May 3, shaping the run off odds for Elliott, Flowers, Todd, Folsom, or Gilchrist. Agricultural Commissioner Todd faces reprimand over hiring policies while attorney general race could see an upset as Guy Sparks challenges Gallion. Ruth Johnson Owens enters treasurer race, potentially drawing votes from Agnes Baggett as three top women vie. Democratic Party finances surge with many gubernatorial and legislative candidates paying fees of 500 and 100 respectively, swelling funds.
Cullman Alabama plans a city wide celebration March 26 to April 2 for its 93rd birthday. The Beta Nu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi with local civic groups will host ceremonies led by Mayor W J Nesmith, a parade, a beauty queen crowning, Pioneer Ball, an art show, relics from early Cullman days, and a square dance at city hall, sponsored by the Cullman Lions Club.
Beta Nu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority aims to revive Cullman Pioneer Week and make it an annual event leading to Cullman’s centennial in 1973. A pocket history booklet found by Col. John G. Cullman in 1873 is being printed for distribution during the week.
Political enthusiasts argue one vote can swing outcomes when millions participate. Civic clubs unite to fight apathy through the Joint Civic Voting Committee, planning actions to stress voter responsibility amid a citywide election.
Civitan and nine allied groups forming a joint steering committee to boost turnout for the November general election. Bill Dukes elected president and Harv ey Bernard secretary treasurer, with representatives from Kiwanis Civitan City of Opportunity Decatur Lions Exchange Jaycees League of Women Voters Morgan County and Rotary. County turnout has lagged in past elections, highlighting need for action.
Dr. Matthew Hall of Decatur, chairman of the two county anti poverty program's community action committee, reported that a lengthy delay in securing federal funds has ended in renewed action. The group previously sought $70,000 from the Regional Economic Opportunity office in Atlanta, with officials reviewing technicalities before final approval. Hall noted the appeal was mailed to Atlanta again for consideration after talks with state and federal authorities.
Cessary paperwork submitted by the executive board for the original anti poverty program was misplaced by the Atlanta regional office stalling the project for about three months. Dr Hall noted a personnel change in the Atlanta office during this period and said the initial funds of 70000 may be approved within weeks to hire three administrators for a poverty survey and to assess Economic Opportunity program fits. The group also seeks 36000 in federal money to fund a small business development center in the Morgan Marshall County area to aid local entrepreneurs with guidance and compliance. Soon four workers would implement the program including a project coordinator two assistant coordinators from each county and a secretary bookkeeper. See POVERTY on Page A-7.
In Tuscaloosa residents recall 16 year old Ryan deGraffenried collecting his late father Ryan deGraffenried Sr bumper stickers after a Fort Payne plane crash. The youth vows there will be a Ryan deGraffenried running for governor 20 years hence and winning.
Informed sources report the Athens College board of trustees will name a permanent president this week. The pool has been narrowed to three applicants, with uncertainty whether Ed Ewing from the governor’s office is among them. Ewing, ex public relations director, applied after Dr. Virgil McCain resigned. McCain stepped down as Athens press secretary to Gov. George Wallace last week but remains in the governor’s office in public relations.
TVA head Aubrey J. Wagner told Athens and Limestone leaders they must plan now to land industry in the county. He cited a strong chance of securing the $125 million Browns Ferry nuclear plant, while noting local adoption of the North Alabama Regional Planning Commission remains uncertain.
The First National Bank of Athens lost funds earmarked for the John C Calhoun Junior College Technical School as House Speaker Albert Brewer connected to the First State Bank in Decatur secured approval to move the money. Ed Horton Granville Turner and Athens bank president Allen Beasley pressed the board to keep the funds in Athens. the board kept the Huntsville branch funds in Athens while the rest moved to Decatur in a six figure deal.
If newspaper endorsements matter, Mrs. George Wallace and Sen. Bob Gilchrist of Hartselle stand as the front runners for governor. Wallace won Florence Times and Tri Cities Daily support soon after qualifying, while Gilchrist earned backing from the Hartselle Enquirer in Thursday’s edition.
After a Birmingham speech Governor Wallace pledged to be his wife’s number one assistant if she is elected, noting she would govern in name only. He said he nearly pursued a Senate bid, but a failed succession bill and the Alabama Constitution’s one year out-of-office rule block him from immediate reentry.
Richmond Sr. Flowers runs hard for Alabama governor as Richmond Jr. pursues Olympic dreams and track records at the University of Tennessee. The pair, one a state attorney general candidate, the other an elite athlete, embody parallel ambitions in politics and sport.
At a Moulton rally aimed at House candidates the idea of constructing a Tennessee River bridge to connect Limestone and Lawrence counties drew promises of action. The piece notes the Athens Limestone County Chamber of Commerce has been pushing the project and hints the task may face challenges.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.