Editor and Publisher Steve Patterson said it appeared the only item taken was a hammer. But, Patterson said, there was damage, now repaired. The errant thief entered the building through an old air conditioning duct on the roof and promptly fell about 18 feet through a false ceiling onto the concrete floor of the press room. The injured burglar left through one of the exit doors that can be unlocked from the inside. The extent of injuries is unknown.
Police seek a limping burglar with a hammer.
The Ward County Commissioners Court Tuesday requested the Ward Memorial Hospital Board to order the hospital's administration to appear at a special joint-meeting at noon, Friday to explain the hospital's financial situation. The hospital's ability to meet its payroll obligations this Friday for its approximately 153 employees. Why the hospital's salaries are at an all-time high. Representing the hospital administration at the meeting was Peggy Vestal, director of nurses. She was accompanied by Ted Ward, head of the hospital board's Finance Committee.