Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
On this date ...
1970: Three Tucumcari police officers went to Lubbock, Texas, to provide aid after a massive tornado struck there. They helped the injured receive medical attention, worked with search parties and directed traffic in the stricken city. “I’ve never seen anything like it; it was horrible,” one officer said. The category F-5 tornado that hit the central part of the city caused millions of dollars in damage, killed at least 25 people and injured 500. Texas Tech University’s coliseum was converted into a makeshift hospital for a time after the disaster. More than 400 homes were destroyed, and more than 250 businesses were severely damaged or destroyed.
• A.T. Gordon, chairman of the board at Citizens Bank, announced the election of J.M. “Mack” Dennis to the board of directors. He replaced his father, who resigned after serving on the board since 1957.
• Craig Currell, chairman of the Operation Sparkle cleanup effort, presided over a special meeting of the campaign at the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce office. Members of the Noonday Lions, Kiwanis, Evening Lions, Rotary Club, Bay View Club and senior citizens will canvass assigned sections of town to see what needs to be done for beautification. Letters asking for cooperation from property owners will be sent.