20 May 1944
Page 1
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Newspaper
Washington Evening Journal
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 20, 1944
Page
1
A spate of violent wind and rain storms in Iowa over 72 hours brought two new tornadoes. The first leveled farm structures along a six mile by two mile strip between Ware and Laurens in Pocahontas county. A second twister struck near Pocahontas wrecking buildings and killing livestock on three farms.
George Pratt escaped from the naval air station near Ottumwa while under military arrest. He allegedly climbed a wire fence and fled with deputy sheriffs from Ottumwa and Sigourney, state agents, highway patrolmen, and Hedrick town marshal in a field chase. He was captured in a corn field northwest of the base after attempting to hide.
Kline acting head of the district OPA and George Croft returned to Des Moines after a two day conference with Iowa City businessmen on forming a local rationing board. Kline will consider topics discussed. Harold Eversole will stay in Iowa City until Sunday. Five members of the county rationing board quit about two weeks earlier amid controversy.
Lieut. Col. Courtney P. Young predicts Iowa's security will shift to the state guard as federal troops withdraw for overseas duty. He says many army personnel will be sent to combat zones, creating a gap the guard must fill, and praises its efficiency and readiness as a protective force.
Des Moines reports 1944 smallpox cases in Iowa reaching 32 to date, higher than 1942’s 25 and 1943’s 26, with the outbreak at a low level but resurging. Health Commissioner Walter L Bierring calls compulsory vaccination for military forces and civilian protection alike.
Council Bluffs police traced the strangler of Mrs. Pearl Mae Wetherhill to Ames and Newton. In Newton a 14 year old Omaha boy admitted slugging and robbing a Council Bluffs woman but later denied it. He was arrested for driving a stolen car. In Ames an 18 year old San Francisco merchant seaman arrested at Marshalltown, Iowa, in a car stolen at Ames.
County Superintendent Lester B Krabill announces 111 graduates from county rural schools. Diplomas awarded next Thursday evening May 25 at the Methodist church with Rev Fred E Miller delivering the address.
Mayor Lloyd Lytle issues a proclamation designating Saturday May 27 1944 as Poppy Day in Washington urging citizens to wear memorial poppies to honor soldiers who died in World War I and World War III in defense of the nation.
John M Mullinnix 34 died at Washington County Hospital after severe burns while topping a tractor tank with fuel oil on a farm near Chester. He was found by neighbors and transported for treatment but did not survive. Funeral set for Sunday at L. A. Jones Funeral Home with Rev. Arthur Peters officiating. burial in River Junction cemetery. He was born June 7 1909 in Johnson county and survived by wife Doris, two children, and several relatives, with a brother and sister listed as residents of Lone Tree and nearby towns.
Dr F W Eastwood visiting in the east plans morning services at the Presbyterian Church led by Dr Clarence M Wallace, a field representative of Anes Town, on the subject Our High Calling. An afternoon two o'clock workers conference will follow. Superintendent Mrs Frank Crone urges Sunday school teachers and others to attend.
Last night brought another wet spell with about .12 inches of rain recorded. The night before followed with around .10 inches as drizzle and showers persisted in the region.
Mr and Mrs Charles Shucks living east of Wellman confirm from the war department the death of their son Private Harold Shucks who was recently reported missing. He was believed aboard a troop ship sunk in Mediterranean waters.
Rev Fred G Miller pastor of the Washington Methodist church will be awarded the doctor of divinity degree by Iowa Wesleyan College next week along with Rev George G Hunt of Mt Pleasant Both men are noted for strong devotion to the college and youth Miller earned a BA in 1930 and served as business manager of the Wesleyan News and as full time assistant to the president from 1935 to 1937 The couple have two children Megan Rhys is his wife
Allied forces in Italy broke the Adolf Hitler line from the Liri river to the sea and drove Germans back toward a new rear line near Anzio and Rome. Gaeta Itri Santa Oliva Pico fell to American and French troops of the 5th Army as a new line formed from Pico to Terracina. Bombers and fighters intensified the pre invasion aerial offensive, striking Germany and occupied France and disrupting railways.
Health unit programs listed for May 22 week include home hygiene classes in Kalona on Monday and Thursday, child health conferences in Brighton on Tuesday and Wednesday, and a pre school round-up in Washington on Friday. schedule shows times such as 2:00 PM and 9:00 to 11:00 AM with multiple sessions.
Jean Atchison of the State University of Iowa will direct outside summer activities for the YWCA. Swimming starts May 23 with sessions for beginners juniors high school and business women plus Bible school pupils. Registration is on May 22 at the YWCA. annual membership is five dollars.
A list of junior high students who completed eighth grade and are eligible for high school next fall is announced by Ethel McCreedy, the principal. The roster includes Bill Anderson through Jack Zook and a separate set of female graduates including Heather Anderson and Coline Williams among others.
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