Lincoln Journal Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • Page 9

April 1175 Utah Neb. JOVM! 9 New Rural School Closer for Meridian By Dean Terrill Southeast Nebraska Bureau Tobias A new rural school for the Meridian district now holding classes in three towns moved one step closer to reality as more than 250 enthusiastic patrons gathered here Monday night. A straw vote indicated preference for a location 1.8 miles west of Daykin on the south side of Neb. 4, one of six sites suggested, the group also resoundingly endorsed a $1.5 million K-12 proposal rather than a less costly plan which would house the lower six grades (K-5) in existing facilities at Daykin. The vote was 175-39, with another 35 votes going for a still lower proposal.

The alternate plans were for bond issues of $1.4 million and $1.25 million. The seven-year-old district currently sends its high schoolers to Tobias while operating a K-3 program in Daykin and a 4-6 program in Alexandria. Its area includes land in Jefferson, Thayer and Saline Counties. Reminding that Monday night's vote was unofficial Superintendent Allen Gross promised a legal election "no later than May 27" on the proposed bond issue. If the measure carries, he said a contract hopefully can be let by this September and a building constructed by the fall of 1976.

Monday's discussion centered on whether a 52,500 square foot school as envisioned by the district steering committee would REGIONAL be too costly at $1.4 million to $1.5 million. Board member Phillip DeWald of rural Hebron said he still favors a new school but reminded that original estimates were $1 million. However, several persons drew applause when responding that the plan shouldn't be scaled down too far. Some board members noted that approximately 5,500 square feet has already been removed from the plan. "Let's scrap this mickey mouse three-school system and get into one decent school," said a high school student.

"Our graduates are the laughing stock of this area and the money we're spending on upkeep is gong for what I call junk." When it was suggested that the district's population may decline in the future, board member Jack Westerhoff of Alexandria said some other districts might be absorbed later. Fiscal analysts have projected that the proposed school, designed for 300 students, would require a levy of close to 15 mills over a 20-year period. The district has $9.25 million of assessed valuation. Board President Joseph A. Baxa Jr.

said a recent state fire marshal's inspection revealed 24 deficiencies in the Daykin School and 23 at Alexandria. Chairman of the steering committee is Glennis Holtmeier. People News Ford To Speak Rep. William D. Ford, D- will be the Peru State College commencement speaker for 110 seniors during graduation exercises May 11.

Ford attended Peru State in 1945 and 1946 He earned his law degree from the University of Denver. Two Charged William D. Thompson and Karen I. Jarvis, both 18 and both from Bellevue, have been charged in connection with a refund-slip embezzlement from a J. C.

Penney store at an Omaha shopping center. From September 1974 to February 1975, between $6,500 and $10,900 was embezzled from the store through cash paid out on false refund slips, according to the Sarpy County sheriff's office. Orr Elected Jay C. Orr of Columbus, general manager of General Telephone Co. in Nebraska, has been elected a vice president of the parent firm.

General Telephone serves 51,690 i Nebraska and has a $2.1 million annual payroll. Omahan Charged Larry Savin, 20, of Omaha has been charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Thomas D. Vahle, 32, who died Saturday morning. Savin was freed after posting of a $2,000 bond set by County Judge Sam Cooper. I SEWARD CO.

I UTICA BEAVER CROSSING CORDOVA SALINE CO. FRIEND ROAD COUNTY ROAD Some want pavement on the Cordova to 1-80 road, others are pushing for a smooth surface on the Friend to Beaver Crossing road and the Nebraska Highway Commission is caught in the middle. Controversy has been brewing for some time in Seward and Saline counties about which of the two gravel roads should be traded to the state for a six- mile segment connecting the Beaver Crossing interchange on 1-80 to U.S. 34. The Seward County Board asked the Highway Commission to add the Cordova stretch to the state system, but others say the Beaver Crossing to Friend road serves more people.

The Highway Commission, meanwhile, says it can't take over both roads. The State Roads Dept. says it will be at least five years before any work could be done on either. And State Engineer Tom Doyle says local residents better try to resolve their differences. The issue is expected to surface again at the commission's May meeting.

aid for by Milan Wall for School Board CommittM, Bob MaaM. 3505 Hillside, Chalrmi now offers more than 4OQOOO locations in greater Lincoln. National Bank of Commerce introduces a new, convenient, economical way to bank FREE Bank-By- Service. It's available to everyone in Lincoln, through any one of the more than 400,000 mailboxes in the area. When you bank by mail at NBC, you'll save time and gasoline.

And you'll enjoy some very special banking services, like ABSOLUTELY FREE CHECKING with no minimum savings requirement, and no service charge. If you're ready for this type of banking convenience, just fill out the coupon below and send it in. We'll send you back a free Bank-By-Mail Kit. That means we pay the postage. From that moment on, well be as close as the nearest mailbox.

FREE BANK-BY-MAIL National Bank of Commerce Yes, I would like to open a BANK-BY-MAIL Checking Account Open my account as follows: The people place. National Bank of Commerce Mjm Bunk Hth and SN Oflke KMh jnd Sis R.impjrk Office I-th Sis I incoln. Nehraskj Member My initial deposit is: Name (check enclosed) Social Security No.LJLJJ IT I 1 I I I 2nd Name for Joint Account Address City State Zip Phone Return to: National Bank of Commerce P.O. Box 82408 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 Attention: Check Service NEWSPAPER! SiFWSPAPFld.