Tragic pickup train crash shocks Shafter
In Shafter on October 23 at 1 35 a m a 1960 Chevrolet pickup driven by 18 year old Myra Ann Barham ran a lowered crossing arm at Central Avenue and was struck by a southbound Santa Fe freight train. The car burst into flames and the driver was killed instantly. Debris stretched about a half mile to Lerdo Highway. Wrecking crews removed the pieces seven hours after the accident while Santa Fe workers repaired switches and checked tracks. Funeral services for Myra Barham were held October 27 in Taft.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Flora Nichols
Shafter
Police Department
Myra Ann Barham
Santa Fe Railway
Central Avenue
Abernathy's
Ridge
Santa Fe
Myra Barham
Taft
Central Valley Highway
Planning Commission denies requested parking variance
The Shafter Planning Commission deadlocked 2-2 on October 21 denying a variance from downtown parking requirements for the Hitchcock Green Hotel restoration. Hotel supporters urged city action and warned denial could jeopardize grant potential while city officials proposed studying parking impact and operating hours before reventing future action. The commission adjourned with no variance and scheduled a November meeting to revisit with the mayor and Historical Society.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter Historical Society
Shafter Planning Commission
Hitchcock/Green
Wilson
al Mortimore
Mortimore
Tim Powell
Public Works
John Guinn
Jay Atkinson
Planning Commission
Shafter Council Approves Major Contracts and Annexation
The Shafter City Council met quickly with all members present and approved a $25,000 contract with Management Services Institute for a computerized cost control system. They also backed a Kern County GAIN welfare program, an annexation of Kattenhorn property, revised refuse capacity charges, a $26,500 storm drain plan contract, a $994 unbudgeted survey tool purchase, and funds for Parklands Act projects. The panel discussed sewer and drainage plans, easements, and park renovations, plus a police department restructuring to one lieutenant, one sergeant, and two agents. A Red Ribbon Week letter was read and a lunch with the Kern County Board of Trade was announced for Nov. 6. The next meeting is Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter
Management Services Institute
Doug Ayres
MSI
Kern County
Kattenhorn
Shafter Avenue
Los Angeles Street
Local Agency Formation Commission
LAFCO
George Wise
Ricks, Taylor and Meyer Inc
Hudson Park
Public Works Department
PWD
Redwood
Acacia
Rodriguez and Dam Parks
Stringham Park
Beech Tulare
Zachary
Wade McKinney
McKinney
Richland Pta
Kern County Board of Trade
Shafter City
City Hall
Halloween Parade Set for Thursday October 30 Night
The annual Halloween Parade will take place Thursday evening October 30 with sign-ups starting at 6 15 p m in the staging area at James and California the night of the event.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James
California
Grand opening of Frito Lay plant near Buttonwillow
The Frito Lay plant near Buttonwillow celebrated its 39th plant with city leaders from Shafter and Buttonwillow in attendance. Mayor Don Zachary and others attended a luncheon with Rev W Bryan Newman Jr delivering the invocation. Bill Elston spoke as keynote, while Rich, the plant manager, led tours for 175 guests. The event featured Bakersfield Symphony string ensemble as 400 employees operate at the 640 acre site on Highway 58 between Bakersfield and Buttonwillow.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
City of
Shafter
W. Bryan Newman Jr
Buttonwillow Community Baptist Church
Dallas
Bill Elston
Dim Rich
Bakersfield Symphony
Saas
Kern County of Trade
Highway 58
Bakersfield
Buttonwillow
Frito-Lay
Judy Salamada
Kern County Board of Trade
Pegsan
Thomas Payne
Trice Harve
Kern County Board of Supervisors
Jim Rich
Bill Thomas
Aston
Lay
Don Zachary
Weather hints of hazy mornings and cool nights near Halloween
The report notes hazy mornings and cool nights as Halloween nears. It warns of scary creatures seen on streets and at doors during the week.
Also Mentioned on This Page
R&h Towing
Wadstart
Eric Coleman
Sandy Wiedmann
Atkinson
Wiedmann
Michaela
Garry
Hair
Nelson
Powell
Ben Grundy
Peggy Tazioli
Chamber of Commerce
Barbara Blair
Weather Report
Tri