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Newspaper
Washington Evening Journal
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 16, 1968
Page
1
Witnesses described a dark funnel and flying debris as a tornado struck Charles City, Iowa, killing 11 and injuring others. Ronald Nellis, 37, recalled the moment the nurse warned of the danger as his basement refuge became a shelter from the storm.
John Gordon, Charles City's chief of police, said the town is demolished along Main Street for about 18 blocks north of the Cedar River with extensive damage southward. He stood in city hall as the tornado passed within 100 feet, tearing through the area and trapping him inside.
United Press International reports that northeastern Iowa tornadoes killed 16 people, with Nora Panzer found dead near Maynard close to Oelwein. Hundreds are injured, thousands homeless, as residents salvage belongings amid widespread damage from high winds and downed power lines.
Gov. Hughes and Maj. Gen. Miller toured the storm damage in Cresco Riceville Lansing and surrounding Iowa towns. Death toll ranges from three to four in Oelwein and Charles City, with 11 known dead in Charles City and about 5 000 left homeless. National Guard and Highway Patrol mobilized as hospitals treat hundreds and shelters open in schools and churches.
A sign for Washington will be placed on highways 1 and 92 west of Washington on county farm ground. Moving Day at Washington County Hospital proceeded smoothly with the move to the new building underway. A bank safe in the courthouse was opened forcibly to access welfare food stamps. Washington High School set May 23 for Class Day and May 26 and May 28 for Baccalaureate and Commencement. Six of ten miners believed drowned were rescued, with three dead and one missing in a flood at a mine near Hominy Falls.
Severe storms swept through the Wyman Wayland area bringing high winds and heavy rain. In Wayland the town school closed after windows were blown out at the attendance center and homes suffered wind damage. A hay barn at Neal Roth’s farm was destroyed, hogs killed, and a machine shed lost at John Swartz endruber’s farm. Trees were uprooted near several properties including the Gravvat home, with lines and a grain bin also downed. Some rural damage minimal, while town homes saw roofing and tree-landing issues.
A massive earthquake struck northern Honshu and Hokkaido causing collapsed buildings, ruptured streets, and tidal waves. Early reports cite at least 14 dead and 53 injured as officials call it the biggest quake since the 1964 Good Friday event that killed 114 in Alaska.
A fast-moving cold front spawned half a hundred tornadoes tearing through communities in Minnesota through Alabama on Wednesday night. At least 56 people died, including 33 in Arkansas, with extensive damage reported across the affected states.
Intercepted memo reports tornado-stricken Oelwein and Charles City victims amid an unexpected twist. Authorities warn residents and volunteers to stay alert as relief efforts continue. The memo notes aid timelines and safety concerns for affected communities.
Jarrards in Charles City learned their son in law Don Jarrard and wife had survived a tornado that destroyed their home and belongings on Wednesday evening. Mrs Jarrard suffered a leg cut requiring stitches. The Mootharts were urged not to travel to Charles City yet as telephone service was out and contact came via a Shenandoah store manager.
Paris UPI reports Ambassador Harriman says Hanoi has offered no constructive proposals toward a Vietnam peace accord. He notes US serious but noncommittal responses and mentions a third meeting with Hanoi envoy Xuan Thuy scheduled for Saturday. Hanoi insists bombing and war actions must end unconditionally before peace talks.
Iowa Governor Harold F. Hughes told officials from 16 large cities to lead the All Iowa Crime Prevention Alert locally and urged citizen participation. He said he would not run programs in other communities but offered help if sought and announced governor’s awards for cities excelling in human relations, law enforcement, crime prevention and traffic safety.
Variable cloudiness to night and Friday brings a little colder air. Lows tonight range from the 30s in the north to the 40s in the south with scattered frost possible in the northwest and extreme north. Highs Friday reach the 60s and Saturday looks partly cloudy and a bit warmer.
County board of supervisors met May 7 and adopted a resolution on the destruction of noxious weeds. Public notices inform residents of requirements and deadlines related to weed control and compliance.
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