Estherville Daily News from Estherville, Iowa • Page 1

ESTHERVILLE DAILY BY FAB THE LARGEST CITY, RURAL, TOTAL CIRCULATION IN EMMET COUNTY OCrAftTMUT Of HOB! fit M9IIII, IOWA 93rd Year; No. 90 Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, Saturday, January 21, 1961 Week S5f; Copy If President Orders Increase in Free Under Guard at Jackson JACKSON, Minn. Minnesota man questioned in the disappearance of his wife in San Li- ego, Dec. 20, was hospitalized here Saturday under police guard after taking an overdose of sleeping pills. Edward Albrecht, 24, an ex-Marine from Lakefield, wis questioned after police found the body of young woman in a storage truntr in Chicago.

San Diego neighbors of Albrecht the description of the body matched that of his wife, Ann, who had been missing from her home since December. Sheriff Harry Tordsen said Albrecht told him he had taken an overdose of sleeping tablets because he was concerned about hia wife. Albrecht was found unconscious in his mother's farm home near Lakefield about 11:30 p.m. Friday. Albrecht earlier had told of having domestic difficulties with his wife and last had seen her Dec.

80. He said he went home that night in San Diego and found her gone, and since has been visiting friends in Alabama. He said he returned to Wakefield this week. Albrecht was rushed to Jackson Hospital early today after, police said, his mother, Mrs. Arnold Robby, and her husband, found him violently ill.

Hospital officials said he apparently had taken some kind of poison but. was in fair condition. Police in Chicago said the trunk containing the body was shipped from a- nonexistent address in Ban Diego to a nonexistent address in Chicago. The trunk was pried open Friday after having been in storage at a railway depot since its arrival Dec. 29.

The body was described by police as being that of a woman about 30 years of age. Cook County Coroner Andrew Toman said signs of the immediate cause of death were not visible. San Diego police told Chicago police that a large trunk was seen by neighbors on the back porch of the couple's home the day she was reported missing. They also said Albrecht disposed of the couple's household effects before he was last heard from there on Dec. 25.

Albrecht said, when contacted Friday, that he was married in 1967' while still in the Marine Corps. He worked recently in a San Diego aircraft factory and has helped his stepfather on his Minnesota farm. Jackson County, Minn. Deputy Sheriff Bert North said Albrecht would be kept under guard at the hospital until he can be questioned. Dr.

Willey Elected To Head YMCA Dr. Elmer Willey was elected president of the YMCA for the coming year ar the annual election of officers here Thursday night Others officers elected at the meeting are V. A. Glbbs, vice president; Wilbur Fatka, secretary; and Richard Currell, treasurer. Elected to the board of directors were Harold Sawyer, Harold Reese, Clair Bringle, Ralph McDonald, Hilliard Torgeson and Fos-' ter Vincent.

Roy Carls and Carlton Herbrandson were elected members at large. Harl Holt, executive secretary of the YMCA for this area, attended the meeting and told members a new executive secretary of the Camp Foster District to replace Jerold Neseth will be named about March 1. Neseth resigned recently to accept a YMCA post at Minneapolis. Carrying Capacity Reduced TOKYO Japan suffering an unusually severe winter, the Japanese National Railways bulky overcoats worn by passengers have reducod the carrying capacity of trains by about 30 per cent. BoguH Bilk Circulating WIESBADEN, Germany Counterfeit American flO and 120 bills are circulating in Europe, the U.8.

Air Force headquarters warned today. Borne of the bills have been discovered but no ar- roits made. Expect Amount To Be Doubled WASHINGTON (AP) President Kennedy, moving quickly to fill a campaign promise, today ordered an increase in free food distribution to needy families in chronic unemployment-areas. his first executive order since taking office Friday, Kennedy directed the new secretary of agriculture, Orville L. Freeman, to expand the distribution program using funds already available.

Pierre Salinger, Kennedy's press: secretary, said it is impossible at this time to put a price tag on the supplemental program. Myer Feldman, a Kennedy aids, told a news conference that the government at present is spending about (36 million a month for distribution of surplus foods to needy families in distressed areas. During the campaign Kennedy promised that if elected'he would act speedily to increase the distribution and variety of surplus foods to areas of chronic unemployment. A couple of weeks ago a Kennedy-appointed study committee included such a step in its study of how to provide more assistance for distressed areas. The President's order today calls for an expanded program of such food distribution, on the bap sis of both variety and quality.

As under the present program, the additional supplies will be available to families that cannot afford to purchase adequate At: present this program, operates in about 1,100 counties and 120 cities and town Salinger said. Currently the distribution includes flour, corn meal, rice, dry milk, eggs and lard. There was no immediate announcement on. food items whicii will be added to this list. Salinger said that under the program- at present the average person receives food valued at about five cents a day.

Under the Kennedy order, Salinger said, this food value would be virtually doubled. The press secretary said it is estimated that the present program provides about only 35 cent of the nutrition necessarv for a subsistence diet. The President's order, Salinger said, will increase the percentage, but there was no immediate indication as to what extent. The White House said that about four million persons now are receiving surplus food under the distressed areas relief program. The Kennedy order is expected increase the number of beneficiaries to some extent as well as the variety and quality of the food.

Senate Confirms All Members Of Cabinet WASHINGTON Senate today overwhelmingly confirmed President Kennedy's 10 selections for his Cabinet. Only his choice of his brother Robert to be attorney general drew any opposition. Sen. Godon Allott, co tended Robert F. Kennedy lacked legal experience for the post and demanded a standing vote on the nomination.

He alone' voted against it. All other Cabinet members were approved unanimously by voice vote. The President submitted the nominations to the Senate'Friday immediately after his inauguration. Senate committees' had held hearings of them in advance. i XT" A I BANKuntA.

confidence THE SHELDON ATI0NAL BANK ESTABLISHED IN ME TO SHELDON IRONY. This ironic sign on the outskirts of. the city welcomes visitors and depositors to the Iowa town where the embezzlement of more than $2,000,000 has been admitted by the bank's assistant cashier, Mrs. Burnice Geiger, 58, daughter of the bank's president. Sheldon Plant To Get Executive Shakeup By WILLIAM L.

EBERLINE SHELDON of the 92 million shortage that closed the Sheldon National Bank had resulted Saturday in an executive shakeup of the Northern Biochemical Corp. whose financial structure was tied in closely with the bank. Harold Kistner, 35, was removed Friday night as president of the corporation through action of the board of directors at a secret session. It was reported this step had been recommended by Elliott Roosevelt of Denver, economic advisor to' the who may be given the reins as operating officer of the firm. Roosevelt is the son of the late President Franklin D.

Roosevelt. The directors had another session scheduled Saturday for the announced purpose of naming a new president. Principal stockholder in Bio-, chemical' was Mrs. Burnice Iver- aon Geiger, 58, who admitted responsibility -for the' Kuge'' shortage that closed the bank' of which she was assistant cashier. She' held 130,000 of the firm's 350,000 share--.

Mrs. Geiger is in jail at Sioux City. Informed sources', reported that an effort may be made to obtain new financial backing for Biochemical, which Roosevelt said has a promising 1 market for the products it sells additivies for livestock. and poultry feed. Two Roosevelt associates, Hugo Buerger III and Charles O'Connor, both of Denver, remained here while Roosevelt was in Washington for the presidential inauguration.

Kistner is the son of Harold Kistner who controls the formulas for the products that Biochemical sells. Kistner, Sr. is president of Bio-Emze, whicii produces the products at a farm at Hospers, Iowa. Kistner, it was reported, a'- so holds some stock in Biochemical and strongly resisted efforts of the directors to get him to resign. Sources said they thought the directors then fired htm on the basis a plan under whicii Kistner Jr.

would hold his stood and. the corporation would have access to the products of Ezme. Apparently how much money? Biochemical had in the defunjtf bank and how much it owed iA obligations will not be known Utvf I til the Federal Deposit Insurance gets further along with liquidation of the bank. Also not yet cleared up was the extent to which Mrs. Geiger may have furnished aid to the chemical marketing firm since it was organized in 1959.

Kistner Jr. confirmed Friday night that in addition to pouring' $135,000 into the company in the purchase of stock, Mrs. Geiger bought up an unexplained amount what he.called "trade paper:" This could have been some form' of commercial paper, but Kistner did not explain. Efforts 10 firm up the condition of Biochemical, Sheldon's biggest firm with. .120 employes, had claimed attention over other aspects of the- Sheldon situation re- sutling from the $2 million blow dealt by the bank closing last Tuesday.

Biochemlcal's weekly payroll of close to $10,000 was not forthcoming at its due date Friday. However, a corporation spokesman said the employes were to be paid Saturday. To help tide Northern Biochemical over until the new pilot takes charge, several employes agreed either to forego all or part of their salaries for this week. The com- Turn to page 3. colliimn 5.

Inaugural Fun Over; JFK Back To Work Kept Going Until Wee Hours WASHINGTON Kennedy, his inaugural fun over, got down to work today with a staff conference and a private talk with an unexpected visitor- former President Harry S. Truman. Although another round of merry-making occupied Kennedy into today's" early morning hours, he was only a' little bit late for his first scheduled activity. And ber fore that he took time out to inspect the executive mansion into whicii he moved Friday. He showed up for his first staff meeting as president about 15 minutes later than the scheduled 9 a.

m. As that routine session ended, Truman strolled up the White House driveway in the course of a morning walk and a bareheaded Kennedy hurried out to greet him. It was Truman's second White House visit in as many days, after eight years of staying away from the big home he once occupied. The two posed for pictures and then went into the presidential offices for a private chat. The staff meeting started a busy round of activities for Kennedy.

He also, had a luncheon date scheduled with the National Democratic If the Senate gives quick' approval to Kennedy's Cabinet selections, they will be sworn in a White House ceremony late tiiday. And tonight Kennedy is to be honor guest at a dinner of the Alfalfa Club, a fun-loving social organization. You'd think, after the pace Kennedy has been keeping these past few days, that he'd be ready for a quiet evening In his new home. But that doesn't take into account the amazing Kennedy energy. His inauguration day offered a perfect example.

After his inaugural address, he watched the big parade in his honor that went on and on until 6:14 p.m., a full hour after darkness had fallen. Since it was bitter cold, and the wind made it seem even colder, most of the spectators, including those who paid $25 apiece for Turn to page 3, column 4 KENNEDY TAKES OATH. John F. Kennedy takes oath of office to become the 35th President of the United States. Chief Justice Earl Warren (left) admin- ister's the oath.

At center is James R. Browning, clerk of the U. S. Supreme Court. President Kennedy used family Bible to take oath.

Bob Strampe On Television Bowling Monday Bob Strampe, nationally known bowler and former Estherville resident, will appear on the Milton Berle Jackpot Bowling show Monday at 9:30 p.m. The program is carried on the NBC television network. Starting Year with Good Traffic Record "Battle of Butter" Erupts in Italy MILAN, Italy (AP) (As thou sand dairy farmers and 200 police clashed today in a new "battle of butter" at nearby Pavia. The farmers poured into town by train and automobile and tried to march on the city hall to protest against Italy's import of low- priced foreign butter, largely from Denmark. Police drove them back in their third clash with the farmers in three days.

No Boundary Change Expected OMAHA that the Iowa Legislature will approve any boundary change that would give Carter Lake to Nebraska was expressed by two Iowa state senators Friday. The legislators, Sens. Frank Hoxle, Shenandoah, and R. G. Moore, Dunlap met with a Nebraska commission on realignment of the Missouri River boundary.

Hoxie said any legislation annexing Carter Lake to Nebraska does not have one chance in 10 of approved by Iowa. Overtime Pay Proposed DBS MOINES (AP) Legislation which would grant overtime pay to state employes for emergency work was introduced in the Iowa House Friday. Sponsors are Reps. Leonard Anderson, R-ftioux City, and Scott Swither, D-Iowa City. Resident of County 72 Years Dies Mrs.

Solmon (Ernma) Solmonson, 91, well known resident of Swan Lake' Township and Estherville since 1888, died today at 12:45 a.m. at her home, 909 4th Ave. N. Mrs. Solmonson had been in failing health for the past few years and seriously ill since Nov.

28, 1960. Cause of death was complications of advanced age. She was born Sept. 1889 at Seneca, 111., the daughter of Hans and Anna Johnson. Two years later her parents moved to Lee County, 111., and it was there that Mrs.

Solmonson attended school and grew to womanhood. On July 8, 1888, she was married to Solmon Solmonson in Lee County, 111., and in 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Solmonson moved to a farm In Swan Lake Township, now operated by their son, Orvie Solmonson. In 1928 they moved from the farm to Esthervllie and lived here until 1932 when they returned to the farm.

Following Mr. Solmonson's death in 1933, Mrs. Solmonson stayed on the farm until 1938 when She moved back to Estherville. Since that time she had continued to live here. She was a member of the Estherville Lutheran, Church, having served as president and treasurer of the (women's organization of the church in early days when it was known as the Ladies Aid.

She also was a charter member of the Midway Country Club and belonged to a sewing club after moving to town. Mrs. Solmonson surv.ved by a daughter, Mrs. Retta Lavina Taylor, and three sons, Harvey, Orval and Albert, all of EsthorvlUe; 13 grandchildren and 23 great grand children. A sister, Jane Johnson, lives at Moline, 111.

Preceding Mrs. Solmonson in death were her husband, a son, Turn to page 8, column a WINTER RETURNED to Estherville with a vengeance this week as strong north winds and snow flurries put an end to the pleasant, spring-like weather. Lyle Stoddard checks six below raiding shortly after 8 o'clock this morning. The current weather is mild, however, compared to 1936 when the temperature didn't get above zero during the month of January. (Photo, Tom France) Estherville drivers are starting out the new year with a surprisingly good traffic safety record, Police Chief C.

L. Hackett said today. A minor accident here.yesterday snapped the accident-free city re cord, but until yesterday's mishap local drivers had completed nine consecutive days of accident free driving, and have already broken last year's mark of six consecutive days without a mishap. In the minor accident here yesterday, cars driven by Dwlght C. Myers, rural Estherville, and Bar bara Joyce Pierson, Estherville, collided on S.

6th St. north of 1st Ave. S. Officers said Myers waa driving south and the Pierson car was backing from the curb when the mishap occurred. The Myers car received damage to the right front fender and grill, and damage to the trunk and tail light of the Pierson car was estimated at $80.53.

Hackett said the sharp decrease in accidents here is especially surprising because twice during the period light snow has made roads slippery and driving conditions hazardous. The Police Chief commended.dri­ vers for their good record and ed continued cooperation to keep accident rate down. Experiment With Mowing Of Marshes HIGH LAKE Mowing operations were recently completed at some of the lakes'in the area to decrease the heavy amount of vegetation that has grown up around the lake shoves and improve the marshes for watcrfoul and wa terfoul hunters. The' experimental mowing operation, conducted by sumo section personnel of the State Conservation Commission, was undertaken when the marshes became sufficiently frozen to support the weight of a tractor mower. The mowing of the mahshes itself is of no consequence ill this time of the year, but it is hoped that a heavy enough mulch can he obtained so when the ice melts in the spring, the dense vegetative growth will be prohibited next year The mowing operations was completed by state conservation employees James Jamison and Gary Wee, both of Wallingford, and Mick Anderson of Estherville.

Enough rushes were left along the edge for winter cover for pheasants, rabbits and deer. The primary value of mowing the marshes is to create open spots iv marshes next fall to attract waterfowl and provide better hunting area's. Secondary value of mowing the marshes is to create open spots for the spring migration and may tend to hold more waterfowl in this area for mestlng during the summer. The areas which were mowed to help control the marshes wore Ingham and High Lake, East Slough, Twelve Mile Lake, and Eagle Lake. Queen Elizabeth Gets Big Welcome NEW DEI.HI, India Queen Elizabeth received a thunderous welcome today from tin estimated million cheering Indians as she arrived to visit the colony for two President Rajendra Prasad welcomed the queen, first.

British monarch to visit India since 19tJ. The queen replied she was utuc'. and thrilled to visit India. Engine Failure Causes Blackout Throughout City Residential electric power service was disrupted tor proximately 12 minutes laat night because of a mechanical failure of one of the older Busch-Sulzer engines that was in operation at the time, Mai- vin Petersen, power plant superintendent said today. Petersen said the engines had been operating on fuel oil yesterday, and the new Cooper-Bessemer engines, which use either fuel oil or natural gas, wore not In operation.

When tile Busch-Sulzer failed, another engine had to be started to take over the circuit and the delay caused the power disruption, the superintendent said. The break in power service occurred about 8:50 p.m. It came during halftime of the Esthcrville-Sheldon game. School officials first thought the trouble was in the building. During the blackout the Pep band played.

"The Saints Go Marching In" and took a turn around the playing floor. Questioned in Slaying of Wife DES MOINES (AP) J. D. Reeves, 38, of Des Moines, was questioned Friday night in connection with the knife slaying of his wife, Patricia Ann, 32. Her body was found in the Reeves back yard by a neighbor.

The couple had eight children. Officers said Reeves and his wife had boon at odds for several months but recently had been reconciled. A neighbor said Reeves knocked and when let In had bloody and clothing and was carrying a bloody pocket knife. Officers said Mrs. Reeves died of multiple stab wounds and slashes.

Weather Forecast Pair, warmer Sunday. Low last night -13, noon today 4. Pull Weather Information Page 3.