The Daily Reporter from Dover, Ohio • Page 3

undercover cops big haul ByJEFFPRUGH The Los Angeles Times ATLANTA For Sale: one truck and trailer-van earfying seven new Olds- mobiles and Chevrolets. Price for all: $940. Also for sale: brand new Cadillac and two sets of new radial tires. Price: $600. At those prices, a buyer would have every reason come away exclaiming.

"Whatasteal!" And "a steal" is just what it was to scores of undercover lawmen who made those purchases and countless others recently in metropolitan Atlanta and Savannah. Ga. They bought $1.5 million in stolen merchandise for only about $64.000 in a five-month "fencing" operation so convincing that police once raided it by mistake. Early Tuesday the operation ended with the arrests of a reported 74 sus- pects, most on tfieft and burglary charges. Authorities said arrest Warrants for 125 more suspects were expected, in what is regarded as the South's largest single crackdown on big-time theft.

"THE DEALERS thought they Were selling these items to other thieves, just to get rid of them fast and have a little money in their pockets," said Sgt. Roy Baker of the DeKalb County police department. "Instead, they sold them to police." The project, financed by a grant of $100,000 from the Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, was nicknamed "Operation Contact." Similar fencing operations have been employed by police in Washington D.C.. New York and Long Beach. Calif.

Reported among the recovered goods were 20 autos, two truck-and-trailer vans, numerous TV sets. CB radios. firearms'and furniture and soul sing- ef L6u Rawl's Concert sound equipment worth $30,000. project is said to have required elaborate planning among police in Atlanta and Savannah in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and in the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

But the cooperation nearly went away at one point. Man cuts off right hand after 6 fight with deviF STAFFORD, Conn. (AP) An 18-year-old man said he cut off his hand because he "got in a fight with the devil," then walked the streets with a Bible to preach the word of God, says the policeman who found him. Robert Huettl of Stonington. was in stable condition Tuesday night at Hartford Hospital following surgery to restore his right hand.

A spokesman said it was too early to tell if the operation had been successful. Patrolman Frank' Kania said he found Huettl Monday night as the young man was. walking along Route 19.0, carrying a Bible under his arm and bleeding heavily. "I asked him why he did it and he said, 'If your right hand offends thee. cut it off and toss it Kania said in an interview.

He said Huettl's parents told police their son had no history of any wrongdoing or instability. They could not be reached for comment. The young man had taken a room Sunday night in an inn and was to attend a nearby truck drivers' school. Kania said. He apparently graduated from high school in June.

Kania said Huettl had made a tourniquet for his arm before cutting off the hand with a razor blade. "He knew he wasn't going to die," Kania said. "He just had to get rid of his hand. He said he got in a fight with the devil." The patrolman said he and an off- duty volunteer fireman who also stopped at the scene made a better tourniquet and called for another officer to retrieve the hand. It was found in a wastebasket in the room.

Huettl told the fireman, "this is what the Lord did" and said he was on his way to preach about evil. As they drove to the hospital Custody fight followup NEW YORK (AP) There will be no indictments in the custody- battle abduction of multimillionaire Seward Proser Mellon's two young daughters, Brooklyn District Atty. Eugene Gold said today. A grand jury agreed with Mellon's attorney's contention that the abduction was "a matter of conflicting laws from two different states." Mellon, heir to one of America's great fortunes, arranged to have the children taken from his former wife, Karen Boyd Mellon, 32, who had won approval last January from a New York court to keep her daughters with her. A Pennsylvania had ruled earlier that the children should remain in the custody of their father, a Pittsburgh banker.

Huettl "just read the Bible," Kania said. "He didn't say anything but he was very coherent. He wasn't shocked or anything." But about halfway through the drive from Stafford in northeast Connecticut to Hartford in the central part of the state, the young man began to realize what he had done, saying, "Boy, that took a lot of guts to cut it off." When emergency room doctors told Huettl that his parents said he had never done anything like this before, Huettl again responded, acfcord- ing to Kania. "Well, I had a fight with the devil." AT FAIR. Jack Carter, son of Jimmy Carter, the Democratic candidate for president, made a brief appearance at the Coshocton County fair Tuesday.

Carter, in a short speech at the Democratic booth, urged the people to vote for his dad, saying it was time for a change in the White House. ONE EVENING a few months ago. DeKalb County burglary detectives got a tip that armed men were observed inside a residence where stolen merchandise was stocked. Led by three carloads of shotgun- armed colleagues, the detectives smashed open a door of the house, and the occupants quickly raised their hands. Surprise! The occupants were not suspects but undercover agents some fell DeKalb County detectives.

The raid was a mistake that nearly exposed the operation, but raiders and agents hastily covered their blunder. As the raiders withdrew from the house, the undercover agents trailed, screaming "Pig! Pig! Pig!" and other insults at the police. "The yard was full of neighbors by this time," said Bill Slaton, special agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and coordinator of the project. "The show we put on made a big impression on them. Business doubled the following Along the way, authorities said, the agents had cultivated the confidence of suspects so well that "a wealth of information" surfaced about other crimes, including a murder.

"Many of them liked to talk, to brag," Hand said. "It was sort of like giving a resume. They wanted to establish credibility." Appeals court hearing case of ex-deputy CARROLLTON The Seventh District Court of Appeals was to hear an appeal this morning by a former Carroll County sheriff deputy, who was relieved of his duties when Emergency Employment Act funding ran out in 1974. James A. Newbold of Mechanicstown filed suit in common pleas court against Sheriff Dean Yeager for reinstatement.

Judge Paul Perkins, however, ruled that the sheriff was not obligated to continue Newbold's employment when funding stopped. Newbold served as a -deputy from December 1971 until December 1974. Saluting Howard (Pete) Murphy (C) are Martha Moss (L), Janet Voght, Jane Fox, Ruth Martin, Dora Beard, Dave Miller and Laura Schweitzer. Seated beside Murphy is Theresa Breniser. (Photo by Bob Lauriha) Patrons salute retiring letter carrier By JIM EATON Mail delivery along 4th st.

NW in New Philadelphia was a little slow Tuesday, but for good reason. Howard (Pete) Murphy was making his final rounds on the route he has traveled for 18 of the 22 years he has worked for the U.S. Postal Service. Employes of Root Beer at 1345 4th st. NW had a surprise luncheon for him, including presentation of a cake.

Pennland Honda also gave him a cake and another group of residents along the route collected $60 as a farewell gift. "This is really wonderful." said Murphy when he was called to the' He promised to return after completing some deliveries on the northern part of 4th "because people were waiting for their mail." Getting the mail to his patrons is important, Murphy said during lunch. At some homes, he recalled, he would announce that it contained letters from children who had moved away. "I told the postmaster I would be late today, but I didn't expect this," said Murphy as he resumed his rounds. Murphy's route covers an area bounded by Ray av.

NW and the city limits and 4th to 6th st. NW. He told only a few that he planned to retire. "One patron promised to help me anytim'e I needed it. which makes life worthwhile." he said.

THE OLDEST MAIL carrier in New Philadelphia, Murphy will be 62 in December. A resident of 118 Ray av. NE, New Philadelphia, he started working at the post office at the age of 40 after being employed at Republic Steel Corp. in Massillon. Walking may have been a natural way to earn a living since Murphy was an Army infantryman during World War II.

He also is well known as a former- public address announcer for Quaker Stadium, a job he started while a student at New Philadelphia High. Murphy Said he has no plans for his retirement, but hopes to take his wife. Velna. to Hawaii. "I live one day at a time." he said, "but I'm not going to stay home in a rocking chajr." Murphy is a trustee of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

New Philadelphia Elks, National Assn. of Letter Carriers and the Quaker Club. He has two sons, Rev. Jerry L. Murphy, who recently was installed as minister of the First Christian Church in Kent, and Dr.

John H. Murphy, a dentist in Stow, and two grandchildren. i to rule on Scott motions CARROLLTON Common Pleas Judge Paul Perkins will rule on Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. on three motions made by attorneys representing James Michael Scott of the Youngstown area, who is charged here with aggravated murder.

The attorneys, John Weyand of here and William McLane of New Philadelphia, asked for a change of venue, court-appointed psychiatrist or psychologist and a court-appointed investigator. Scott is charged with the murder of James Tilton of Canton, whose body was unearthed in August near a Lake Mohawk home once rented by Scott. Two women hurt in Carroll crash CARROLLTON Two persons were treated in Canton Timken Mercy Hospital following a two-car accident on Rt. 43 Tuesday at 1:40 p.m. Injured were Margaret West, 76, of 231 Garfield av.

and Mrs. Rodney Mercer, 66, of 143 Wood both here. They were passengers in a car driven by John Rutledge, 85. of 368 here, who was cited for driving left of center after his car struck one driven by Buster W. Mullens, 28.

of Louisville. Sheriff deputies said Rutledge was attempting a left turn into Tire Co. when the accident occurred. Jail sentence, probation ordered for Zoarville man William L. Vandevort, 18, of Zoarville Tuesday was sentenced to four months in the county jail by Judge Harlan Spies after he pleaded guilty to breaking and entering.

Spies also placed Vandevort on probation for three years. He was arrested following a July 4 breakin at Steineck's Bakery on Rt. 800 in Mineral City. The Reporter Published doily except Sunday by Mansfield Journal Company. Telephone: (216) 364-SS77.

Second Class postage paid at Dover, Ohio. Advertising, editorial and business offices at 629 Wabash Av. NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. Worldwide news coverage by The Associated Press and the las Angeles Post news services. Represented by correspondents in Tuscarawos, Carroll, Coshocton, Harrison, Holmes and Stark counties and Columbus.

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Obituaries Andrew Foos WARREN Services for Andrew Foos, 74, of 1434 Edgewood who died Saturday in his home, were held here Tuesday. Born in Warren, he was a son of George and Hattie Bontz Foos. He was best known for his program, Musical Milestones, presented every Saturday night for the last 20 years on radio station WHHH. He was a 32nd degree Mason in Carroll F. Clapp Lodge No.

655 here and president 10 years of the Shrine Club for Crippled Children. Surviving are his widow, the former Alice Marburger of Dover; a son and daughter, Calvin M. of here and Mrs. Carol Nye of North Olmsted; five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two half- brothers.

Services Mrs. Laura Sherrard Thursday at 1 p.m. in Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia. Calling today from 3 to 4 and 7 to 9. Harry C.

Mansfield Sr. Thursday at 1:30 in Bartley Funeral Home at Minerva. Calling tonight from 7 to 9. Nellie Scott Thursday at 3:30 in Drummond United Methodist Church at Cadiz. There are no calling hours.

Mary E. Taylor Thursday at 1 p.m. in Sweeney Funeral Home at Amsterdam. Calling today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. Clayton J.

Belknap SHERRODSVILLE Clayton J. Belknap, 50, of 8065 Roswell rd. died Tuesday in Union Hospital where he was admitted last Friday for a heart condition. Born in Sherrodsville, he was a son of the late Clayton M. and Bessie Caldwell Belknap.

and a life resident of the area. He was a 28-year employe of Diebold Inc. at Canton, a member of Calvary United Methodist Church here, where he taught a Sunday school class, a char- ter member of Sherrodsville volunteer fire department and a veteran of World. 1 Warll. Surviving are his widow, the former? Melbalene Conrad; a daughter and son, Mrs.

Philip (Sharon) Neiger of-j New Philadelphia and Rodney of Sher- rodsville; six.sisters and a Mrs. Irma Davis, Mrs. Calvin (Marie) Carillon. Mrs. Floyd (Vivian) Penick -and Mrs.

Raymond (Audrey) Rutledge 1 of here, Mrs. Albert (Ruby) Snider of Derwent, Mrs. Donald (Ruth) Stewart of Jacksonville Beach, and Ray- mond of RD 5, New Philadelphia, and grandchildren. Two brothers and a sister also are deceased. Services will be held Friday at 2 in Calvary Church with Rev.

Ralph Chambers officiating. Burial will be in Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens. Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at Baxter Funeral Home and Friday from 12:30 to 2 at the church. Elderly transportation bus begins making its runs today YItf retirees hosted Harlan Diehr (L) president of the William Chambers Chapter of the International Assn. of Retired YMCA Directors and William Chambers, former Ohio-West Virginia area executive, speak with Dr.

Robert Harlan of -New York City and Tom Patton, local YMCA director, at the three- day session of retired directors which concludes at Atwood Lodge today. A tour of the county and a business session were held along with the banquet last night for 50 members and their guests to hear Dr. Harlan speak on the current direction and mission of the YMCA. Chambers noted this was not the first time he had visited the area. He was at the Dover YMCA many times in the early 1940's as area executive.

The chapter is named after Chambers because of his long service on behalf of the YMCA. UHRICHSVILLE The all-new elderly and handicapped transportation bus, serving Uhrichsville, Dennison. Newcomerstown. Dover and New will be dn the road today for the first time. Sponsored by the Urban Mass Transit Administration, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Tuscarawas County commissioners and HAR- CATUS, the new 17-passenger vehicle, equipped with a hoist and three wheelchair positions, will begin its routes today in Newcomerstown.

Tom Davis, transportation director for HARCATUS. who is coordinating the project, said the bus will spend one day per week in each of the five municipalities. A full schedule has been set for each town, but Davis said the project will rely on a demand-response basis to facilitate full use by area handicapped and senior citizens. The bus can deviate from the schedule it seven or more residents wish to go to a specific store that is out of the routed areas. Davis said.

Handicapped citizens also can be picked up at their homes if they call numbers in their respective cities. The numbers for more information or requests to be picked up are: Newcomerstown 498-6682: Dover-New Philadelphia 343-8633 and Dennison- Uhrjehsville The bus will serve Uhrichsville on Mondays, Dennison on Tuesdays. Newcomerstown on Wednesdays. New Philadelphia on Thursdays and Dover on Fridays. Davis stressed that changes can be made on the routes to suit people and added that donations will be accepted from riders to help defray operating costs.

William Earl Dinger AMSTERDAM William Earl Dinger. 89, of RD 2, Bloomingdale, died Monday night in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a long illness. It Born in Salem Township, Jefferson County, to the late Frank and Emma Minor Dinger. he was a member of the United Methodist Church at Annapolis and a retired farmer. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs.

Dan-1" iel (Minnie) Clark of Cincinnati and; Mrs. Mila Bake of Cleveland. Four sis- ters and a brother are deceased. Services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in Sweeney Funeral Home here with Rev.

Robert Barkley officiating. Burial: will be in Annapolis Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. M. QuincyMeek NEW MOSCOW M.

Quincy Meek; 85. died Tuesday in Doctor's Hospital at Massillon. Dawspn Funeral Home at Coshocton is handling arrangements..