This week in 1963, coverage in The Luverne Journal, featured car crashes, hospital construction and other local news. Here is what happened the week of March 20, 1963. 

‘Y’ is Scene of Second Major Accident Within Five Days

The “Y” intersection – the Rutledge – Montgomery intersection on U.S. Highway 331 – was the scene of at least three crashes in the five days leading up to publication.

The first crash occurred the previous Thursday afternoon, when there was a head-on collision between Luverne residents. A car with James Alford and his family inside collided with a car driven by Herbert Rhodes with three other passengers. All parties were injured, ranging from minor cuts to several broken ribs. 

The second crash involved a one-car accident the previous Tuesday where a Montgomery man, 55-year-old A.T. Cannon, swerved off the highway to avoid hitting a dog. He was treated for injuries after striking a directional signpost and was able to be dismissed. 

The last reported accident at the intersection was a fatal two-car crash. Lena Turner was pronounced dead at the hospital after suffering head and chest injuries. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Green of Montgomery were also injured and treated at the hospital. 

Local Jaycees Plan City Attitude Survey

The Luverne Junior Chamber of Commerce launched the Luverne Community Attitude Survey to gain an insight into the opinions of local citizens. 

The purpose of the survey was an attempt to draft recommendations for action based on the results of the two-page survey. 

“We sincerely hope each citizen will take the time to fill out the form to the best of his knowledge and sign for identification,” Jaycee President James Morgan said. “When a composite picture of the answers has been drawn up, the forms will be destroyed.” 

The Jaycees planned to meet in a central location to cover the town as completely as possible with the aid of Boy Scouts.