Harvey Glenn McLeod : “Johnstown Flood Disaster: Historic Devastation”

“Pages of history” features excerpts from The News Journal archives including The Morning News and the Evening Journal.

May 26, 2004, The News Journal

New Castle County Council Approves Budget Without Tax Increase for Ninth Consecutive Year

Residents of New Castle County can breathe a sigh of relief as the County Council voted 7-0 to pass a nearly $207.4 million operating budget for the upcoming year, starting July 1. Despite a 6.2% increase in spending for essential services like policing and emergency dispatch, there will be no rise in property taxes or sewer service fees.

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The amended proposal, which includes additional funding for employee healthcare costs and pension contributions, as well as the hiring of crucial staff members, ensures that the average property tax bill and sewer bill for homeowners in unincorporated areas remain stable at $325.32 and $171, respectively.

Chief Financial Officer Ron Morris highlighted that this marks the ninth consecutive year of no property tax increase and the 12th consecutive year of no sewer rate increase, demonstrating the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.

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For more county updates, check out:Overtime payouts make first responders among the highest-paid New Castle County employees

May 28, 1973, The Morning News

Tourists Brave Unfavorable Weather to Flock to Delaware Resorts on Memorial Day Weekend

Despite adverse weather conditions including wind, rain, and cold temperatures, tourists did not deter from visiting Delaware’s seashore over Memorial Day weekend in 1973. The allure of the beach proved stronger than the elements as visitors flocked to the coast, undeterred by the inclement weather.

Speculations of a potential gasoline shortage in the resort area were dispelled as most accommodations were fully booked. State park camping facilities reported a healthy turnout, with Seashore State Park reaching full capacity early on Friday. Cape Henlopen State Park, while not completely full, still welcomed a significant number of visitors.

The bustling boardwalk became a hub for young people strolling, congregating in groups, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere despite the challenging weather conditions.

May 30, 1972, The Morning News

Tragic Shooting Occurs at North Carolina Political Rally, Claiming Lives of Three Victims

A harrowing incident unfolded at a political rally in Raleigh, N.C., as a gunman opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring eight others before taking his own life. The shocking rampage occurred outside a shopping mall where Senator B. Everett Jordan was campaigning.

Despite initial speculations, authorities ruled out the incident as an assassination attempt on the Democratic senator. The gunman, identified as Harvey Glenn McLeod, 23, unleashed chaos as innocent bystanders fell victim to his senseless violence.

Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling ordeal, describing a calm yet calculated assailant who indiscriminately targeted victims before ultimately turning the weapon on himself.

The community was left reeling in the aftermath of the tragedy, grappling with the senseless loss of life at what was supposed to be a peaceful political gathering.

June 1, 1889, Evening Journal

Devastating Flood Ravages Pennsylvania City, Leaving Death and Destruction in Its Wake

A telegraph operator stationed at the Pennsylvania railroad signal tower near Sang Hollow reported a horrifying scene as dozens of lifeless bodies floated downstream from Johnstown following a catastrophic flood.

The operator relayed that a reservoir above Johnstown had burst, unleashing a torrent of water that engulfed the town, obliterating homes and claiming the lives of countless individuals in its path.

Communication lines were severed, leaving Johnstown isolated and the extent of the devastation unknown to the outside world.

Reports from Pennsylvania railroad officials in Pittsburgh painted a grim picture of over 200 deceased individuals seen floating in the floodwaters, with Johnstown completely submerged save for a few structures protruding above the waterline.

For more historical insights, read:Earnhardt dies at Daytona, communist books banned: News Journal archives, week of Feb. 18

June 1, 2003, Sunday News Journal

Controversy Surrounds Cherry Island Landfill Expansion as Neighbors Voice Concerns

Located prominently along I-495, the Cherry Island Landfill in east Wilmington stands as a towering testament to the state’s waste management practices, burying a staggering 525,000 tons of refuse annually near the Delaware River.

However, plans for a $60 million expansion project have sparked fierce opposition from local residents and environmental advocates who argue that the landfill’s current operations already pose significant environmental and health risks.

Critics point to the unsightly appearance of the landfill, concerns over air and water quality, and the constant stream of truck traffic as reasons to halt the expansion. They advocate for increased recycling efforts and more sustainable waste management solutions to reduce the burden on Cherry Island Landfill.

For inquiries, contact reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.