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Picher, Oklahoma Tornado damage just off Route 66. Photo credit: flickr
After tornadoes wreak havoc in Oklahoma, the Sulphur Times-Democrat, a weekly newspaper, grapples with reporting on the calamity at its doorstep.
The April 28 tornado wreaked havoc in Sulphur, a community of about 5,000 residents south of Oklahoma City. Kathy John, a reporter for the Sulphur Times-Democrat, found herself in the chaos, determined to fulfill her duty.
Before Kathy could report on the disaster, she and her staff salvaged equipment from their newsroom, which lay in ruins at the tornado's epicenter. Despite the challenges, Kathy affirmed their commitment to publishing the paper, even if it meant a slight delay. "We're gonna get a paper out. It may be a day late, but we're gonna do it," she declared.
The tornado caused unparalleled destruction in Sulphur, claiming four lives across the state, including a woman in a bar near the newspaper's offices. James John, Kathy's husband and a longstanding member of the staff, reflected on the town's resilience in difficult times. He had served Sulphur for over five decades.
The Sulphur Times-Democrat has weathered storms before, but the current challenge presents unique obstacles. With the newsroom powerless, the Oklahoma Press Association provided essential equipment, enabling the Johns to work from home a few blocks away.
The Johns remain hopeful for the future of their newspaper despite the destruction. Concerns loom over the fate of their historic newsroom building, a relic from 1926. The building, once a fallout shelter, may face condemnation along with downtown Sulphur.
Stories of resilience emerge amid tragedy. The Sulphur Times-Democrat staff is determined to spotlight their community's strength despite the devastation. "This week we're focusing on the people helping and how fortunate we are with only one fatality," Kathy John emphasized.
As Sulphur recovers, the Johns work tirelessly to ensure their newspaper remains a beacon of hope amidst the wreckage. Despite challenges, their dedication to the city and its residents remains unwavering.
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