25 May 1979
Page 1
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Newspaper
News
Location
Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
Date
May 25, 1979
Page
1
Convicted murderer John A. Spenkelink dies in Florida State Prison electric chair after receiving three 230‑volt surges. The 30 year old, first U S inmate executed since 1977, is observed by officials and witnesses amid debate over capital punishment.
Peaceful Monocacy Episcopal priest described the scene as the Supreme Court denied a last stay. Carl Spenkelink faced the 10 a.m. execution after a delayed start, with witnesses including his attorney David Kendall and Feamster asking prayers. The chair restrained him entirely as the hood lowered and the first jolt was given, drawing a tight, grim account from courtroom observers and reporters.
A 22 year old Silver Spring man, James Thomas Porter, charged with the murder of Myersville service station attendant John Robert Culb Sr, has had his trial transferred from Frederick County to Anne Arundel County. Porter faces possible death penalty if convicted, with a not guilty plea and a motion for insanity filed by his defense. The change follows a hearing and orders to relocate the venue amid motions by the defense and state prosecutors outlining aggravating factors. Culb, a father of seven, was killed during a nighttime robbery on November 1, 1978. Porter was arrested November 8 and has been held on $110,000 bond.
Fragmented weather and global notes mix with a quote from William Thackeray. The report mentions Nixon selling a seaside estate and land returning to Egypt, a weekend forecast with lingering rain, cool temperatures in the mid 40s to around 50, variable clouds, and light winds. A Thackeray quote appears alongside.
United States consumer prices rose 1.1 percent in April led by a sharp jump in gasoline and energy costs. The gain followed a 1 percent rise in March and 1.2 percent in February, with food prices also higher though pork and poultry showed some relief.
Developers and landowners in Walkersville clash over limited sewer and water taps with 28 uncommitted hookups. Town officials cite upgrading the Monocacy Interceptor and a pending expansion study as needed to serve prior agreements while promising growth will slow without new capacity. Ausherman and partners seek piecemeal Glade Manor expansion amid annexation growth controls.
Maryland State Police in Frederick County prepare extra patrols for Memorial Day weekend to keep traffic deaths at seven year to date, mirroring last year. CARE enforcement uses Radar Vascar and serial speed checks on interstate highways from Maine to Florida with overtime for peak hours. Speeding tickets issued total 164 for the period, reflecting a statewide drop in excess speeds and a presumed fuel saving.
Frederick city Parks and Recreation Commission discussed a possible July Fourth fireworks show with private sponsorship. A donor pledged one third of the roughly 3000 dollar cost, with other sponsors hinted at. city funds were debated as unnecessary by some officials. The commission noted future displays could align with the Famay Festival and planned a playground tour on July 2, with the next formal meeting in September.
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