Following the destructive tornado that tore through Sulphur, Oklahoma, the town's weekly newspaper, the Sulphur Times-Democrat, faced significant challenges but remained committed to delivering the news to its community.
The tornado, which struck the town of about 5,000 residents south of Oklahoma City, caused widespread devastation, with the newspaper's newsroom being at the epicenter of the destruction. Despite the chaos, the newspaper staff, with a history spanning over 50 years of covering Sulphur, was determined to publish the paper.
With the newsroom without power, the staff relocated operations to the home of the newspaper's owners, where they continued their work with the assistance of equipment provided by the Oklahoma Press Association. The building housing the newsroom, dating back to 1926, may face condemnation due to the extent of the damage caused by the tornado.
Throughout the town, the aftermath of the tornado was evident, with buildings reduced to rubble and debris lining the streets. The historic downtown area, some structures predating statehood, suffered significant damage, threatening the town's tourism industry centered around the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Despite the challenges, the Sulphur Times-Democrat staff remained focused on highlighting the resilience of the community and the outpouring of support from volunteers and relief workers. The newspaper, known for never missing a printing in its 83-year history, planned to publish the next edition one day later than usual, ensuring that the town's stories continued to be told.
As Sulphur begins its recovery process, the newspaper staff, led by the dedicated John family, remains committed to documenting the town's journey towards rebuilding and healing in the wake of the devastating tornado.
