Number of Polio Cases Climbing; 15,500 for Year By The Associated Press The number of new cases of infantile paralysis took a sharp upward turn last week, boosting the nations total of victims for the month to more than 8,000. It brought the total for the year to 15,500, compared with only 8,430 cases reported by the national office of vital statistics through Aug. 13 of 1948, a near record year. Last years 27,680 total was exceeded only by the 30,000 in the 1916 record year. In an Associated Press survey, North Dakota reported the disease at an epidemic stage there last week and said the state urgently needed more nurses. Some Expect Peak Later A few more heavily populated states, including Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin, do not expect to reach the peak of new cases until next month, while four states perhaps five already have more than 1,000. Some southern states, where onset of the disease psually starts earlier, have had a gradual decline, while Maine and Minnesota held about steady, and Arizona showed an increase. New York went into top place among the list of states in the latest survey. It reported 1,837 cases to pass Texas which had 1,448. Illinois is third with 1,120, and California fourth with 1,065. Michigan was just under the 1,000 mark on Aug 18 with 997 cases. A death rate of 10 per cent or higher was reported in only three states Indiana, Kentucky and Maryland. Iowa Cancels Fair The American Medical association said that for the nation as a whole, about 50 per cent of those stricken can be expected to recover entirely and without any permanent crippling. About 15 per cent will be severely crippled, and about 25 per cent mildy crippled. The death rate is expected to be between five and 10 per cent. The Iowa state fair cancelled its annual baby health contest this year as a precautionary measure against spread of the disease. Thursday, August 25 Prest D.O. McKay & wife & son call to see us and he is going to marry Sharon & Marine Sept 2nd He is grand man and a true friend Friday, August 26 Nothing special. I go to court on Sanity hearing