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Newspaper
Lawton Constitution
Location
Lawton, Oklahoma, United States of America
Date
May 27, 1957
Page
1
George Gray reports flood waters recede across the region amid a tornado disaster. Authorities expect federal aid discussions for area reconstruction while many roads reopen as communications restore after Friday’s storm. Crews plan months of repair and utilities gradually return to service in the Lawton-Withers area.
Thousands gathered near Lawtonka to watch the reservoir gates lift for the first time since 1955 as flood runoff continued from Friday night. Officials warned of possible showers while debris cleared under the gates and power shutoffs prevented equipment damage during the operation.
County roads suffered extensive damage from the tornado with more than 30 bridges washed out and eastern areas reporting many unsafe crossings. Officials warned travelers to check every bridge, while power lines and flood barriers were repaired and crews continued road openings. Rescue and relief efforts, including Red Cross aid and Salvation Army support, were underway as towns assessed flood crests and sought funds for recovery.
Torrential storms dumped up to seven point seven inches in west Texas while Fort Worth reports five million dollars in flood damage. Thousands evacuated as Nueces River basin, Corpus Christi coast and Dallas area endure systemic downpours and flooded streets force changes to high school ceremonies.
United Press reports thunderstorms forecast for far western Oklahoma while most the state expects a dry spell. Flood danger persisted at major dams with Texoma near Denison Dam spillway and gates held or opened to manage Red River levels. Grand Lake inflow eased and Pensacola Dam gates closed, but Fort Gibson and Arkansas River floodwaters threatened Muskogee Fort Smith area, prompting evacuation of Flutter, Oklahoma.
In Paramus NJ a Fair Lawn High student, 18, admitted he strangled Ruth Stacy Zeitler after picking her up in a car earlier the day of the crime. Officials say the confession was made while he held his Bible and spoke to God. Preliminary hearing set for June 7.
U S officials said the Taipei anti American riots were definitely organized possibly by political groups seeking a deal with the Chinese Communists. They blamed government inaction for the extensive destruction at the embassy and noted deliberate acts by demonstrators, including damage to the embassy interior.
Rescue teams through the ruins of nine quake shattered villages in northern Turkey counted at least 50 dead and 70 injured. Reports say 3:50 am tremor toppled houses and sent people fleeing as searchers reached the area about 100 miles southeast of Istanbul. Officials in Bol province estimate 50 dead with unconfirmed deaths in neighboring provinces. Hardest hit were villages south of Bol province as shocks lasting ten seconds shook Ankara and Istanbul.
The Army's Honest John rocket, a 1700 mph nuclear capable weapon, is a compact missile mounted on a five ton truck. It lacks electronic flight controls and relies on simple guidance, yet it can deliver demolition power equivalent to hundreds of artillery shells with either a high explosive or atomic warhead, enhancing mobility in combat scenarios.
Army tests of the Monest John missile span three years before approval in early 1953. Designed to provide close fire support for ground forces, it offers a maximum range of about 17 miles matching medium to long range artillery. The fin tailed rocket travels at speeds up to 1.70 miles per hour.
Harold Voise, manager of the Polack Brothers Circus, says the big top's folding act last year hasn't harmed the show business. He notes outdoor circuses in open-air stadiums or enclosed auditoriums reduce labor and costs, with Ringling Brothers grossing $1.8 million at Madison Square Garden. The circus will continue to thrill audiences despite weather and logistical changes.
Chancellor Adenauer told the Soviet Union that Germany could accept a demilitarized zone in Europe if reunification of Germany is guaranteed. He warned Russians he might concede some points but rejected negotiating reunification with the East German government. He stressed 17 million West Germans are not free from communist domination and noted Soviet interest in a demilitarized buffer between East and West.
Oklahoma Governor Raymond Gary said he is negotiating with House members to secure 61 votes for a bill allowing the state highway department to lend up to 504000 dollars a year to the turnpike authority to buy interest coupons for the southwestern toll road from Oklahoma City to Lawton. He called it a hard job and noted strong House opposition to using state funds for turnpikes. A final passage vote was advanced after a 45 33 tally, with a showdown in the afternoon. The measure faces questions of constitutionality, though an unofficial attorney general opinion supports it. The administration also pressed for passage amid near session end, while other bills and tax changes awaited action.
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