Twelve Pages In This Issue ♦ "The Voice of the Beef Empire" Volume 79—Number 10 _O'Neill, Holt County, Nebraska, Thursday, July 2, 1 959__Seven Cents I>eath Is near for a cactus m«*e . . . Atkinson Irrigation Projects; | Pros, Cons and a Cactus Rose By EDITOR JERRY PET8CHE ATKINSON Out on the prairie a few miles north of here there grows a cactus rose. A few feet away there stunds a monstrous earth moving machine, and behind the rose a silent well and a tank that will feed fuel to the pump yet to he installed That rose no match for the machine and the water soon to lie turned on - can be symbolic of either of two things: It could mean the end of a stretch of dry and unfertile prairie, and a blessing. it could stand as u reminder that if you cut this grassland up with too much vigor and without thought, even cactus roses will not grow in the future. Just a few years ago in the grazing country a few miles nor'h of Atkinson you could buy land as low as $4.50 per acre. And then the steel plow, the large bulldozer and earth-movers moved in along with men of ideas— and money. Nowr, in this still experimental area of freshly irrigated crops, you couldn't buy some of the land for $100 per acre. Like the skeletons of grant pre-his*oric birds, self propelled irrigation rigs stretch across the once dry land and move in huge circles encompass ing 140 acres to grow small grain the likes of w hich farmers have never seen in this area. Only port of this tremendous and sudden irri gation development is the result of local home folks. Four large firms have moved into the area. They include the C-T Land Company (Bill Curry, A. E. Trowbridge*. Columbus; Fred and James Kirschbnum, Grand Island; Chester B. Brown Co., and Flynn and Larson Company. At least 12 irrigation wells have been sunk hy the C-T Land Company according to Eurl Penry, an Atkinson well driller, and many more appear probable. Each of these wells will provide irriga tion water for u dozen of the giant, self-propelled machines. A well in the Atkinson area will be roughly 100 feet deep. The capacity will be in the neighbor flood of 1.000 gallons per minute. Today there are roughly 150 wells in the county and it appears there will be more. But becwuse of the fast development which could change the face of Holt county, there is con troversy a controv ersy of a type which comes with anything new. The Case Against Several local people are afraid. They are afraid that the foot or so of black earth on top of the clay and gravel will give out under the gouging of the giant equipment 'and the perpetual winds. One resident of Atkinson who wished to remain jnidentified said he had hoped that large organiza tions. ultimately controlled by men outside of the community, would be the exception rather than the rule. "The economic boost will not he felt here,” he said. “Even if this project works, just how much good will it do Atkinson if the major share of pro fits are realized here but are spent elsewhere?” he asks. A rancher in the area also voiced his opinion: •‘I’m afraid some men who are doing the irrigating might not be careful to sered only the rich land in the area for development,” he said. Farmers in the area point out that the 6-inch to three foot deep black top-soil runs in strips across the area north of Atkinson. ”If they try to cut up and irri gate some of the land, we will all have trouble in a few years.” he said and added that there was no effective control over this possibility Another point which deserves mentioning and which one farmer believes could be a trouble spot is the possibility of lowering the water table level in the area, (as has happened to similar irrigation projects in some of our Western states>, to the point where it affects wells surrounding the project. It is well known that the available water in the area is almost unlimited, but how will the water table heighth in the future affect the existing wells, he asks. The Case For And there are plenty of spokesmen for the project. Vincent Olson, a farmer north of Atkinson who owns his own irrigating rig and farms the land himself, believes that the community must be de veloped. (Pictured on inside pages.) "You just can't stand still in farming anymore I’ve invested $17,000 in my rig and the land here is black. My taxes are high and I probably pay 10 times that which was paid before by farmers who did not Irrigate this area.” He pointed out that the increased taxes from the area, and the increased value of all the farm land north of Atkinson was worth the development if reasonable care is practiced. ”1 recently Ixjught a stretch of land for $50 per acre and the seller of that land bought it for $4.50 per acre in 1941,” he added. Another operator of one of the larger company’s farms and who would also not be identified had this to say: “As far us I know, not one of the big operators have not been careful. We have care fully tested this top-soil and have measured it for depth. “After all. we stand to lose u lot of money if this thing doesn't work out,” he said. In general, the smaller farmer, who owns his own land does not believe he is adding to the sur plus of crops. They point out that they are giving many dry-land farmers in the area something to think about and that if the land is properly hand led, nothing but good can come of it. Whatever the correct answer is, you can be sure of this much: As you stand in one urea six miles north of Atkinson, see millions of dollars of equipment and digging, watch 60 to 100 bushel per acre small grain and corn already above your knees growing at this time, you begin to realize just how much is at stake. On the inside pages you will find more pictures of the projects and a special story on the Atkinson irrigation area written by Neil Dawes, Holt county extension agent. Accident Hospitalizes Kramer Boy Minute* alter the accident which sent Robert Kramer to the hospital, investigating officer Bob Gude of the state patrol, left, and Chris McGinn, O’N'eill police chief, were on the scene. Robert's father. “BUI" Is shown at the right. Robert is shown in the Inset. The Frontier Photo and Engraving. Robert Kramer, 14, the son of Sgt. and Mrs. E. W. “Bill" Kram er, was taken to a Sioux City hos pital Tuesday after a serious bi cycle-car accident on highway 281 He is reported in satisfactory condition there and is suffering from a compound fracture of the left thigh, a broken left arm and multiple cuts and bruises. Patrolman Bob Gude, who in vestigated the accident said young Kramer was riding his bike to the O'Neill Drive-In theater where he worked Monday morning when the accident occurred. Gude said the boy was going north and the driver of the car, Melvin J. Meyer, 44, of Stuart, was traveling in the same direction when the accident happened. Gude said Meyen saw the boy, honked his horn but couldn't avoid a col lision. The right side of the auto mobile struck the bicycle and the boy was throw’n several feet Gude explained. Robert was first rushed to St. Anthony's and later transferred to; Sioux City. Substitute Positions Carrier, Clerk Open Applications are now being taken for employment in tbe O'Neill post office. Examinations must lie taken for the positions of substitute clerk and substitute city carrier. Applicants must pass the writ ten test and reside in the delivery area or l)e a bona fide patron of the post office at O’Neill. Interested persons may obtain further information and blanks from the O'Neill post office. State Patrolmen Crack-Down on Alcohol Offense Seven Holt county minors -and a Spencer adult have been charged in county court with misdemeanors involving alcoholic beverages dur ing the past week County Judge Louis Reimer said patrolmen have l>een particularly effective in picking up the youths on these offenses. Judge Reimer said the youths can receive a fine up to 5100 or 00-day jail sentences or Ixjth for possession of alcoholic liquor by a minor. A fine of $1 to $100 can be given to a person charged and con victed of drinking on a public highway. The youths charged, their of fenses and fines are as follows: Possession of alcoholic liquor by a minor: Jerald L. Pay, 18, Ewing, $25 and costs; LeRoy Pofahl, 17, Ewing, $25 and costs; Bernard R. Allen, 19, O'Neill, $50 and costs; John E. Turner, 17, O'Neill, $25 and costs, Larry D. Cleary. 18, O' Neill, $25 and costs; Jack M. Smith, 18, Atkinson, $25 and costs, and James D. Enright, 19, O’Neill, $25 and costs. The adult, Robert J. Schommer, Spencer, was convicted of drink ing an alcoholic beverage on a public highway. He was fined $10 and costs. 3-Year Old Hurt Patrick Nesintt, the 3-year ok. son of Mr. and Mrs. Ix)well Nes bitt, suffered a minor concussion over the week-end when he fell off a bleacher in Carney park. Mrs. Nesbitt said the boy was watching a baseball game when the accident occured. The hoy’s mother said he is re covering quickly. Theodore A. Moss, 82, Holt Homesteader Dies at Chambers Theodore A. Moss, 82, retired Chambers rancher, died suddenly June 26 at 6:30 a.m. at the Charles Grimes residence at Chambers. Funeral services were conducted June 29 at 10 a.m. at the Chambers Methodist church, where he had been a member lor almost 60 years. Rev. Charles Cox officiated. Burial was in the Ctrambers cem etery. Pallbearers were: Glen Ad ams, Glen Grimes, John Honey well, Vernon Harley, Joe Daas and Hylas Farrier. Mr. Moss was l>orn November 26. 1876 u.t Carlinville, 111. to Char les and Matilda Womach Moss. They came to Holt county in 1887 from Carlinville, 111. and resided in the Amelia neighborhwd. He was married September 25, 1900 at Amelia to Elizabeth Anna Guard. Four children were born; one son. who was deceased in infancy, and three daughters. Survivors include his widow; 3 daughters, Wilma Stark, Ceresco; Beulah Grimes, Chambers; and Helen Hurt, Mandan, N.D.; 4 bro thers, John and Henry of Spokane, Wash.; Ira, O’Neill; Cheeves, Omaha; and one sister, Myrtle Smith of Atkinson. John A. Kennedy, 84, Holt Pioneer, Dies Here Saturday Funeral services were conducted at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday for John A. Kennedy, 84, pioneer homesteader and rancher who died Saturday at St. Anthony’s hospital. Sickness and death were sudden. Mr. Ken nedy was ill only five days. Services were held from St. Pat rick's Catholic church with Rev. Peter F. Burke of Ewing, a cousin of Mr. Kennedy, officiating. Burial was in Calvary cemetery here. Rosary was recited at 8 p.m. Monday evening. Pallbearers were Edgar Peter son, A. G. Doolittle, Bernard Ken nedy, Richard Minton, Dan Mc Carthy and James Earley. The late Mr. Kennedy was born January 6, 1875 at Calhoun, la. His parents were James Joseph and Catherine M. Doyle Kennedy. He came to Holt county in 1898 and homesteaded in the Amelia community. On Nov. 12, 1907, he was united in marriage to Johanna Duffin at Burwell. She preceded him in Jeath on May 21, 1940. The couple aad no children. Survivors: Brother Frank J. of Dmaha: sisters Sarah V. and Car oline P., both of Omaha: nephews T-Sgt. Dwaine James Vaughn, Rationed in Saudi Arabia and Wil liam Melvin Vuughn of Salt Lake, City, Utah. Senator Nelson Home After Hard Session Senator Frank Nelson returned from Lincoln Tuesday to his farm home northeast of O’Neill after winding up his duties at the State house. Mr. Nelson said he was happy to be back and that the past session was a particularly difficult one Not only was the session the longest one on record, 739 bills j were acted upon and 60 resolutions, i rhis is 124 more than two years igo. Senator Nelson said he did not wish to make a statement yet as j to whether or not he would run igain. Mot Guilty Pleas Entered to First Degree Murder Charges By Mother and Half-Brother Cronin To Aid Defense BUTTE The mother and hall brother of Flunk Vahderlinde. 21, both pleaded not guilty to first degree murder charges here Mon day in county court. Mrs. Sadie Dickerson and her son, Nyal Franch, 18, were ar raigned before county judge J. P. Classon and were both charged specifically with hitting Vander linde in the head with a brace and bit on Sunday, June 21. The Boyd courtroom whs filled to capacity as they list first Franch and then Mrs. Dicker S4|n before the judge. Both ap peared shaken hut told Judge Classon they understood the charge. In action before the arraign ment, Boyd County Attorney Wil liam Wills asked for a special meeting of the Itoard of supervi sors to ask for help in prosecuting Mrs. Dickerson and Franch, ac cording to J udge Classon. Judge Classon said the board gave Wills the go-ahead at which time J. D. Cronin, an O’Neill at torney was retained by the county to help Wills. Preliminary hearing in the mur der case was set for 10 a.m. July 6 at the Boyd county court by Judge Classon. The court appointed William Brennan defense attorney for Mrs. Dickerson and Franch. An exper ienced lawyer, he had served in the past as county attorney far 32 years. Whon asked by a reporter if Mrs. Dickerson or Franch Had signed a statement conre ruing the death of VanderlliHhv Will* would not comment Uremia* told tile reporter that flic prose cution had not told him whether or not they had obtained » signed statennmt. County Sheriff Claude Collins would say only that Franch and Mrs. Dickerson had given him “so many stories at first, I didn’t know what to think.” Mrs. Dickerson’s rented farm home, where the incident was re ported to have* occurred, is nine miles north-west of Naper. Both Franch and Vanderlinde, half brothers, were living with their mother, Mrs. Dickerson. According to reports of neigh bors, they were not particularly well known in the community, that they didn’t get out very mucti and that the two boys "did not seem to have many friends.” At the present time Franch n being held In the Boyd county jail and .Mrs. Dickerson at Mw Holt county jail in O’Neill be eause of laek of facilities. Mr*. Dickerson has been taken to amt from the jail for the funeral of her son and the arraignment. In the past 30 years there has. lieen at least a half-dozen mur der eases in the county of Boyd according to courthouse person nel. UTTI.F (e from people within the town of Bartlett. A group formed to dis cuss the possible opening of an other bank a few days ago. THE WEATHER hi lo prec. Thus., June 25 99 68 Fri., June 26 • 91 68 Sat., June 27 87 64 .83 Sun., June 28 84 58 .15 Mon , June 29 74 48 .32 Tues., June 30 58 49 .73 Total precepitation .... 2.03 GOLF TOURNAMENT The annual men’s Fourth of July stake golf tournament will be held Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. for country club members. Don Becker und Harold Connors are chairmen of the event. Entry fees are 50 cents. Cash prizes will lx* given. COUNTRY CLUB FIREWORKS The O'Neill Counlry club will again put on a display of fireworks the evening of the Fourth of July. The display will begin at nightfall. EWING BOY ENLISTS Robert Kreiziger, son of Mr. a.id Mrs. Robert Kreiziger of Ew ing enlisted in the U.S. Navy through the Norfolk Recruiting sta tion. Robert will take his recruit train ing at San Diego. Calif. ... . i llfll . - Allen (Senvie) .laszkowiak of O'Neill literally putted kH nay to the .Ainsworth open Roll tournament Sunday when he shot a two under par of HH. Scovie putted only 10 times in the final nine holes ol medal play at the country club course. Waldo of Mullen placed-ini' with a 70 at the tournament Golfers who played in the lonrMfy above, from left, are Fred Appleby, Henry Lohaus, "Smk,” Ben Grady and Al Carroll. Bob Kurtz, Louis Rcimer jr., and Dick Nelso% not pictured, also played