The Jefferson Republic from De Soto, Missouri • 1

I SOCIETY HISTORICAL Of Voters Begins THE JEFFERSON REPUBLIC TWO Registration 5c Copy September 15 SECTIONS Vol. 73, No. 39 Claude Home, Contents, Lost in Fire Farm Couple Had Narrow Escape; Two Children on Trip Fire of undetermined origin destroyed the farm home of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Pigg Tuesday morning on Stone House Road, west of De Soto.

Mrs. Pigg was aroused by the smell of smoke shortly after 2 a.m. She woke her husband and they both got out of the bedroom. They noticed flames around an electric water heater. they thought they could The fire did not seem biguand out.

Mr. Pigg ran to the barn to get a hose while Mrs. Pigg called De Soto Rural Fire Department. Smoke was SO heavy that she had to kneel on the floor while making the call. The fire made too much headway and the smoke became too thick for the Piggs to control it.

Mr. Pigg reported the firemen almost had the flames under control when the pumper ran out of water. They had to refill at a nearby stream. The house was a story-and-ahalf structure with two rooms made of logs. The Piggs living there since 1945, have made many improvements to the property.

They worked late Monday night on chores and went to bed about midnight. Mrs. Pigg said they both tired and it was fortunate she was awakened by the smoke. Had they slept 10 minutes longer it might have been too late, said. Mr.

Pigg, who has asthma, was taken to a doctor by a neighbor for treatment. Their children, Earl and Lorene, away on a 4-H trip to Washington, D.C., are to return Sunday. Mrs. Pigg says she does not plan to interrupt their trip with the bad news. Lorene will be a sophomore at the University of Missouri this fall.

The Piggs lost everything in the fire except the night clothes they were wearing, jig saw, and the clothing the children have with them on their Mrs. Pigg said it is "an awful thing to lose everything We had accumulated in 20 years of marriage." She said she hated losing the "little things," as mementoes, records, and the children's 4-H work, as much as anything else. The loss was partially insured. Lorene lost books and winter clothes, but Mrs. Pigg said she would be able to start back toi school with the clothing she had with her on the trip.

Neighbors are helping the Piggs milk their herd of 30 cows. Mrs. Pigg expressed appreciation for their help and for the efforts of the rural fire department. The Piggs are not sure what they will do, but indicated they probably would start building back. For the time being, they plan to fix up the granary and live in it.

Mrs. Bechler's Funeral Friday Hillsboro Resident Was Widow of Former County Official Funeral services for Mrs. Jennie Bechler will be Friday at two o'clock at the Morse Mill Church of God, after leaving Dietrich Funeral Home, De Soto, at noon. Burial will be in Hillsboro Cemetery. Mrs.

Bechler died at her home in Hillsboro Tuesday night after a year's illness. She had lived in the Hillsboro area about 45 years. Born July 16, 1883, at House Springs, she was a daughter of James and Lucinda Harness Burgan. She was married March 19, 1908 in St. Louis to John L.

Bechler, who preceded her in death. Mr. Bechler was a sheriff and treasurer of Jefferson County. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Gene (Betty) Armstrong, Hillsboro; two grandchildren, Bob and Steve Armstrong; two sisters, Mrs.

August Rose and Mrs. Elizabeth Weber; four brothers, Edward, Charles, John and Thomas Burgan. She was a member of the Morse Mill Church of God, also of the Sandy Homemakers Extension Club and Dorcas Missionary Society. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPEN TUESDAY De Soto public schools will open for a full day's session Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Preliminary enrolling indicates a number in high school. The educational staff consists of 75 full-time teachers and administrators and one part-time teacher. ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER AT UNDER ACT OF CONGRESS MARCH POST OFFICE. DE SOTO, I MO. DE 3, 1870.

ROOP PTG. CO. SOTO, MISSOURI, THURSDAY, 'THE OZARK TRAVELERS' RICHWOODS OZARK 4-H CLUB MEMBERS took elers a Salute to Our Neighboring first place in the Share Fun contest at the 20- ing the audience by song on a tour county District Achievement Day and Judging souri and the eight bordering states. events at Union last Thursday. Horine was their piano accompanist.

Taking part in the skit were, from left: HOLLEY The group plans to enter the skit in KRAFEL, BRENDA COLEMAN, VIRGINA 4-H Achievement Day competition at DAUGHERTY, GARNEY COLEMAN, REBECCA Sept. 30. The picture of the young PRATT, RITA KELSO, and MARY BETH SUIT- entertainers was obtained through the ER. of Elbert Waide, Washington County They presented a musical, "The Ozark Trav- agent. Jefferson County 4-H Members Win Ribbons, Championships Members of 4-H clubs from Jef-1 ferson County were among winin Southeast Missouri District 4-H Achievement and Judging Day held Aug.

24 at Union, Missouri. Twenty-one Jefferson County 4-H members competed. They won three district championships and eleven blue ribbons. The district championships were won by Lorene Pigg, Rt. Two, De Soto; Susie Drissel, 220 South Fourth; De Soto; and Richard Henry, Rt.

Three, De Soto. Associate Home Agent Mary Ellen Payne, said the district winners will compete with winners from other districts at State 4-H Achievement Day, Sept. 30, at the University of Missouri, Columbia. County agents and county home a agents from the different counties were in charge. Assisting from Jefferson County were Mrs.

Mary Ellen Payne and Gilbert Rhodes. Adult 4-H Club leaders attending from this county were Mrs. Olen Whaley, Mrs. Walter Drissel, Mrs. Walter Martin, Mrs.

Vivian Lewis Richwoods Beat De Soto 12-7 in Protested Game (From Tin Can Newswriter) The Richwoods baseball team defeated the De Soto Westlanders Sunday, 12 to 7. They knocked out Axley and Dav. is and hit Boyer very hard. Richwoods got 16 hits and scored 12 runs. Kenny Merseal went the full game on the mound, getting 15 strike-outs.

"They played real good ball for kids," said Lucian T. Boyer, manager. Editor's Note: Identification Lucian T. Boyer as manager of the Richwoods team is questioned by the De Soto team and fans. The Westlanders are protesting the Richwoods victory and expect to have a hearing Sept.

9 before the Ozark League officials. The protest is based Umpire Everett Merseal's decisions in Sunday's game, mainly on his rulings on strikes. Westlanders claim his calls were not based on league rules. The eligibility of Merseal to serve as umpire is also challenged by the Westlanders and their supporters, who claim that Merseal has been involved in managing the Richwoods team. According to a spokesman for De Soto Playing Old Mines Sunday The Westlanders will have their work cut out for them Sunday as they challenge undefeated St.

Joachim's of Old Mines. The contest will be played at Old Mines, beginning at 3 p.m. DST. A previous meeting between the teams was rained out in the first inning at De Soto. The Westlanders, definitely the underdog team, could pull a big upset.

A balanced hitting attack plus the recent fine pitching of Allen Boyer could catch the St. Joachim nine by surprise. Probable hurler for St. Joachim will be Bill Pratt, rated by many as the Ozark League's finest. AUGUST 31, 1961 South Section Dist.

600 Asks Sewers Hearing Requires Engineering And Estimate Changes; Election Sept. 14 Action toward another vote on we sewers in part of District 600 along the north city limits was taken by the council in a special session last night. As a result of a petition by residents in the south part of the large district, the council divided the district at a line 150 feet north of Essex Street in accordance with governing ordinances. A pubic hearing on the proposed extension of sewer mains and laterals in the south section of the original District 600 will be held Tuesday evening, Sept. 12, at the City Hall, starting at 7:30 p.m.

New estimates and engineering plans will be required in order to indicate the cost to the property owners affected in the event the plan is approved by the voters. ELECTION date has been set for Thursday, Sept. 14, at the City Hall, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. City Manager Sutterfield reported on several municipal matters during the week as follow: Repair of the water main serving the city east of Joachim Creek was made Tuesday after two breaks cut off service to the "East Side" and cost thousands of gallons of water, possibly 200,000 all told.

THE BREAK occurred from pressure on the six- inch main at a point near west approach of the Kelly Street bridge. The main had been raised to allow passage of a sewer line which was changed in location in connection with replacing the sewer main across the creek. A joint on one side of the water line broke during the early morning hours and shortly after it was repaired joint on the other side broke similarly. A freak result of an accidental discharge of a gun at the City Hall police station caused trouble with sounding the fire alarm early Tuesday morning when the rural department was summoned to the Claude Pigg home west of De Soto. THE CHARGE from the gun, which was being unloaded went into the ceiling of the room, where it severed a cable to the siren nighttime controls.

It also prevented use of manual controls, and the alarm was sounded by using controls in the city offices across the hall. Street work underway this week includes blacktop repairs on Wine Street from the tennis courts to the west side of junior high building. Laying the mat, with Iron Mountain rock furnished by the Special Road District, is proceeding today, and the seal coat is to be applied Friday, Work on the section alongside Spross Park awaits completion of curb and side. walk installations. Dragons Point Toward Opening: Football Game With one week left to practice, DHS football Dragons are pointing toward their meeting with the Farmington team in the season's first game, at the Fairgrounds, next Friday night.

Coaches Don Shoemake, Ken Martin, and Jerry Dorlac have run some 40 sophomore, junior, and senior boys through drills and exercises in preparing the line and backfield. The hope for more boys to participate in football after school begins was expressed today by Coach Shoemake. Practice with freshmen boys has been started to prepare team gridders for the coming season. Trailer Entered, Three Boys Held Three youths were arrested Wednesday and charged with breaking into Ivan Gibson's lunch stand trailer near the shoe factory Monday night. Two of the youths were juveniles already on parole, and a state statute forbids publication of their names.

They were released on juvenile courtesy summons to their parents and ordered to appear in court Tuesday morning. The third, John Charles Dennison, 17, was taken to Hillsboro. After spending the night in jail he was released this morning (Thursday) on a $1,000 bond. Fourteen dollars in change and the cash register was taken Wheelis from the trailer, Police Chief said. cash register was thrown down a well.

Officers recovered $3.72 and the heavily damaged register, which youths get out of the well. RATES: $3.00 YEAR IN JEFFERSON WITH THE DE SOTO PRESS, $4.00 AND ADJOINING COUNTIES: LOCAL, $5.00 ELSEWHERE. (Repubne proto) MORE MODERN MAIN STREET Work on the setback curb and gutter and sidewalk repairs in the 400 block of South Main is expected to be completed this week by the city street department, represented in this picture by VERNON RHODES. New front of American Bank appears in the scene. Long-forgotten gasoline storage tanks, from the three one-time service stations in the block caused workmen considerable trouble as did the pipes from the tanks buried under the street or walk.

New storm sewer entrance is being constructed at the Pratt intersection. Chamber of Commerce Elects Two New Officers, Plans Autumn Activities Mrs. Aina Hopson, of Hopson L.br. and Wm. E.

(Bill) Bray, of Bray Motor Impl. were elected to Chamber of Commerce offices in a meeting of the Board of Directors Tuesday evening. Bray was appointed to the board to succeed Dean Burgess, of De Soto Drug who resigned because of impending active duty service with the National Guard. His term as vice-president is to be filled by Bray. Mrs.

Hopson, already a member of the board, was elected secretary, succeeding Mrs. Helen Johnson, of Arnote Realty, who had resigned. Receipt of window decals for Chamber of Commerce members was reported by Wm. L. Patterson, executive secretary.

These, together with wall hangers, denoting membership now on order, are to be distributed to members soon. Headlights Will Urge Caution in Holiday Traffic In an effort to lower the Labor Day traffic death toll, the Highway Patrol is again asking drivers to have headlights burning during the holiday. This is to remind drivers to be especially careful. The campaipn slogan, "See the Light Slow Down and is hoped to decrease Missouri traffic deaths from the Labor Day holiday average of 12. More than 550 persons were killed last year on the nation's highways during the Labor Day weekend.

In a similar crusade conducted this year for the Memorial Day holiday, Missouri an estimated 60 cooperated. percent The American drivers, Trucking Association is urging truck fleets throughout the nation to have lights on from 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, to 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept.

5. The Missouri Bus and Truck Association is joining in the "See The Light" safety project. DR. DILLARD A. MALLORY, superintendent of schools at Buffalo, will address Jefferson County teachers Friday at Northwest High School, House Springs.

His talk is expected to be devoted to Russia and communism, which he observed in a three-week visit to the Soviet Union last spring. A teacher and administrator in southwest Missouri 34 years, Dr. Mallory studied at Southwest State College, Springfield, Pittsburgh, State College, and the University of Missouri. Section One, Pages 1 to 8 Picnic Set For Monday At St. Rose Annual Homecoming Brings Big Labor Day Crowd to De Soto States," takthrough MisMiss Joy the State Columbia Share-the-Fun assistance extension Jaycees Set Ozark Fair For July 4-8 Tentative dates for an Ozark State Fair at De Soto were set for July 4-8, 1962, by the Junior Chamber of Commerce Tuesday night.

Committees are working on plans for the fair, with chairmen getting in touch with managers of various attraction and features. Jim Purcell, vice-president of District 12 of the Missouri Junior Chamber pie Commerce, was guest speaker. discussed the development of the local chapter. Weekly shooting matches, originally scheduled to start Sept. 17, will start Sunday, Sept.

24. Members voted to buy records of recognition. These will be for keeping records of the various Jay. cee projects for reference purposes by future members. Lutheran School Opens Tuesday Redeemer Lutheran School will open Tuesday, Sept.

5, with a worship service at 8:30 a.m. in the school auditorium, announces Principal Lowell Loomans. Enrollment of 44 to 48 is expected with the first grade totaling 14 pupils. Classes will be dismissed at noon Tuesday. The school bus will cover its route in the morning and at noon.

Full day sessions will begin Wednesday. Mrs. John Williamson, primary grade teacher, will start her fifth year at Redeemer School. Principal Loomans is returning for his fourth year at De Soto. The Rev.

H. L. Schaefer, who teaches seventh and eighth grade confirmation classes and conducts religious instruction at the school, has been pastor of Redeemer Church since January, 1958. and Mrs. Wintha Henry.

This is the first year the district achievement day and judging day were combined into one event. Jefferson County 4-H members winning awards are as follows: DRESS REVUE: Blue, Patricia Schumacher, Rt. Two, Imperial; Red, June Whaley, Rt. Two, De Soto. GROOMING: Blue, Roger Weav.

er, Rt. Two, De Soto; blue Patti McClenahan. PUBLIC SPEAKING: Kathy Miller, Rt. One, Festus; blue SHARE-THE-FUN: Red, Sunrise Club. HOME GROUNDS: Blue, Richard Henry, Rt.

Three, De Soto. VEGETABLE JUDGING: Red, Peggy Koehrer, Rt. Two, Hillsboro; red, Earl Pigg, Route Two, De Soto; white, Gail Jobs, Rt. One, Barnhart, CLOTHING JUDGING: Blue, Linda Berry, Star West, De Soto; Donna Vaughn, Box 224, Crystal City; white, Gloria LaHay, Rt. One, Hillsboro.

FOOD JUDGING: Blue, Mary Martin, Route West, De Soto; blue, Gail Whaley, Rt. Two, De Soto: blue, Sue Durgin, Rt. One, Cedar Hill. DEMONSTRATIONS: Blue, Lorene Pigg, Route Two, De Soto; blue, Susie Drissel, 220 South Fourth, De Soto; red, Linda Ketchum, Star Route West, De Soto. the De Soto team, there is no thought of saying the young Richwoods team did not play a good game.

They fine ballplayers, he said, and are to be commended for doing their best to offset the defeat which De Soto handed them earlier this year. Statistics of the game are also in doubt, the records showing 8 hits and 12 runs for Richwoods, while Richwoods claims 16 hits. The scorekeeper's interpretation of league rules in connection with errors had a bearing on his setting the total number of Richwoods hits at 8. BILL. AXLEY, southpaw fireballer, has given the Westlanders a big lift in the pitching department this season.

After dropping the first four games, the Westlanders called on Bill for help and he came through with flying colors. His three consecutive wins started the Westlanders on a rally that has included eight victories in the last eleven games. Axley's baseball background shows several years in the local Ozark League, including two years experience for the De Soto teams. His outstanding performance this season was a brilliant three-hit shut against Ozark Freeze, defending, league champions, in their own park. Axley plays first base in the outfield when not on the mound.

The St. Rose of Lima annual Labor Day picnic and homecoming, Monday, Sept. 4, is expected to draw its usual large crowd to De Soto. Bill Seyfarth, secretary of the big event, said attendance of four to five thousand is expected. Chicken and beef dinners will again be, featured.

Serving will start at 11:30 a.m. and is expected to continue until 7:30 or 8:30 p.m., Seyfarth said. A big tent on the school grounds at Fourth and Miller streets will protect the crowd from sunshine or rain. Entertainment will consist of games for children and adults and pony rides for children. A country carnival atmosphere will prevail, with various booths and stands offering their wares.

Among them will be a country store, fancy work booth, and popcorn and soda stands. Games of skill will be present in the shooting gallery, tossing rings over bottles, and a game of pitching balls into a barrel. Bernard Westhoff is general chairman and Charles Carrow is co-chairman. All organizations of the parish are joining in conducting the picnic. P.

R. Anderson reproted on plans for Christmas lighting and other pre-holiday activities. The retailers committee has a goal of $1500 for the 1961 Christmas program, to be raised in contributions by local businesses and professions. The store front modernization program calls for a general meeting Sept. 21, with an architect on hand to outline some suggestions for several buildings along Main Street.

A survey of the De Soto trade area, to provide information on shoppers' opinions on where De Soto stores need to make changes and improvements, is to be made under auspices of the Chamber of Commerce using a printed form to be mailed residents, of De Soto vicinity. list and replies to questions are to be returned via a postage paid folder. Bob Wideman Died Thursday, Funeral Here Robert (Bob) Wideman, 70, Hills. boro Route One, died this morning (Thursday) at St. Joseph's Hosin Kirkwood.

Mr. Wideman, who had suffered a heart condition, was in the hospital one day. Funeral services will be Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. in a a a a a a chapel of Mothershead Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev.

Jack Hunter. Burial will be in Fairway Cemetery near Grubville. Mr. Wideman was born in Jefferson County Feb. 22, 1891, a son of Patrick and Ann Wideman.

A life-long resident of this area, he engaged in farming. Survivors include: His wife, Bess Wilson Wideman; a son, Wilford Wideman, Ellisville; two brothers, Sylvester Wideman, St. Louis, the Rev. Albert Wideman, La Crescendo, four sisters, Mrs. James Pounds, De Soto, Mrs.

Otto Carrow, Hillsboro, Mrs. George Cornell, Centralia, and Mrs. William Spitznagle, St. Louis; and two grandchildren, Judy Rae and Robert Bruce Wideman of Ellisville. Mrs.

Achter's Funeral Sept. Funeral services for Mrs. Sophia Achter, of Barnhart, will be at 2 Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, Pevely. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Mrs.

Achter died Tuesday, Aug. I 29, in Lutheran Hospital, She was born June 29, 1890. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest. Survivors include: Three ters, Gertrude Kraus, Adele Runge, Wilma Flynn; three sons Arthur, Rudolph, and Robert. The body will be in state at Heiligtag Funeral Home, Imperial, until 11 a.m.

Saturday. INTERIOR SECRETARY WILL VISIT COUNTY Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall will speak at the annual banquet of the Jefferson County Democratic Club Sept. 22. at the CYC Hall, Festus-Crystal City.

Tickets are sold in this part of Jefferson County by Ernest Gilbert, Harvie Toulouse, Lucy Fish, and Buck Buerger. St. Pius High Starting Third Year Tuesday Enrollment of 346 Expected; Nine New Teachers on Staff St. Pius High School, Highway 61-67 junction, will open its third term Tuesday, Sept. 5, with an enrollment of 346 in grades Nine, Ten, and Eleven.

The faculty roster lists 20 instructors, four part-time. year subjects, including Chemistry, Foods, Clothing, and Mechanical Drawing, will be added to the curriculum. The entire faculty of last year returned to St. Pius except Sister Gabrielle who has been assigned to St. Edmond's High School, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The Rev. Edward Deutschmann, administrator, Rev. Raymond Kramer, and Rev. Donald Dalton, will teach religion and serve as counselors. Faculty members new to the school this term are: Mrs.

Arthur Day, Miss Mary Heob, Mrs. James Linderer, Mrs. Lillian McKinney, Miss Marjorie Oechsle, Charles Pruneau, Mrs. James Tritch, Sister Mary Pius, and Sister Jovita. Urban Knoll has been appointed guidance director and boys' counselor.

Raplh Boyer continues as coach of basketball and baseball. James Linderer is coach of football and track. Sister Margarita, Sister Mary Innocence, Sister Mary Alice, Sister Mary Austin, and Sister Etheldreda continue the instruction areas in which they worked last year. Mrs. Muehlman Services Friday Funeral services for Mrs.

Mary Elizabeth Muehleman, Fest us, Route Three, will be Friday at 2 o'clock from Vinyard Funeral Home, Festus. Rev. Elmer Smart, pastor of Emmanual Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Festus Presbyterian Cemetery. Muehleman died in Barnes Hospital Tuesday, The daughter of the late Levi and Thursey Henson Womack, she was born at Pilot Knob, July 9, 1895.

She is survived by her husband, Emil Muehleman; three daughters, Mrs. Leslie Blake, Festus Route Three; Mrs. Leon Doyle, Imperial; and Mrs. Dorothy Noonan, Overland: three sons, Oscar Festus; Dallas Inman, California; and August Muehleman, Orlando, and 12 grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Jess and Louis Womack, Fes.

tus Route Three, and Frank Wemack, St. Louis; two sisters, Mrs. Mattie Thompson, Festus Route Three and Mrs. Sylvia Brown, De Soto Route One..