Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
On this date ...
1971: Raymond Edward Valdez, 20, of Tucumcari was arraigned in magistrate court and charged with homicide by vehicle.
The charge was levied in connection with a two-car accident that killed Dottie Lou Whitmore, 44, of Miami, Oklahoma, in which she received severe burns over 82% of her body. She died shortly after being transferred from Trigg Memorial Hospital to the trauma unit of Bernalillo County Hospital in Albuquerque. Her husband, Paul, 43, remains in serious condition, also suffering from burns. Valdez suffered lacerations and was treated at Trigg.
Both vehicles were westbound in the 1000 block of Tucumcari Boulevard when Valdez’s plowed into the back of Whitmore’s car. The Whitmore vehicle, after being hit from behind, struck a street sign in front of the Cactus Motor Lodge, causing the car to burst into flames.
• The Tucumcari Industrial Commission announced the establishment of a Mid-America Diesel Service location in the city. Mid-America Diesel Service is located in Liberal, Kansas, and sought to expand its services. Three diesel mechanics will relocate to Tucumcari, and other employees will be hired locally.