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Newspaper
Shafter Press
Location
Shafter, California, United States of America
Date
Jun 14, 1949
Page
8
A Shafter fire at Sprouse Reitz with DeLuxe Barber Shop damage drew praise for firefighters and cafe staff who aided on site. The piece recalls Kern County heat, a Bakersfield comparison, and a plan for a thank you banquet while noting local toy losses and community spirit.
Munson of the California Employment Service in Bakersfield says 26 000 to 30 000 workers are employed in Kern County potato harvest, a likely peak. Salyer reports most field labor demand met with some housing shortages, Shafter and Wasco jobs filled. Citrus growers may receive surplus while Ventura needs 1000 lemon pickers. experienced agricultural workers lose unemployment funds, easing labor.
Assemblyman Joe C. Lewis of Buttonwillow urges a $15,000 legislative study of dust storm causes in the southern San Joaquin Valley. He seeks an interim six-member committee to investigate dust impacts in Fresno Kern Kings and Tulare counties and to press for legislative action.
The Daily Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church closes this Friday with an evening program for children to display their work. Registrations reached 153 in week one and are expected to rise, with singing led by Mrs. B. E. Andrews and Ruth Olson as pianist. Nineteen teachers and helpers contributed to the success.
Potato growers and shippers resume digging packing and shipping after a weekend slow down to balance demand with supply. Shipments set a record of 1066 cars last Wednesday, pushing prices down from 3.10 to under 2.50 per hundred pounds. Thirty growers met with James Camp of the S A Camp Company at Cawelo and agreed on a temporary digging holiday and a limit of 700 carloads per week starting Monday morning.
Lloyd Nance, superintendent of the County Industrial Farm, told the Kern county board of supervisors that the facility not only rehabilitates petty offenders but also becomes a top revenue producer. He projected about 400000 in gross this season from spuds with additional earnings from other crops and livestock. The board approved a 278115 budget after trimming 2153, with supervisor chairman Barney L. Barnes noting more could be earned.
City council adopted an ordinance to open bids for District No. 3 street improvements. The measure authorizes planning grading and construction funded by ten year 5 percent bonds. Clerk Shaw ordered posting and publication in the Press for five days.
Gregory Malory of Shafter with O. D. Handel and Herb Neuman attended the San Bernardino 20-30 club weekend June 4 and 5. The trio spoke at the open club forum on issues facing state 20-30 groups and urged an amendment for the International Convention in Santa Cruz set for September 6 to 10.
Brock 51 of Shafter died after a two car crash three miles west of Merced last Saturday afternoon. He suffered severe head injuries and multiple body injuries and died a few hours later. He leaves a widow Zelma Brock 41 two sons Jessie 21 and Carl 13 and two daughters Vancie 19 and Mildred 15. The family had lived in Shafter eight years. Arrangements will be handled by Shafter Funeral home.
Council members discuss eliminating flimsy tin structures in business districts as fire hazards and address wasteful street repairs. Plans include a 40 by 12 cement wash rack for the fire department and budgeting access, with focus on neglected busy streets and alleyway trash.
The Chamber outlines plans for a Highway meeting at West's Hotel in Wasco on June 21 to discuss route improvements between Wasco and Shafter, including underpasses and curve elimination. A perpetual float idea is proposed for Shafter and Lamont events, with committee chair appointed and funding discussed. Members await financial accounting of the Potato Festival and a town membership push proceeds.
Shafter and Wascod have reached their quotas in the current Death Valley 49ers Inc charter drive. The campaign aims to swell the charter membership to about 10 000 with one week remaining. Officers report 60 percent of the goal achieved.
City officials and business managers commend the Shafter Volunteer City Fire Department for its courageous response to Saturday’s blaze that destroyed Justesen’s Food Store and damaged McClure Drug Store. Community leaders urge a collective vote of thanks.
Shafter City Fire Department and county crews received praise for their coordinated response to a major Saturday fire. The effort, aided by outside volunteers and Thompson trucking, limited damage to two buildings and saved others.
Fire officials defend the Sprouse-Reitz store blaze response as constructive criticism fades. Community voices applauded Fire Chief Melvin Parrett and his team for preventing further spread while skeptics criticized actions in a heated incident.
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