Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois • Page 3

Illinois, Saturday, January 19, 1952. DECATUR HERALD LOCAL 3 Union Hopeful Of Ending Bus Strike Soon The president of the striking 1 bus drivers union here said last night an attempt to resume negotiations will be made early next week and "I think something will be accomplished." President E. R. Walker said Federal Conciliator Francis Sheridan told him an attempt will be made to call a new meeting between union and National City Lines officials early next week. Conciliators, union and company officials met for 10 hours Thursday and early Friday without reaching settlement.

They were two and a half cents apart when the meeting broke up at 2:30 a. m. Friday. The strike enters its seventh week today. Mr.

Walker said last night the principal disagreements remaining are over the period an increase will be retroactive and whether a Sept. 1, 1950 pension boost counts on the hike allowed by the Wage Stabilization board. He said Conciliator Sheridan learned that a pension boost prior to Jan. 25, 1951 would not count. He said the two and a half-cent pension increase is the difference between the last company offer and union demand.

When the session ended Fridav morning, the union was asking a cent increase and the company offering a 14-cent boost. The union wants the entire increase retroactive to July 16, the contract termination date. Mr. Walker said because of the dispute over retroactivity, he doubts if the settlement reached with Champaign-Urbana City Lines drivers and mechanics yesterday will effect Decatur negotiations. His optimism seemed to stem from the interpretation of the pension issue which he said Conciliator Sheridan received from Wage Stabilization board officials.

A report on the most recent negotiations was given union bers last night, but Mr. Walker said there was no vote on the 14- cent company offer. That offer was turned down by the union's bargaining committee in the meeting. The company's 14 cent offer would make eight cents retroactive to July 16 and the balance effective when employes return to work. The union started bargaining for 35-cent hike and reduced it to 27 cents: in some negotiations.

Mr. Walker did not indicate that the 19 to 22 cents given ChampaignUrbana employes would increase local demands. The scale here before the strike was $1.17 for drivers and $1.30 for mechanics. The pre-strike scale in Champaign was somewhat higher. Top company negotiators were in Champaign-Urbana yesterday and were not available for comment on possible developments for Decatur.

Champaign Accepts Offer, Strike Ends Bus transportation will be resumed in Champaign-Urbana today after striking drivers and maintenance men last night accepted a new contract providing wage increases of 19 to 22 cents an hour. Union employes voted 21-2 to end their five-week walkout against Champaign Urbana City Lines. The firm, like the strikebound Decatur City Lines, is operated by National Citv Lines. The new contract, which expires Dec. 31, 1952, raises salaries of class mechanics and drivers from $1.20 to $1.35 an hour, with 10 cents retroactive to Aug.

31; class mechanics from $1.30 to $1.49 an hour, with 14 cents retroactive: and utility men and cleaners $1.23 an hour, up a reported 12 cents. The union had originally asked for a straight 20 cents an hour increase. The company had offered 12 cents. HESS PARKING LOT TO BE READY IN TWO WEEKS A parking lot being constructed by Houdaille-Hershey Corp. on Hess park will be ready for use in about two weeks, a company official said yesterday.

The park board turned over a portion of the unused part of the park for parking purposes on the condition that the company pay for the materials and work. The agreement is for two years. War expanded employment crerated a serious traffic and parking hazard in the area which also contains Harris school. Surfacing is complete but floodlights, fencing and facilities at the company entrance must be completed. The lot will be open for public Pupils Teach Safety Rules to Other Youngsters So Or listen.

At the right, Bill Winn, David Gross, Karen Hoit and Eddie McQuality, sixth grade Barbara Major wait to describe into the new school. School ofpupil in Oglesby school, explains other phases of the safety pro- ficials believe the "young teachthe safety rules that will be es- gram. They are in Eddie's class. ets" can get the idea of safety tablished in the new Oak Grove Several committees of sixth grad- across more effectively than older school. Six Oglesby third graders ers have been chosen to give persons.

safety instructions to the nine rooms of children that will move (Herald and Review photo) Conner May Oppose Brintlinger For Coroner in G.O.P. Primary E. Voris Conner, a familiar figure in Macon county Republican politics, reportedly may oppose Coroner Harold B. Brintlinger of renomination in the April 8 primary. Nominating petitions for Mr.

Conner, former' Decatur township supervisor, were said to be in circulation last night. He is an embalmer at the Monson funeral home. In a quiet day, politically, Recorder Clifford H. Bell formally announced his intention to seek a sixth consecutive term in the office. He has not vet filed petitions.

Thus far, seven Republicans and only one Democrat have filed for the five county offices at stake in the 1952 elections. Republican mary contests are indicated for recorder and state's attornev. Monday is the final dav for filing for congressional, state legislative and county offices, as well as for state central committeeman and national convention delegate. Escaping opposition from either party thus far are Cong. William L.

Springer, State Reps. Paul If. Ferguson, James L. Atkins and Barrett F. Rogers, and in Macon county, Auditor Henry M.

Novak, Circuit Clerk Herry R. Butt and Coroner Brintlinger. Only Republican national convention delegates conceded to Sen. Robert A. Taft have filed.

If support for former Gov. Harold Stassen and Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower develops, it is not expected before Sunday or Monday. Plant Sewer Fee Studied An agreement between the tary district and a Houdaille-Hershev Corp.

plant here, if completed, will be the second to be reached in a planned series of industrial sewer fee contracts. W. M. Wood, chairman of the district, said yesterday that talks are in progress with Houdaille-Hershey. The district already has concluded an agreement with the A.

E. Staley Mfg. Co. under which the company pays extra for its use of sanitary facilities. This district has adopted a policy of having users pay in proportion to their use.

It has said several more industrial agreements probably will be reached. Mr. Wood said he did not know when a Houdaille-Hershey contract will be concluded. Tests are made on the industry waste to determine a fair payment rate. There are two Houdaille-Hershey plants in Decatur, one the peacetime Decatur division plant.

The second is the Macon Arms plant which has not vet started work. Spokesmen in both plants denied knowledge of the talks. MALONE TO HEAD MILLIKIN GROUP AT ST. LOUIS Dr. J.

Walter Malone, Millikin university president, will head the Millikin delegation at a meeting on "American Universities and World Affairs" in St. Louis next week. Dean C. L. Miller and Dr.

Leo C. Stine, political science professor, also will attend. The meeting, set for Tuesday and Wednesday, is sponsored by Washington university and the Carnegie foundation. City to Learn Effect of Cuts On Fire Rates The effect of curtailment of city fire protection on Decatur's fire insurance rates will be determined 1v an inspection just completed by the National Board of Fire Underwriters. Robert A.

Young, Chicago inspector for the underwriters, told Fire Chief Ira I each that his report wih be sent to the New York office. which will later send it to Decatur officials. Mr. Young commended the Decatur fire department on the work it is doing following the cut in apparatus and personnel last October. The inspector expecially deplored the cut in fire department personnel, saying the remaining 45 men are entirely inadequate for a city of the size of Decatur, Chief Leach said.

He said the number of fire stations now in the city also is inadequate, but pointed out that the three remaining in operation are strategically located. He commended the reopening of No. 2 station. No. 1 and No.

3 stations are others remaining open. No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 stations were closed in an economy move Oct.

1. Fifteen men were discharged. While in Decatur since Monday Mr. Young inspected the books at No. 1 station office, all apparatus and equipment, new and old, mains and fireplugs, the city waterworks, and noted repairs which had been made or are needed.

The inspector visited outlying districts which have been added to the citv since the last inspection in 1947 and commended officials for the placement of fireplugs and mains in those areas. At a meeting of representatives of county fire districts Tuesday night Mr. Young said Decatur will be penalized in insurance rates if regular equipment is sent on country calls. This did not hold true for use of the old No. 7 pumper on country calls, Chief Leach said.

Mr. Young would give no indication of what effect his inspection ICport will make on the insurance rates here, the chief said. March of Dimes Theft Brings 1-Year Sentence Theft of money is a crime, but a man learned in county court vesterday that the penalty is especially severe when March of Dimes funds are involved. Celestine R. Wicker, 40, of 461 South Water street, pleaded guilty to an information charging, petit larceny and was sentenced by Judge Gus T.

Greanias to a year on the state farm at Vandalia. Police said that $1.10 of the more than $5 Wicker was accused of taking from the Hotel garage was from a March of Dimes container. The funds are to fight polio. Because of the nature of the theft and his previous record of numerous arrests on charges of drunkenness and vagrancy Judge Greanias told Wicker he was passing the maximum sentence on the petit larceny charge. "I'm sorry about the money, Judge, I would not have done it if Thad not been drunk," Wicker told the court.

Police were notified Monday night that a man who had borrowed 25 cents from an attendant at the garage had left shortly before the March of Dimes box was found empty in the restroom. Later $4 was found missing from a coin changer. Wicker admitted the theft when police questioned him. Before he was sentenced vesterday Wicker had requested Judge Greanias to sentence him to a threemonths term at the state farm "so I can get away from that wine have been drinking." REV. RIECHMANN ILL Confirmation classes scheduled for 9 and 10 a.m.

today in First English Lutheran church have been canceled due to the illness of Rev. Roland G. Riechmann, pastor. Rev. Mr.

Riechmann is in Decatur and Macon County following an appendectomy Thursday night. Theodore Zimmerman, a student, at the Chicago Theological seminaly, will conduct the regular services at the church tomorrow. MAN FINED, DRIVER'S LICENSE REVOKED Harold B. Kenney, 945 West William street, yesterday pleaded guilty in county court to an information charging him with driving while intoxicated. He was fined $100 and costs by Judge Gus Greanias, who revoked his driver's license for 30 days.

Businessmen, Officials to Play Cage Game With Ministers for Polio Benefit Decatur businessmen and public officials, including Police Chief W. Glenn Kerwin and Sheriff David M. Peters, will meet a team composed of ministers in a benefit basketball game next Wednesday night. All proceeds will go to the March of Dimes polio fund, Gordon Stiely, game chairman, reported last night. United Commercial Travelers of America is sponsor of the event.

The game is scheduled as the first half of a double-header in Johns Hill junior high school gymnasium. The second game will match the American Legion against the Bloomington city champions. Mr. Stiely said the following men had agreed to play in the game last night: Sheriff Peters; Chief Kerwin; State's Attorney Kenneth E. Evans; PARKS FINED $105 Companion Also Pays $105 After Fighting in Street Burl H.

Parks, 22, rural route 6, William D. Hise, 21, of 2146 East Lincoln avenue, and Darrell E. Johnson, 21, of 1257 North Calhoun street, yesterday pleaded guilty to charges of fighting on the street. They were fined $105.40 each. Police arrested Parks and Hise when they answered a call of a disturbance in the 1400 block East William street, outside a tavern, near midnight.

Parks, Hise and Johnson were fighting, officers said. When police interfered Parks was accused of fighting Patrolman Dan Terneus, who made complaint for the warrants. Johnson was taken to St. Mary's hospital for treatment of injuries received in the original fight to which police had been called. He was arrested at 3 p.m.

Parks and Johnson paid their fines and were released. Hise remained in city jail last night because he had not paid his fine. Parks, Hise, Johnson and Powers E. Claypool, 21, of 1735 North Whitchell avenue, were arrested Jan. 4 on charges of rape made by a 20-vear-old Decatur mother.

They are free on bond pending court action in that case. State's Attorney Kenneth E. Evans has said he will reinstate a charge of reckless driving against Parks in county court. 73 DONORS DIVE 66 PINTS OF BLOOD TO BANK Macon county's bank received 66 pints of blood vesterday, 12 of which were used almost immediately in Decatur hospitals, Mrs. R.

H. Mueller, bank chairman, reported. There were 73 donors at the bank. she said. 57 of whom offered ICplacements for friends or relatives in hospitals.

Three persons came from Terre Haute to give replacements. The donors included. Everett Walcher, who gave for the 14th time; S. E. Repnicke, 11th time, and Chester L.

Ferrill, Vancil T. Ware and Frank Marsden, 7th time. Mr. Ferrill is from Oreana and the other men are from Decatur. Families of persons who expect to have operations in the near future are urged to make donations of blood before the operation to insure that the bank supply will be adequate.

JOHN F. SCHWEITZER DIES IN WARRENSBURG John F. Schweitzer, 52, of Warrensburg, died at 9 p. yesterday in his home. He had been ill for several weeks.

He was a member of a Lutheran church in St. Louis and the Elks, Eagles and Moose organizations in Decatur. He was born in St. Louis Jan. 26, 1899, a son of Mr.

and Mrs. John N. Schweitzer. He was married to Marie Swederske in St. Louis July 12, 1935.

He is survived by his wife and father, a daughter, Jacquelyn at home; a step son, Elmer Kunze, St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. Lucella Wedemeier, St. Louis. The body is in the Dawson Wikoff funeral home.

Arrangements are incomplete. Griesbaum at Home Theodore Griesbaum, 29, who was injured in a traffic accident north of Taylorville Dec. 9, has recovered sufficiently to be removed to his home from St. Mary's hospital. TRAFFIC ARREST Ronald E.

Nihiser, 1667 West Cushing avenue, was fined $10.40 for running red light at Water and Eldorado street. Attorney Perley T. Lupton; Attorney Louis L. Mason; Merrill Lindsay, general manager of WSOY: George F. Kreker, executive assistant at Emerson's Piano house; William Young, president of Young's Packing Rev.

Roland Kamm, associate pastor at Westminster Presbyterian church; Rev. Paul Zeman, associate pastor at Grace Methodist church; Rabbi Leo Turitz, Temple B'nai Abraham; Rev. Irvin Pratt, pastor at Cleveland Avenue Methodist church; Rev. Don Fein, assistant pastor at Central Christian church; Rev. E.

M. Ringland, rector at St. John's Episcopal church; Rev. E. I.

Abendroth, dean of chapel at Millikin. Lawrence "Cocky" Rotz will referee the contest. Airport Main Survey Planned Citv and park district officials agreed yesterday to start surveys next week for a water main from the city system to the municipal airport. Supt. Lacy Chandler of the park district said the city wants plans made on both a six-inch and a 12- inch main.

He said the city has indicated it would be willing to pay the difference so that a 12-inch main could be constructed. That size main would be large enough to serve suburban areas annexed to the city. A six-inch main extending from Twenty-second street through Nelson park and across Lake Decatur to the airport would be adequate for airport purposes. Superintendent Chandler said survevs will determine whether it would be cheaper to cross Lake Decatur near Number 5 tee of Nelson park golf course or further north at the Baltimore Ohio railroad bridge. He plans to confer with state Department of Aeronautics officials today.

The department will help with the survey, which will include lake soundings. Also attending the conference vesterday were President Rov M. Black of the park district board, Mavor Robert E. Willis and Water Commissioner Homer L. Chastain.

Husband, Wife Among Millikin Mid- Year Grads Another husband and wife team is scheduled to receive Millikin university degrees in mid-year commencement exercises next Thursday. They are Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Tertocha, residents of Millikin's trailer citv.

He is a candidate for a Bachelor of Arts degree and she is to receive a Bachelor of Science degree. The Tertochas were married Oct. 27, 1950, a short time after they transferred to Millikin from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Tertocha is the former Alice Joan Syfert of Decatur.

Also among the -year graduates is Crisostomo Luna of Tampico, Mexico, a candidate for a Bachelor of Arts degree. He plans to leave soon after commencement for a reunion with his family in Mexico. He hopes to teach in a mission school in the southwest. Millikin's mid-vear graduation program is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Thursday in Albert Taylor hall.

RITES HERE, ALTAMONT FOR MRS. ALMA JAMES Brief funeral services for Mrs. Alma James, 46, who died suddenly in a rural motel early Thursday, will be in the J. J. Moran Sons funeral home at 3:30 p.m.

today. The body will be taken to the Woodrow Kull funeral home in Altamont, where services will at 2 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Union cemetery, Altamont. Coroner Harold Brintlinger said the report of a pathologist who performed an autopsy would not be received until next An inquest will be completed then.

WARRENSBURG FILES TAX LEVY ORDINANCE The village of Warrensburg is the third taxing unit in the county to file a 10 per cent general corporate tax levy ordinance in the office of County Clerk Laurence Tangney. The levy sets the new village rate at 20 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation. Maroa has increased its rate to 20.2 cents and Decatur to 18.12 cents. Deadline for filing the ordinances is Jan. 31.

Behrend, Pflaum Are Indicted By Grand Jury Mrs. Ernest Dies in Hospital Mrs. Alfa Ernest, wife of Robert B. Ernest, Macon county superintendent of schools, died at 6:30 a.m. vesterdas in Decatur and Macon County hospital.

She had entered the hospital Jan. 9. From 1948 until 1951, Mrs. Ernest was an assistant to her husband in the county superintendent's office. She was a member of the First Methodist church, the American Legion auxiliary, and the Decatur Woman's club.

The Ernests reside at 1848 North Union street. Mrs. Ernest was born in Jacksonville, a daughter of Thomas and Alphia Weldon' Davis. She was married to Mr. Ernest in Covington, on May 19, 1917.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Ernest leaves her parents of Decatur; two sons, Robert O. of Oak Park and Loren E. of Decatur, and two grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs.

Ernest will be held at 1:30 p. m. Monday in the Dawson Wikoff funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Graceland cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m.

today. EIGHT-MONTH REPORT Taxes Produce Third of City's Total General Fund Taxes have produced more than a third of the city's total general fund revenue during the first eight months of the fiscal year, according to the comptroller's report for December. Tax revenues account for 086 and are still about $50.000 short of anticipated income from this source. Final tax settlements have not been made. Other income includes $142,526 from fees, $15,775 from permits and $61.537 from licenses.

The permit total is only $2,000 short of the total expected during the 12-month period. Eight-month spending by departments: Accounts and finances, 123 of $46,975 appropriated: Public affairs, $141,236 of 023; Health and safety, $161,947 of Streets and public improvements. $102,952 of Public property, $351,460 of $684,906. A.F.L. UNION PRESIDENT HERE TODAY FOR PARTY D.

W. Tracy, international president of the A. F. of L. electrical workers, will be in Decatur today for the 10th anniversary celebration of the Illinois Power Co.

office workers local. The party is set for 6 p.m. in Hotel Orlando ballroom. Thomas D. Seffield, union business manager, announced yesterday.

The Illinois Power Co. office workers are members of local 1306 of the International Brotherhocd of Electrical Workers. The union was the first of its kind in the International's five-state 6th district. FIRE CALL FIRE CALL Citv firemen answered a still alarm to the 1100 block East Locust street at 1:15 p.m. yesterday where some trash was on fire in a truck owned by Lloyd Dickerson.

damage was done to the truck. Recorder Bell, in the last 20 vears, has increased excess fees collected by his office and modernized equipment. Mr. Conner was Decatur township supervisor from 1939 until 1942,, when he resigned to enlist in the marine corps. He has been a member of the county central committee and was a primary candidate for sheriff in 1942.

His last major venture into politics was in 1946, when he was a primary candidate for mayor and ran a strong third. While Democrats are short on county candidates. the party came within two of filling its precinct committee slate with the filing of Frank E. Sawyer, rural route 2, Decatur, 68th. Five more Republican precinct committee candidates filed, includformer Mavor James Hedrick, 240 West Prairie avenue, 14th.

Mr. Hedrick is heading the Macon county gubernatorial primary campaign of William G. Stratton. Other Republicans filing for committeeman: Joseph T. Brinkoetter, 1005 East Whitmer street, 33d: Otto Kujawa, 1405 East Locust street, city license investigator, 43d; Donald O'Malley, 2620 North Church street, 48th; John P.

Lehn, Illini township, 59th. Republicans have 19 more committee spots to fill. DIMES FUND $13,617 $1,027 In Contributions Received In Mail In Two Days The March of Dimes infantile paralysis fund has climbed to during the last two days with the receipt of $1,027 in mail solicitations. Bill Madden, drive chairman. said the new contributions include $100 from the Castle Williams American Legion post, $68 from Johns Hill junior high school, $62.04 from Oakland school and $57 from the Women of the Moose.

Three other donations are $13.50 from a collection made by Bary Bennington, 638 South Wise street, $24.01 from a TV Rose Bowl party at the C. J. Givens home and $6.97 from the Navy Mothers club No. 1. JAIL REPORT JAIL REPORT The Macon County grand jury reported to Circuit Judge Martin E.

Morthland yesterday that its members found the county jail "very clean and sanitary, with good light, and the food of prisoners good and sufficient." Sheriff David M. Peters said he was especially pleased with the, report because no special effort had been made, to prepare the jail for the visit of the grand jurors in their inspection yesterday morning. Thomas Hedrick Hurt James A. Hedrick, former Decatur mayor, was notified yesterday that his brother, Thomas, 56, of Montebelle, Calif. was seriously injured when his car struck a horse near Phoenix, Arix.

Last night Mr. Hedrick said his brother's son, Billie, of Portland, has flown by plane to Phoenix and was to notify him of his brother's condition. The former mavor's brother visited him in Decatur last summer. A $53,000 embezzlement charge and a murder charge were among the 20 indictments returned yesterday by the Macon county grand jury. There was one no-true bill.

Robert O. Behrend, 44, of Mount Zion was named in the embezzlement charge which involves a shortage of funds of the Decatur Illinois Terminal credit union. He also is accused in two indictments with the forgery of two promissory notes for $900 and $950. Behrend was arrested last October after inspectors from the state auditor's office discovered a large shortage in the assets of the credit union. He pleaded innocent and was released under $10,000 bond.

Behrend was secretary of the credit union for several years. The union has memberships over the entire Illinois Terminal svstem, including Decatur, Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign and Danville. In another indictment David M. "Red" Pflaum, is accused of the Dec. 7 murder of his father, David F.

Pflaum, 54, at their home on rural route 8. Deputy sheriffs found the elder Pflaum shot to death when they answered a call that the son was threatening his father with a shotgun. The son had fled but surrendered several hours later and admitted the shooting to authorities. He has been held in jail since. Behrend, Pflaum and other defendants named in the 20 indictments will be arraigned before Circuit Judge Martin E.

Morthland Monday morning. Others named in indictments were: Eugene Walker, charged with a $61 robbery of Virgil Rambo on Nov. 20. Charles Tavlor, accused of the theft of a truck from Leo Kummerer on Nov. 16.

Richard Suhl and Herbert H. Smith, charged with burglary of the Chumbley cleaning plant. John Wesley Nichols and Alfred Lovine Burkett, charged with burglary of Al's super market on Nov.4. Michael Dane McMahon, charged with a $17.63 robber of Elmer E. Sheets on Dec.

18.1 Louis Wayne Kincaid and James Edward Hilliard, charged with burglary of the Blue Mill cafe on Dec. 20. Robert Grandberry, charged with the theft of an automobile from L. Logan. Thomas Geggets, Andrew Garret and John Henry Spraggins, charged with robbery.

Paul Everett Bruns, charged with automobile theft. Charles Edward Bovd, Louis Kincaid and James Edward Hilliard, charged with burglary of the Merchant street tavern and Carter's market. Darrow Baker, charged in five indictments with forgery. 169 ALIENS REGISTER List Continues to Grow Despite Jan. 11 Deadline The list of aliens who have registered at the Decatur post office continues to grow, despite the fact that the official deadline for registration was Jan.

11. Postmaster Richard Ellison last night reported 169 aliens had filled out registration cards. The office sent 151 names to the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization service a week ago.

Eighteen more will be sent today. Publicity given to the alien registration requirements apparently is responsible for the increase in numder over registrants over a year ago, Mr. Ellison said. Last year 110 aliens registered. ROUTE 36 SUBWAY MAY BE READY BY SEPTEMBER An official of the Sangamo Construction Co.

estimated vesterdav that construction of a subway under Illinois Terminal Railroad tracks on route 36 at Illiopolis will be complete by September. The Springfield firm, which has a $290,000 contract for the job, started digging a storm water sewer for the subway this week. Excavation will start when the sewer is complete. The road will be kept open for traffic during the construction period. Greene Improves Edward Greene, 28, rural route 4, who was critically injured when his car was struck by a train at Oakley Jan.

7, shows slight daily improvement in St. Mary's hospital. He is semi conscious at times but talks some at other times, the hospital reported last night..