2 SECTIONS — 12 PAGES Frontier North-Nebraska’s Fastest-Growing Newspaper VOLUME 72—NUMBER 5.__O'NEILL, NEBRASKA. THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1952. PRICE: 7 CENTS. Escapee Abandons Stolen Airplane Authorities Search Holt for Sex Maniac Holt county authorities Wed nesday were ready to give up the search for a 24-year-old escapee from a Minnesota mental hospital who abandoned a stolen airplane three miles northeast of Ewing late Sunday. Being sought is Earl Ross, whose original home was at St. Paul, Minn. He recently fled from the St. Peter, Minn., mental hospital. On Sunday he loitered several hours at the Brookings, S.D., air port where his identity was un known. Presently onf. of the airport employees looked up from his work and saw a cub becoming airborne. The plane was owned by a Mr. Nelson. Airport officials throughout a three - state area were advised to be on the lookout for the stolen plane. A descrip tion of the man who had been seen at the airport at Brookings compared with the description of Ross, a fugitive being sought by Minnesota authorities. , Howard Montgomery, who lives two miles east and one mile north of Ewing, said he heard a plane circling his place Sunday about 5 p.m. He said he did not give the matter a second thought. About 7 p.m., while rounding up his cows, he noticed the cub parked in his field near a fence close to the road. He entertained the idea that someone had landed to visit his neighbors. It was that evening while in Ewing that he heard a stolen plane was being hunted. He went to his farm, checked the serial numbers, and advised Brookings authorities he had found the stolen craft. Ross started walking from the Montgomery place into Ewing. He was seen by Mr. Montgomery Mrs. Sylvester Schlotman and two of Lionel Gunter’s boys. Later, about 7 p.m., he visited with Elmer Bergstrom at a Ew ing filling station. He told Berg strom he thought he’d head for Omaha and find a job. Bergstrom said he assumed he caught a lift because he quickly disappeared. Descriptions of the man given by Mrs. Schlotman, the Gunter boys and Bergstrom generally matched those issued by the hos pital authorities. Mr. Montgomery said he thought Ross did a good job land ing the plane in tight quarters. He barely cleared wires and trees and pulled close to the fence. Mr. Montgomery said the craft was about out of gas. In alerting operators the Brookings officials advised' that the plane had enough fuel to get it as far west as Pierre, S D. Ewing is about the same distance from Brook ings. Representatives of the Brook ings airport were to have come Tuesday for the plane. Officials described Ross as a sex maniac with criminal tend encies. He is to be regarded as extremely dangerous, they said. He is described as weighing about 155 pounds, five feet nine inches tall, thin brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a tan jacket and blue jeans when last seen at Ewing and was hat less. Authorites said they had no idea how he learned to fly. Omaha police late Monday were questioning a man answer ing generally to the description of Ross. 7 from O’Neill Area Nebraska ‘U’ Grads Among those receiving degrees from the University of Nebraska during commencement exercises Monday, June 2, were: Rex A. Coffman, of Stuart, and Thomas D. Lambert, of Ewing, bachelors of science in agricul ture; John Berigan, of O’Neill, bachelors of music in education; Nanette F. Cowles, of Stuart, and Clifford T. Fredrickson, of Spen cer, bachelors of science in edu cation; William F. Fuhr, of Spencer, bachelor of laws (cum laude). DRIVE-IN TO OPEN The O’Neill Drive-In theater, located \Vz miles northwest of the city at the junction of U.S. highways 20 and 281, will open af 7:45 p.m. today (Thursday), according to R. V. Fletcher, own er. Bill Hill will be the manager. (See advertisement on page 11.) ABOARD SALVAGE VESSEL Warren W. Klinetobe, seaman, USN. son of Mr. and Mrs. William D. Klinetobe, of Page, is serving with the Pacific fleet aboard the rescue and salvage vessel, USS Coucal. Idahoans Here — Mr. and Mrs. Glen McKie ar rived here Friday from Emmett, Ida., for an extended visit with her mother, Mrs. Laura Wyant, and other relatives. Frontier for printing 1 Prompt deliveries! METHODIST PASTOR NOT YET NAMED Successor to Rev. V. R. Bell Will Be Made ‘Very Soon’, Official Says The annual Nebraska Metho dist conference closed Sunday evening, June 1, with the read ing of the appointments for the new year. The parley was held at Grand Island. No successor was named, how ever, for Rev. V. R. Bell, retired O’Neill pastor, who this week moves to Sergeant. Reverend Bell became ill in March and could not complete hjs term because of a heart condition. He has been residing for several months with a son, Robert, in Grand Island. Rev. J. Lavern Jay, of O'Neill, super inlander! of the North east Nebraska district, said Wednesday Reverend Bell's successor would be named "very soon." Appointments in the O’Neill region of the northeast district include: Rev. E. G. Hughes, Atkinson; Rev. Komer B. Hix, Bassett Newport-Kirkwood; Rev. L. R. Hansberry, Chambers - Amelia; Rev. Henry L. Cole, Clearwater; Rev. Charles C. Chappel, Ewing Inman; Rftv. Charles E. Mitchell, Lynch-Monowi; Rev. Lowell D. Jones, Neligh; Rev. Chester E. Wilcox, Page; Rev. Marjorie R. Johnson, Spencer-Bristow. Former ministers from this area who received appointments were: Rev. Carl B. Rayburn, for merly of O’Neill, was appointed to Greeley; Rev. Roy M. Wingate, formerly of Inman-Ewing, to Belgrade - Pinnacle Hill; Rev. Lloyd W. Mullis, formerly of O’Neill, to Clarks-Pierce chapel. — M. L. Harkins, Wife Wed Half-Century INMAN — In observance of their 50th wedding anniversary, Mr- and Mrs. M- L. Harkins were at home on Sunday, June 1, at a 12 o’clock dinner at which the members of the LL club and their husbands were guests. The table was laid with a lace cloth. A three-tier wedding cake decorated with yellow roses and bearing the figure “50” was the centerpiece, with tall yellow ta pers and bouquets of yellow roses on either side. Each lady present received a yellow rose. Members of the club present were: Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. George P. Cole man, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ren ner and Mrs. Anna Clark. Members of the family present were Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Smith and Miss Hildred. Mrs. Smith and Hildred, daughters of the honored couple, were the host esses. Miss Ella Martin and Marshal L. Harkins were married June 4, 1902, by Reverend Miller at the home of the bride’s parents at Griswold, la. They became the parents of three children — one son and two daughters- They are: Forest R. Harkins, of Turlock, Calif., who was unable to be present for the occasion; Mrs. H. E. (Maurine) Smith and Hildred, of Inman. The Harkinses, who have been residents of Inman since 1933, have one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Harkins has been a lum berman for 55 years. Nineteen year's ago he became manager of the Finkbine lumber yard here. The couple received a gold colored wool blanket as a gift from the LL club, a platform rocker from the members of their family and many cards. Receive Creighton 'U' Diplomas— Thomas Harty, son of Mrs. P. B. Harty and the late Mr. Harty, was among the Creighton univer sity graduates receiving bachelor degrees at commencement rites Thursday morning, June 5. Har ty graduates from the college of commerce. He plans to enlist in the air force following gradua tion. Among those attending the graduation rites was his mother, who was accompanied by Miss Geraldine Cronin, Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Cronin and Julius D. Cronin. John McDonald, son of Mrs. Marie McDonald, of O’Neill, re ceived a bachelor of science de gree. He is employed by an Om aha funeral home. I Recording to Be Aired on KRVN — A recording was made by mem bers of the Holt county 4-H clubs who attended 4-H club week at Lincoln. Station KRVN, Lexing ton, will broadcast the recording Monday, June 9, at 6:45 p.m. Those who participated in mak ing the recording were: Tommy Christon, of Ewing; Robert Tams, of Ewing; Melba Dobrovolny, of O’Neill; Alice Young, of O’Neill; Alice Whaley, of O’Neill; Alouris Kaup, of Atkinson; Benton Mel lor, of Atkinson, and Caroline Skopec, of Atkinson. $20,000 RURAL CHURCH STARTED James Gibson Heads Group Erecting New Bethany Edifice EWING— The construction of the new rural Bethany Presby terian church was begun Tues day, May 20, at the new location, two miles south and two miles east of the junction of U.S. high way 281 and state highway 91 which is five miles east of Cham bers. The basement has been exca vated and the footing laid. It is hoped that the new church will be finished before this winter, said James Gibson, who is chair man of the building committee. Members of the building com mittee are: James Gibson, chair man; Mrs. Henry Wood, secre tary-treasurer; Mrs. P, W. Sum merer, Mark Gribble, Stanley Lambert, Irwin La Rue and Car ol Summerer. The church will be built at an estimated cost of $20,000 with the majority of the work to be done by the members. James Genzler, of Plain view, will do the mason work on the exterior, which will, have a per mastone likeness done in stucco. The edifice will measure 54Mi feet by 28 feet, and will have a seating capacity of 150. The chancel will measure 10 by 14 feet, and there will be a choir room to the right and a sacristy to the left. A window in the form of a huge cross will form the background of the chancel above the communion table. The window will be made of glass brick in two colors. A bell tower will be erected on the side of the entrance of the church. The architect who drew up the plans for the new building was Noal E. Long, formerly of O’ Neill. Rev. Samuel Lee, of O’Neill, is pastor. Calls on Material, Spiritual Resources Memorial day was observed in O’Neill Friday with a 10 a.m. pa rade from the American Legion auditorium, near the corner of Sixth and Douglas streets, west on Douglas and return and a special memorial program at the auditorium, starting at 10:45 a.m. The colors led the parade fol lowed by the O’Neill marching band, the American Legion and other servicemen, auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and flower girls. The program in the hall began with everyone rising as the band played the national anthem. Rev. Robert W. Olson offered a pray er, after which Rahe Johnson sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” John G. Stuifbergern, Legion post commander, introduced Dis trict Judge Lyle E. Jackson, of Neligh. Judge Jackson reviewed the history of the war between the north and the south, and pointed out that today the states are uni fied. Present day problems, pol itical, social, and world trage dies that the nation now faces were dwelt upon. Judge Jackson expresed his faith in the ability of the American people, with their matchless resources, both material and spiritual. / Ex - servicemen and citizens visited the cemeteries through out the day to decorate graves with flowers, and to place flags at the graves of soldier dead. 30 Former St. Marians Attend Banquet — The Omaha chapter of St. Mary s alumni held its annual banquet Sunday evening, May 25, in the jade rootmi at the Rome ho tel Thirty former St. Marians and their guests attended the 6:30 p.m. dinner. j Miss Beverly McCarthy was toastmaster. Allen H. Martin gave the toast, “To Our Alma Mater.” Among the guests present were Mr. and Mrs. Ira George, former ly of O’Neill. Mr. George gave a short address. After Miss Mary Massie’s ren dition of the ever popular “Be lieve Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms,” and the approp riate vocal selections, “It’s Just a Lonely Street Where Old Friends Meet” and “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” by John O’Neill. The program was concluded with the traditional “Hail, Hail, Our Alma Mater” by the alumni. To Cedar Rapids — Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Gamel moved recently to Cedar Rapids where Mr. Gamel has employ 1 ment. COLORADO U' GRAD . . . Miss Joann Burgess, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. L. A. Burgess, of O’Neill, will graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colo., Saturday, June 7. She will receive a degree in arts and science. Doctor and Mrs. Burgess left Wednesday, June 4, to attend the com mencement exercises. STAUFFER RITES FRIDAY AT PACE Former Resident Dies at Norfolk While on Job PAGE — Funeral services for John Stauffer, jr., 54, a former Page resident who died late Monday, June 2, at Norfolk, will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, June 6, from the Methodist church. Earlier rites will be conducted from a Norfolk funeral home at 10 a.m. Rev. Lemke, of Norfolk, will officiate. The body will lie in state from 3 to 9 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Norfolk funer al home. He was working on the Otto Illgen farm west of Norfolk when he was stricken, but had been working at his job with a seed company during the day. Death was caused by a heart attack. The late Mr. Stauffer was bom September 21, 1897, at Wisner, the son of Mr. and Msr. John Stauffer, sr., who now live at Page. He was 13-years-old when he moved to Page. On June 27, 1928, he married Della Marie Dorr. They resided at Page for 19 years, moving to Norfolk six years ago. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, who died at the age of three months. Survivors include: Widow—the former Della Dorr; sons—Ber nard, who is now in the navy, and John Ronald, of Norfolk; daughter— Marilee, of Norfolk; parents — Mr. and Mrs. John Stauffer, sr., of Page; brother— Edgar Stauffer, of Page; sisters —Mrs. Harry Tegeler, of Page; Mrs. Clifford French, of Lamber ton, Minn.; Mrs. E. E. Allen, of California. Stockgrowers Meet Next Week, Gordon The 63rd annual convention of the Nebraska Stockgrowers’ association will meet in Gordon, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 12, 13 and 14. Dewey C. Schaffer, of O’Neill, is vice-president of the associa tion. The convention will close with a banquet at city auditorium on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Among the speakers on the convention program will be: Congressman Charles B. Brownson, of Indiana. Mr. Brownson has been described as “energetic and dynamic,” a “go getter from the old school.” He has been termed one of the most “economy-minded” members of the house. Sam C. Hyatt, president of the American Cattlemen’s associa tion, will explain the work of the association. Jerry Sntola will speak on his journey “From Israel to Ireland.” He is an expert on livestock feeding and nutrition. Jeff H. Williams, of Chicka sha, Okla., will be the banquet speaker. Mr. Williams has been referred to as “A One Man United Nations” and “Oklahoma’s Ambassador of Good Will.” NEWS, FEATURES OMITTED Because of a late volume of advertising considerable news matter has been necessarily omitted from this issue. Not ably absent are notes from country correspondents, The Frontier Woman department, feature stories and pictures. “Voice of The Frontier” . . . 780 kc , Mon., Wed., Sat., 9:45 a.m. AG COLLEGE TEAM SEES TEST PLOTS Takes Special Interest in Holt County Grassland Research Program A tour of Holt county grass lands and pastures was made by a group of men from the Uni versity of Nebraska agricultural college Tuesday, June 3. This was in connection with the Holt grassland research program. Ed Janike, W. V. Lambert and E. M. Brouse inspected 10 plots of ground which have been treat ed with fertilizer composed of nitrogen and phosphate. These plots are: Frank Peter ranch, lVi miles south of O’Neill, on U.S. highway 281, low wet meadow fertilizer test. L. D. Putnam, 8 miles north east of O’Neill on Opportunity road, native pasture study. Clarence Ernst ranch, three miles west and Vi north of O’Neill cemetery, reseeded native grass pasture. Clausson Brothers ranch, 2 Vi miles north of Emmet on gravel road, upland native meadow test. Lawrence Packa ranch, six miles south and seven miles west of Atkinson, native low wet meadow test. E. E. Gotschall ranch, six miles south, seven miles west, and six miles south of Atkinson, low wet meadow fertilizer test. Robert Clifford ranch, 16 miles south, two miles west and Vi mile north of Atkinson, bluegrass production on native meadow. The inspection disclosed that there has been a definite im provement in the grazing land that has been treated. Where cattle had a choice, it was found that the heaviest grazing was on the pasture that had been fertilised. The bluegrass has responded very favorably to the nitrogen phosphate application, they found. f Even brome and wild oats grown in the treated soil were eaten by the cattle. The plots are six feet wide and 60 feet long. Each treatment is repeated four times. The plots have been put out and staked by the state. Two bluegrass plots were put out in April and will be harvested in early July. Mr. Lambert is dean of the col lege of agriculture. Forty-two men in Holt county contributed $1,000 to launch the grassland research. They are: Rudy Dvorak, Earl Coxbill, Lyle P. Dierks, Albert Lemmer, Lloyd deed, Dvorak Brothers, F. E. Boettcher, Lawrence Pacha, Vern Sageser, Stanley Lambert, Elvm White, Charley Tasler, Joe Brewster, Charles M. Mulford, L. D. Putnajm, Edgar Jungman, Harold Shaw, Frank Brady, Irvin Parsons, A. Max Karo, Elmer Vogel, Raymer Funk, Holt Co. Hereford Breeders, Holt Co. Ang us Breeders, Future Farmers of Atkinson, O’Neill National Bank. Spencer Chemical Co., Simplot Co., Skrdla Brothers, Ray Siders, Ernest Gotschall, Harrey E. Res sel, James Allyn, Jim Berigan, Tony Asimus, Clarence Ernst, Holt soil conservation district, Robert Clifford, Jaimes .Dobrov olny, Vernon Thompson, C. E. McClurg, Fred Mack. From this group Rudy Dvorak of Atkinson, Ray Siders, of O’Neill, and Ernest Gotschall, of Atkinson, were chosen to sign a contract with the Department of Agriculture. The agreement means that four tests over a period of four years will be made in Holt county plus three extra tests not to be made in any other counties. These are pasture, upland and bluegrass studies. The plots under treatment throughout the county are mark ed and residents are invited to look them over. A crop improvement association tour will be conducted on July 1 in southeast Holt county. Any one who is interested is invited to join the tour, according to County Agent A. Neil Dawes. A contributor to the research project this week was the Omaha | Ak-Sar-Ben, which sent a check for $100. J. J. Isaacson, general manager, and Jess Thurmond, chaiman of Ak-Sar-Ben public affairs com mittee, said, “The movement in Holt county by your folks for the improvement of the grasslands through fertilization, struck both of us as a very fine exampe of midwestern independence in solv ing our own problems.” RETURNS FROM KOREA EWING — Carl B. Schrad, of Ewing, was aboard the navy transport, Gen. M. C. Meigs, when it docked this week at San Fran cisco, Calif. The ship carried 4, 193 Korean war veterans. Try Frontier want ads! Half-Inch Rain Boon to Corn Lyle G. Moss, 31, Drowning Victim AMELIA—Lyle G, Moss, 31, of Omaha, was a memorial week end drowning victim. The tragedy occurred on a lake north of Omaha near Louis ville. A boat from which Mr. Moss was fishing capsized. Al though he was a good swimmer, the heavy boots he was wearing dragged him down and he was unable to make the shore. His wife and small daughter were standing on the lake shore and witnessed the drowning. Lyle Moss was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Cheever G. Moss, former residents of Amelia, and a nephew of Ira H. Moss of O’Neill. Funeral services were conduct ed in Omaha Monday, June 2. Burial was in Hillcrest cemetery, Omaha. Among those attending the fu neral from Amelia were: Mr. and Mrs. Glen White, Harry White, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Gar-j wood, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Kenney and Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Madsen. 7 Inductees Will Report June 18 Seven Holt county selective service registrants have been or derd to report for induction into the armed forces on Wednesday, June 18. They are: Joseph Walnofer, of Stuart; Roland G. Green, of O’Neill; Lewis L. Vandersnick, of Ewing; James D. O’Donnell, of Atkinson; Duane A. Blair, of Chambers; Estel Cary, of Ewing; Henry C. Lange, of Ewing. Meanwhile, 10 went to Omaha Tuesday, June 3, for preinduction physical examinations. They were: Robert H. Schneider, of Stuart; Robert L. Retke, of Page; Mike Wenner, of Atkinson; Benedict Schmit, of Atkinson; William L. Singkofer, of Amelia; Robert W. Wallace, of O’Neill; Edward A. Scott, of Atkinson; Louis A. Soj ka, of Ewing; Eldon D. Harley, of Ewing, and Ralph H. Sholes, of Inman. Heart Attack Fatal to James Harding James E. Harding, 84, former resident of Holt county, died at his home in Whiting, la., of a heart attack Wednesday, June 4. Mr. Harding came to Kbit coun ty in 1880 and homesteaded west af OTNeill. He moved to Iowa in 1929, where he lived until his death. Funeral rites have been tenta tively set for Friday, June 6, at Whiting. Charles L. Harding, a brother, and Mrs. Alice Bridges, a niece, live in O’Neill. Johnsons's Father Dies; Successor Named — Otis Johnson, 66, father of Lar ry Johnson, of O’Neill, died sud denly Wednesday, May 28, of a heart attack. Funeral rites were held Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Lar ry Johnson were in Scottsbluff when they heard the news. The Johnsons will be moving to Scottsbluff between June 9 and 15, where Mr. Johnson has been transferred by Consumers Public Power district. They will move into a new home now being com pleted. The Johnsons plan a sale of household goods on Saturday at 2 p.m. They have sold their resi dence, the former Brennan estate, to Dr. and Mrs. H. D. Gilder sleeve. Mr. Johnson’s successor here will be Glenn Miller, of Colum bus, veteran Consumers employee who formerly resided at Orchard. Visits Denver — Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Hammond accompanied their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. William Bowker, of Atkinson, to Denver, Colo., on Tuesday May 27, where they planned to spend a week with friends and relatives. They returned Tuesday. Visits Parents — Mrs. J. C. Reynolds and chil dren, of Twin Falls, Ida., came decoration day to visit her par ents, Mr. and Mrs. Herb Jansen, and other relatives. Northern Portion of Holt Welcome* Moi*ture Rainfall netting .41. of an inch of moisture was welcomed dur ing the early morning hours Wednesday by north-Holt coun ty fanners. The rain was a boos to the farmers who had just re planted corn. Prior to the rain many com plaints were heard that com was having a tough time breaking through the hard crusted soil. The rain was accompanied! by a saver* electrical storm and was general over the O'Neill region. No serious dam age was reported. Viewing the Holt county agri culture picture in early June, one is confronted with a peculiar situation. In northern Holt there has been a need for rain to give peeping com a boost, while in the south a good dry spell would do wonders. “Where the com has been planted in the territory north of the Elkhom, the ground is dry and hard and the com can bare ly break through,” said Harry Ressel, of O'Neill. The land south of the river 1a so wet that in many places re planting of com has been neces sary. The Holt county ag agent, A. Neil Dawes, noted, “The blue grass north of the river looks ve ry promising. The grass has ex cellent vegetative growth. To the south the stands of bluegrass are thin and sparse.” People m the south country have also noticed an increase of undesirable grass which i* crowding out the bluegrass. It makes for greater tonnage hoi at the same time poorer hay," | said Mr. Ressel. In the small grain category, the wheat is noticeably better and there is more of it than there has been for.many years. The rye is poor and there is very little to be found throughout the county. On a trip from Grand Island' recently, Lyle Dierks noticed' an agricultural rarity, unique tor this part of Nebraska. Mr Dierks says that as he progressed north ward he saw corn in all stages of development. “Some farmers were plowing the fields for plant ing, some were planting and re planting, others were cultivating, and when I reached Holt county I could hardly believe my eyes. I saw some of last year’s com being picked!” It could not be picked last year because of high water and too much wetness, he said. In many places the farmers are battling the elements with grim determination. After a day’s work of replanting corn and a series of contests with the mud, which caused his tractor to bog down several times, Paul Harley, of Chambers, had this to say: “If you don’t plant any, you won’t have any.” Trying to solve the com grow ing problem is Henry Murray, who rigged up a homemade eli to aid the sprouting com in break ing the hard surface of the ground. Mr. Murray said, “I ham mered a lot of nails in a board so they stuck out the other side and dragged it over the ground. I don’t know how much good it will do, but I’m hoping for the best.” Mr. Murray lives 12 miles northwest of O’Neill. Axel Borg, who lives 18 miles north of O’Neill, said that the corn is slow on his farm, but wheat and oats look good. He started cutting alfalfa Saturday and expects a good crop. One who has an optimistic out look is Guy Johnson, whose farm is 25 miles northeast of O’Neill. Mr. Johnson has a good stand of wheat, oats and rye. “And the corn is just coming up,” said Mr. Johnson. “I believe in planting my com late, it comes up better.” Week’s weather summary bas ed on 24-hour periods ending at 5 p.m. daily follows: Hi Lo Prec. May 29 _78 47 May 30 _ 75 49 .05 May 31 69 42 June 1 __76 42 June 2 _87 57 June 3_75 50 T June 4 -83 58 .41 Sgt. and Mrs. Rex Homer, of North Platte, arrived Monday for a visit with Mrs. Horner’s fath er, P. V Hickey. They were ac companied by their two children.