50 years ago, November 7, 1974Flood waters of the overflowing Salt Fork and Chikaskia rivers closed off state highways to Tonkawa in two directions Sunday night but were expected to crest this afternoon and recede during the night.A total of 3.21 inches of rain was measured here by the Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. over the weekend since Friday night. Rains fell in the Tonkawa area almost steadily from late Friday night until this morning. The whole northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas area was thoroughly soaked by the rains.The highway to Ponca City, U.S. 60 east was closed due to the flooding of the Chikaskia at 10 p.m. last night and was still closed this afternoon. A large semi-trailer truck which attempted to drive through was stalled near the Tonkawa city water plant this morning.U.S. 77 south to Fountain road was closed about 7 p.m. last night when waters of the Salt Fork covered the road at the intersection of Fountain road and the highway. It was still closed this afternoon at press time.Deer Creek west of the city overflowed its banks Sunday afternoon and dumped about three inches of water over the highway. Gary Wood reported to police that water was going over the highway at 1:58 Sunday afternoon. Highway department workers put out high water signs but traffic was not halted although the area covered was about 200 yards east of the bridge. Police Chief Leon “Pete” Linton who was stationed on the highway warning motorists said the creek crested about 3:30 p.m. Water today was high but flowing normally under the bridge on Deer Creek. Some county road equipment was marooned in the vicinity where a county highway crew is building a road up the section line. Overflow water from the creek apparently did not damage any of the equipment as it was high enough to stay out of the water.With U.S. 60 closed to the east the Highway Department has been detouring vehicles onto the new U.S. 60 four lane to Ponca City. The new highway and its bridges are high enough to stay out of the flood waters. Traffic is moving on two southbound lanes. Paving work has not been completed on the roadway and there is about a three-inch dropoff at the ends of all bridges, but with caution the road is passable.Damage Extensive As Fire Hydrant Is Pulled Out A Tonkawa man, Jay W.
