60 years ago
FEBRUARY 2, 1944
Ernest Hoefgen, confessed murderer of Bruce Smoll, is sticking to his resolve to plead guilty and throw himself on the mercy of the court. In a special court appearance Tuesday afternoon, Hoefgen heard County Attorney Roscoe King read the information charging him with first degree murder, then replied that he wished to enter a plea of guilty. Judge Coleman will hear evidence next Monday afternoon. It is necessary for the judge to hear evidence in the case where a death sentence may be asked. Sentence will be handed down after the judge has had time to review the evidence.
As announced several weeks ago, the Pilsen State Bank is moving to new quarters at Lincolnville with the opening date for business being February 7. The new institution will be housed in the former bank building which has been repaired and redecorated. Loren Crist of Lincolnville is the president, Tom Spachek, cashier. Other directors are Mary F. Spachek, Art Lewerenz, Louis Kroupa, John A. Spachek. Miss Sylvia Svitak who has been assistant cashier at the Pilsen location will continue in that position at Lincolnville.
All Kansas heard with deep sorrow of the death last week of Will White of Emporia.
The county newspaper folks met in their monthly social meeting Friday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wallis Hoch. Present were Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Ashcraft, Joyce and Keith from Hillsboro, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Fickertt, Peabody; Mr. and Mrs. Les Neel, Burns; Mr. and Mrs. John Riddle, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Mullikin and Cherridah Lis, Dr. and Mrs. G..J. Goodsheller, and Mrs. Paul Williams.
Mrs. Albert Ollenberger returned last Wednesday from Washington where she had visited her husband, Pfc. Ollenberger, who is stationed in that state.
The East Creek area received a 3-inch rain in 45 minutes Wednesday evening. The downpour was accompanied by a severe electric storm. Lightning hit an alfalfa stack on the George Pritz farm.
