Press Article: Significant Events of June 2 Through the Decades
This week, we take a look back at notable incidents occurring on June 2 across the past century, revealing the community’s challenges and resilience.
100 Years Ago: Tragedy at the Fire
On June 2, 1925, C.V. Barnes, a local baker, tragically lost his life after being injured by a falling pole while assisting firefighters at a raging blaze on West Seventh Street. The fire, originating from J.G. Love’s second-hand store, rapidly engulfed neighboring businesses and homes, driven by strong winds. Barnes was struck as he and firemen maneuvered hoses, leading to a fractured skull and broken leg, ultimately succumbing to his injuries at General Hospital. Remarkably, the pole narrowly missed other nearby firefighters.
50 Years Ago: Restaurant Assault
Fast forward to June 2, 1975, when a group of three armed men invaded the Leather Bottle restaurant on Rebsamen Park Road. In a terrifying robbery that occurred at 2 a.m., the assailants held two female employees and three male staff members at gunpoint, forcing them into a walk-in cooler. After an hour and 15 minutes of captivity, they emerged when it seemed safe. The attackers escaped with approximately $2,000.
25 Years Ago: Political Scandal
On June 2, 2000, Nick Wilson, a former state senator, was sentenced to over five years in federal prison for multiple schemes exploiting taxpayer funds, totaling about $1.9 million. His criminal activities included fraud related to legal services for children in custody and state contracts for child-support enforcement.
10 Years Ago: Flood Preparedness
Most recently, on June 2, 2015, Arkansas officials reinforced levees in response to significant flooding threats from the Arkansas and Red Rivers. As floodwaters surged from Oklahoma and Texas, communities braced for the highest levels since 1990, igniting fears of catastrophic impacts.
These events underscore a century marked by resilience and trials faced by our community.
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