28 Dec 1959
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Monroe News Star
Location
Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Date
Dec 28, 1959
Page
1
AP Wirephoto reports a devastating Christmas Eve quake that killed seven people, injured more than 250, and destroyed almost 250 homes. Rescue teams search wreckage while authorities assess damage and safety risks in the affected region.
Police confirmed a Christmas Day break in at the Tri anon Lounge after burglars cut a back screen door and chiselled the lock on a heavy door. Co owner said police were notified around 9 30 am. The incident was not yet released to the press.
The blizzard roared through the Midwest and Plains packing 60 mph winds. Nebraska Iowa and the Dakotas saw heavy snow with many highways blocked and cars abandoned. Travel slowed in the Great Lakes as temperatures plunged and rain turned to snow.
A survey counts 324 traffic fatalities plus 22 fire deaths and 68 in other accidents over a 78 hour period. Weather conditions influenced the tally and hampered travel safety efforts.
A missing crewman on the tug Southern Cross is feared dead after an overboard incident at Morgan City. In New Orleans, Bernard Vialas 49 falls to a hotel stairs and dies. A 15 year old Montegut youth Junior Dupre is killed while hitchhiking near Franklin. An elderly Crowley couple Arthur and Mrs Smith Sr die in a head on collision near Crowley. Walter McCraw Jr driving out of control near Crowley, MeCraw and Lionel Billendeaux injured. Theo dore Latapie 48 dies when his car overturns near Pointe a la Hache.
The elder Arnold died from a broken neck and crushed skull while his son died from a base of skull fracture. Orson Brooks and A O Rogers assisted at the scene as the Civil Aeronautics Administration investigated the crash location near Monroe Selman Field. The report notes a separate line of fatal road accidents and political coverage of the upcoming Los Angeles Democratic convention with Nixon as the central opponent.
Rockefeller's withdrawal leaves parties scrambling as the likely running mate choice hangs on Nixon rather than delegates. Rockefeller said it was too early to discuss the 1960 ticket while departing to a Colts Giants game. Sen. Thruston Morton praised Rockefeller and asserted Nixon leads in the GOP nomination outlook. The White House offered no comment on the withdrawal.
The plane was held up in Monroe awaiting weather clearance. Once visibility allowed, the pilot resumed flight by sight. The family stayed overnight in Monroe on the way back to Oklahoma and an uncle of Virginia was reported traveling to Ruston to join the child.
Four Hungarians sought political asylum in Austria during the Christmas weekend, including two frontier guards who defected from a border tower. The soldiers, ages 22, crossed in full uniform after discarding their weapons. They cited Communist religious discrimination against Catholics and poor living conditions as reasons, joined by two apprentice workers fleeing hardship.
A fragment notes a person crawled under a fence while returning from a rabbit hunt. No further details on identity, location, or outcome are provided in the readable text.
The piece outlines continued open hearings under the Taft Hartley law to prepare a report for President Eisenhower ahead of a worker ballot on the industry’s last offer. Labor talks with Taylor’s panel persist amid separate company negotiations, with McDonald noting there is little progress and acrimony hindering talks. Separately, Kefauver suggested Democrats would unite more against Nixon than against Rockefeller, naming several potential Nixon running mates.
About 38,000 transit and private bus workers may strike as contracts expire. Wages currently range from $2.04 to $2.72 per hour with a proposed 15 percent increase. Private firms seek city tax relief before raising pay, while Mayor Deeree offers no promises.
The Mississippi Rights Commission names advisors including Macist and businessman in Columbus born in Manila and Retired Adm. Robert Briscoe.
Dr A Benjamin Britton of Jackson born in Clark County and Rev Murray Cox of Gulfport a retired minister are listed among Mississippi notables. Also cited are W C Campbell of Collins a poultryman and cattleman, former Mississippi Rural Carriers Assn president, born Covington County. Mrs Wallis Schutt of Jackson president of Mississippi United Church Women, born in Washington DC, long resident of Mississippi.
A Llwynpia versus Llanharan match in Glamorgan ended after four minutes when the ball burst on a spectator umbrella spike. It was the only ball available for the game.
The Southeastern Electricity Board reported a caller during a power outage who asked how long it would take to finish dressing after pressing one leg of his trousers. The humorous remark highlighted the disruption caused by the outage.
A tug explosion drew responders as authorities counted twenty five boats at the scene. No further details on casualties or cause were provided in the readable text.
The cutter deployed a grappling hook to tow the burning tug out to sea. The vessel sank about 150 yards off the shore. Local officials canceled the evacuation order.
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