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Newspaper
Raleigh Register
Location
Beckley, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Apr 03, 1956
Page
1
Tornadoes raked Oklahoma Kansas and Missouri overnight destroying two dozen towns. At least seven people died and Drumright suffered the worst toll with multiple fatalities and extensive damage across the area.
Water in Lake Okeechobee sinks to 11.86 feet amid extended dry spell threatening irrigation and spring crops. Officials warn the record risk may be topped by a 1932 level as dikes were built around the lake. Meanwhile severe tornadoes strike Kansas and Oklahoma causing deaths, injuries, and widespread damage from Drumright to Miami and Sobel.
A massive dust storm sweeping across Texas and neighboring states left at least three dead in traffic crashes near Odessa and widespread property damage. West Texas cities including Midland and Abilene reported zero visibility as storms toppled buildings, with numerous funnels sighted from Oklahoma to Kansas.
A Wyoming County jury awarded Del. J. Paul England of Pineville 5000 damages in a libel suit against the Charleston Gazette after almost nine hours of deliberation. England, 36, a Pineville High School teacher and Pineville Insurance Agency manager, claimed the Aug. 5 Gazette editorial falsely accused him of trading votes for state insurance patronage. The newspaper may appeal. Trial of related suit by Del. J. Paul Bower against the Gazette is set for June.
Clarksburg city leaders reviewed a police force report detailing open crime and weak enforcement policy. The council pushed for charter reform, voting to pursue a special election and consider a bond for recreation facilities while accepting City Manager Glen R. Petersons resignation amid friction and a broader push for better government.
The Sun sets at 6 50 p m today with sunrise at 6 05 a m Wednesday The Moon rises 2 19 a m Wednesday New Moon occurs next Tuesday Aldebaran prominent in the west at 8 41 p m Visible planets include Jupiter high in the southeast at 7 50 p m Venus northwest of Aldebaran Mars near the Moon Saturn rises at 11 03 p m
The report notes rather cloudy skies with warmth and scattered showers and thunderstorms tonight and Wednesday. Five day temperatures are expected 4-8 degrees above normal with warm midweek, cooler end of week, and a return of warmth later. River and reservoir readings at Bellepoint and Bluestone are normal and clear.
Voter registration books will close at noon Saturday per the Raleigh County Clerk's office. All county residents seeking to vote in the May 8 Primary and Nov. 6 General Elections must register before the deadline if not previously registered or if missed during canvassing. Those turning 21 before Nov. 6 may register and vote in both elections. Transfers required for moves between precincts. Registered voters who have not moved or who voted in the last three years need not re register. Registrations for those not meeting qualifications will be removed after the deadline.
West Virginia's May 8 primary sees new candidates for the unexpired Kilgore Senate term. Republican entries include Esta C. Wilson of Marion County and sheriff Al J. Carey still awaiting filing. Democratic contenders include Robert Myrtle and Joseph Arcuri plus five established figures led by Gov. Marland and AG Fox.
The Register begins a daily Know Your Candidates feature for the May 8 Primary Election. Democratic incumbent Harry Lacey McCreery faces William Holroyd McGinnis for the Raleigh County Criminal Court judge seat, while Harold H. Smith stands as the lone Republican candidate. Page 4 continues.
Beckley West Virginia is the only local community among 40 in the eastern U S chosen for a Bell System special survey tied to a new television program airing Sunday on Channel 8 WCHS The study uses depth interviews and pick up questionnaires to gauge customer opinions for the American Telephone and Telegraph survey program coordinated by Market Research Service New York Mary Virginia Slack leads the effort with 60 Beckley participants plus a broader WV opinion sample from the regular semi annual survey of 1 800 customers in April and October
In Raleigh County Court Fred Franklin Dunkley of Stanaford was sentenced to 1 to 10 years in the Sater Penitentiary after pleading guilty to breaking and entering, with an additional five years added for a prior conviction. Clifford Lee Tedder of Hotchkiss faced trial for fathering an illegitimate child with Marie Gwinn of Jenning's Gap as the complainant. the baby boy was born December 15, 1955, with conception reported in March 1955. Prosecutor A. J. Sparacino notes this is the first bastardy case tried since his election. Manslaughter charges against Willie Howell of Columbia, S C, were continued to the next term. Walter Adolph Baungartner’s driving while intoxicated case was continued to a Saturday. Robert Nagle Williams of Calloway Heights pleaded guilty to attempting to commit a felony sodomy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. he remains on bond until 10 a.m. April 9 when Judge Harry L. McCreery will announce judgment.
State Police raided a Rock Creek cock fight on Sunday arresting about 20 participants. Seventeen bonds forfeit ten dollars each for failing to appear at arraignment. 15 roosters were confiscated and later claimed by owners. Attendees hailed from Raleigh Summers and Fayette counties plus Beckley and Beaver. Police continue efforts to locate others at the open-air fight.
Noel Hicks of Beckley was booked at Raleigh County Jail at 10:30 a.m. today by City Police on a warrant for passing a bad check. The warrant was issued by Magistrate T. N. Thurman.
In Ohio County Court, crime laboratory witnesses linked blood on jeans and weapon fragments to Tommy Williams, 14, in the bludgeon death of 9 year old David Powell. Lab officials compared dirt and hair samples, while prosecutors summarized confessions and debated guilt as the defense argues the boy is insane.
State Police determined the bones found wrapped in a blanket near Penman were from a dead dog. Police investigated after a report, noting hair and hide visible in a roughly 20 by 10 inch grave. A youngster may have buried a pet and other animals disturbed the site.
City records show capitation tax receipts totaling 500 dollars. Emery J. Smith, City Recorder, announced a check for 500 dollars from the Raleigh County Assessor's Office, where the levy was collected.
Raleigh County Court ordered A J Lilly to inspect the Raleigh County Courthouse roof and determine needed improvements. Lilly, chosen for his construction experience, will assess options for repairs or replacement as leaks persist.
Despite Kremlin missile talk, U S Air Force says long range bombers keep threat and civilian volunteer plane spotters are urgently needed across the nation for the air defense warning system. Public service notice backed by The Advertising Council.
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