The newsroom in Sulphur, Oklahoma, is facing uncertainty as they worry the town may condemn their building, which was once a fallout shelter. Other buildings in the downtown area have been completely destroyed, while others show the strange precision of tornadic winds. One resident, Sheila Hilliard Goodman, tragically died while sheltering in a flattened sports grill. The town’s historic buildings, dating back to before statehood in 1907, are now in ruins, with debris lining the streets.
Sulphur relies heavily on tourism for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, known for its natural springs with medicinal qualities. However, following the tornado, the town is now a scene of destruction, with rubble and maintenance trucks filling the downtown area. Despite the devastation, the townspeople are showing strength and resiliency, with the local newspaper staff emphasizing the positive stories of helpers and community support. They have decided to publish the newspaper one day later than usual, as they work to keep up with the recovery efforts and navigate the challenges of gaining access to their building.
The newspaper staff is focused on highlighting the support and assistance coming from the community and beyond, emphasizing the positives in the face of tragedy. The town is filled with journalists from across the state and country, shining a spotlight on Sulphur’s resilience amid the devastation. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, the Johns family, who run the newspaper, are determined to keep the community informed and uplifted during this challenging time. The newspaper is being printed in a nearby town that was not affected by the tornado.
The historic buildings in Sulphur’s downtown area may face condemnation, leaving the future of the town’s architectural heritage in question. The newsroom itself is at risk of being razed, along with the rest of the downtown area. Business owners and their families are working to salvage what they can from the wreckage, with debris piled up on the curbs and disaster relief workers attending to downed power lines. The scene is one of both destruction and resilience, with the community coming together to support each other in the aftermath of the tornado.
Despite the challenges faced by the town of Sulphur, the newspaper staff are determined to continue reporting on the strength and resilience of the community. They have decided to publish the newspaper one day later than usual, in order to keep up with the recovery efforts and the ongoing developments following the tornado. The town’s reliance on tourism for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area adds to the uncertainty, as the natural springs that once attracted visitors are now part of a scene of devastation and destruction. The Johns family remains committed to serving their community and telling their stories, even as they navigate the challenges of accessing their building and recovering from the impact of the tornado.
