The small town of Sulphur, Oklahoma, found itself reeling after a devastating tornado ripped through downtown, causing widespread destruction. Kathy John, a longtime reporter for the Sulphur Times-Democrat, was determined to continue reporting on the aftermath despite facing challenges with salvaging computers from the newsroom that was at the center of the destruction. The town of Sulphur, with a population of about 5,000 residents, suffered severe damage, including the loss of four lives, including a woman who was in a bar near the newspaper’s offices.
The Sulphur Times-Democrat has been a staple in the community for many years, with Kathy John and her husband James John running the paper for over five decades. Despite facing previous challenges with extreme weather conditions, the newspaper has never missed a printing. The current situation, however, has tested the staff of three, with the newsroom being without power. The Oklahoma Press Association came to the rescue by providing equipment to help the staff work from the Johns’ home a few blocks away, where they rode out the storm safely.
The historic newsroom building, dating back to 1926, may be condemned due to the extent of the damage caused by the tornado. The downtown area of Sulphur suffered widespread destruction, with some buildings completely flattened while others displayed a strange precision of tornadic winds. Business owners and residents are working hard to salvage what they can from the debris, as the town reels from the impact of the tornado. Sulphur, known for its historic buildings and tourism, is now grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
Despite the devastation, the newspaper staff in Sulphur decided to focus on the strength and resiliency of the community in their reporting. With the town attracting reporters from across the state and country, the Sulphur Times-Democrat aimed to highlight the positive aspects of the recovery efforts and the assistance provided to those affected by the tornado. Kathy John emphasized the importance of showcasing the unity and support within the community during such challenging times, underscoring the spirit of resilience that prevails in the face of adversity.
As the recovery efforts continued, the Johns made the decision to publish the newspaper one day later than usual, using a nearby town for printing that was not impacted by the tornado. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding their access to the newsroom and archives, the newspaper staff remained committed to providing coverage of the unfolding events and the stories of resilience emerging from the community. James John contemplated a headline that would capture the loss experienced by the town, reflecting on the treasure that was once their vibrant downtown. Amid the chaos and destruction, the spirit of Sulphur persevered, embodying a sense of strength and community solidarity in the face of tragedy.
