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Newspaper
Washington Evening Journal
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 27, 1973
Page
1
City officials say the alley siren south of the business district will not be in a fire zone after repairs are ordered but not yet received. The siren near Stewart School is functioning. Tests are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Iowa Motor Club reports many service stations across Iowa close Sundays while interstate stations stay open all week. Motorists are urged to fuel when tanks are half full if travel is needed this Sunday. Interstates are generally well supplied with stable prices, though some shortages and allocations could affect travelers. Eastern Iowa shows good supplies with exceptions in Burlington and Davenport Bettendorf areas through Jan 1.
Gov. Robert D. Ray announced plans to seek a law allowing private liquor sales in rural communities where state stores are impractical. He cited limited access in small towns and noted potential renewed legislative support in 1974 after a failed 1973 effort. The Rural Electrification Administration also approved a $9.5 million loan to the Central Iowa Power Coop to fund a 50,000 kilowatt gas turbine plant and its share of the Duane Arnold Nuclear Energy Center near Palo.
The US dollar jumped to 2.686 marks in Frankfurt at market open, its highest since June, with gains seen across European markets. Gold held firm as dealers cited Arab oil producers' production cutbacks, while one trader noted very quiet trading conditions.
In Schenectady New York detectives say a 93 year old man Frank Baker and his 92 year old wife Catherine were found dead on Christmas Eve after electricity was cut off for a $243 bill. A grandson found them huddled in their living room with the furnace gas heat inoperative. Autopsy results are inconclusive as tests continue to determine if exposure caused the deaths. Authorities say a mattress contained more than enough money to pay the bill but less than $1,000. The couple lived on a pension and Social Security in their two story home.
The FBI reported a 3 percent rise in violent crime in the United States during the first nine months of 1973. Overall serious crime, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, plus burglary, larceny and auto theft, increased 1 percent from 1972. Major rural crime rose 6 percent and suburban serious crime rose 5 percent.
Iowa zones face a cold night with lows in the lower teens and light winds. Friday brings increasing clouds, a 30 percent snow chance in the afternoon and highs near 30. National crime data show increases in rape, murder, aggravated assault, burglary and auto theft, with overall drops in 71 large cities including New York and Los Angeles, while Fall River and several other cities report notable declines.
Washington reports that the government orders railroads to meet tougher standards to attract travelers. The rule set includes 24 hour telephone reservations and a high standard of cleanliness, plus limits on arrivals and departures and restrictions on sidetracking except in emergencies.
Iowa Development Commission reports 1973 as a banner year for industrial growth with 322.5 million dollar plant expansions, 203 million in new capital investments, and 98 new or expanded facilities boosting the state economy by double digits from the prior year and 1967.
United Press reports Israel and Egypt unlikely to finalize a separation of forces before next year. Israeli officials warn the tense ceasefire lines could ignite a new war at any time, with top officers on both sides signaling readiness for conflict.
The government announced a stand-by gasoline rationing system offering up to 35 gallons per month per person, with coupons printed and rules set if voluntary measures fail. A March 1 activation remains possible. coupons would be distributed to 18+ drivers, with exchangeable colors every 30 days and a $1 per person charge.
A UPI report shows Des Moines city crime up about 50 percent in aggravated assault and rises in auto theft burglary and robbery for Jan through Sept 1973. Cedar Rapids crime climbs 15 percent with robbery rape burglary and auto theft increases. Rural and suburban areas also show notable crime gains nationwide.
United Press reports a price surge across the nation as gasoline dealers resist government caps. Association heads in Massachusetts and Illinois warn of sharp price hikes and possible closures. some stations charge up to 99.9 cents a gallon while the IRS probes postholiday gouging and calls for a boycott to begin as soon as gas runs out.
Dozens of Mississippi families fled homes while Alabama Georgia brace for more floods after torrential rains from the Mississippi Valley to West Virginia. In Mississippi, over 100 evacuees returned to muddy homes around Vicksburg as Laurel and Hattiesburg saw 75 more evacuations. Granby death reported as a trailer firestorm tragedy struck. National Guard sandbagging in Hinton West Virginia, power outages and tornado warnings in Kentucky and Illinois floodings. Snow, freezing rain, and ice jams spawned accidents and multiple injuries across the region.
Washington's City Council denied renewal of a class B beer permit for the Chocolate Shop on the east side of the square. Acting on police and mayoral recommendations, the 4 0 vote cited several rowdy incidents, noting intimidation and detours around the tavern. The Craigs may appeal to the State Beer and Liquor Control Commission, which could uphold the city or order a hearing.
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