27 Dec 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Alma Record
Location
Alma, Michigan, United States of America
Date
Dec 27, 1917
Page
1
Hearings are scheduled for ML Three alleged murderers in the Epler mystery with few new details expected. The case timeline and observer counts remain uncertain as January 8 approaches, with prosecutors pursuing key testimonies and procedural steps.
The week centers on the Epler murder case with hearings for three alleged suspects. Prosecutor Smith seeks additional evidence while defense notes delays to curb costs. Reports mention Mrs Gilson statements and ties to the Prohibition era figure Ruggles, with the community awaiting new details. Local merchants report strong holiday advertising impact in Alma.
The Alma Roller Mills pumping station lease with the city of Alma for 1918 may not be signed before the council’s adjourned meeting Monday evening December 1. A committee believes Mr Sharp can offer improved terms and asked for more time with him to finalize the contract before year end. The water contract expires with 1917, so a decision is expected at the Monday night session.
A unidentified woman collapsed and died Monday in front of Brainerd hospital. By Wednesday her identity matched Mrs. Kate Doty of East Superior street, formerly traveling from the Pere Marquette line. The death may influence local Epler murder case proceedings and ties to upcoming revival meetings led by Harvie Saxton and wife of Troy Ohio starting Tuesday evening January 1st.
A list of names including Elmer Berthwicl Mrs Charlie Bittenbendes Mr Prant Callage Geo Crowler Mrs Coulahan Loyd Dunn Mrs Edward Ferris Mr TD 1 Foster S W Horton Clarence W Murder Hastings Tennie Henderson Fred Tarrard John Michael Kenny Theo Lange George Lehman Willim Leahy John McPhail Fred Price Ollie Root and others. Uncalled letters will be forwarded to the Dent Letter Offer January 7 1997.
Franis Ring of Alma oversees a war certificate and thrift stamp drive with committees named to push school involvement and public participation. Appointees include chairman Francis King, W. P. Cast, H. M. Dunham, L Sharp, W. A. Bahlke, and Mrs. H. I. Sonte, with an advisory panel of local leaders and clergy. Supplies from the national headquarters are delayed, slowing campaign start.
Miss A Northrop and Mike Beckman wed on Christmas afternoon at the Cunningham home in Battle Creek. Both have been former employees of the Alma Record, with Beckman serving as an advertising solicitor and Mary Beckman briefly with the paper. The couple now resides in Battle Creek and both are employed at the Battle Creek Press. The Alma Record extends congratulations to the newlyweds.
Sergeant Dean Cowdry marries Miss Rena M. Bronson in a season decorated service at St John’s Church. Immediate families attend as the couple plans a wartime future with Cowdry returning to duty and Mrs. Cowdry continuing work at Republic Truck Co. This first wedding in the church marks a hopeful note amid the war era.
Local religious pages list morning prayers Sunday schools and sermons across St Johns Church Baptist Church and Church of Christ Pine Street with subjects like Redeeming the Time Where is the Good Way and Stones Rolled Away. Also notes a national policy speech about government takeover of railroads and safety of rail service for supplies and troops.
Washington D C nurse superintendent Mids Fanny F Clement recalls a western visit where town residents voted to withdraw funding for visiting nurse services. A majority cited fewer infant funerals and unrelated property issues as motives while concerns about sanitary barns and local undertakers influenced the outcome.
The Celebration of Holy Communion on Christmas Day featured a beautiful service. The choir performed the choral pieces with expression. Miss Gertrude Benedict sang The Star of Bethlehem with moving clarity. The rector gave a brief sermon urging keeping Christ before minds to resolve present troubles.
Notice lists Alma Savings and Loan annual member meeting January 14 1918 at 5 10 p m for director elections at the secretarys office 106 KE Superior Alma Michigan. Also reports the Seville Sumner Farmers Club meeting and University related personnel changes including James Gargett and McKinney resignations at Republic Motor Truck and Marine City sugar factory plans with Montigel City Treasurer announcing tax collection duties in December.
The Reed family story reports the resignation of a bank official due to illness affecting his ability to work. Directors plan to replace him with a capable successor. The note mentions long service at Carson and ties to Ely School District details, including pupil counts and recent staff notes.
The The Theatre This 18 Patriotism article notes Thomas Arnold Robinson, after six months of front line service in Europe, leaves home to rejoin Uncle Sam’s Army. He heads to Austin Texas for aviator training with hopes of soon returning to Europe to aid in the war effort. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Robinson of the city.
The article notes early closing of theaters for several months with Fray showing Tonight and The Narrow Trail slated for Sunday and Monday. It highlights The Narrow Trail as a romantic drama with scenic settings in southern California mountains and praises lead performers. Merchants sign a six month store closing pact from June to April 1 to conserve fuel and assist clerks amid supply concerns.
James Wigfall, a chef on the Mountain Air bound north last Friday, was detained in this city and jailed on bootlegging charges. Chief Police Officer Wibber had tailed a tip for two weeks. Deputy Sheriff Martin of St. Louis arrested him. Wigfall waived arraignment and will plead guilty, facing sentencing at the next term of the circuit court. He reportedly lost his railroad job amid the alleged actions.
The Alma city council empowered Mayor Le HM. McKinney to appoint a fire warden to oversee city safety. The warden will inspect basements, remove inflammable debris, keep streets and alleys clean, and prevent fires by reducing paper waste and other combustibles. The measure aims to cut city costs and improve cleanliness.
A progress note on the Gratiot County Red Cross fund drive shows a goal of 1400 memberships, with Alma leading but the county lagging behind. As of now about 1000 memberships are secured, and organizers push to January 1, 1918, to boost totals and avoid failing to reach the target.
Fragmented OCR text describes holiday activities, a Grand Chapter of the UF of Eastern State gathering, after events with music and ritual work. Mentions a new office opening or change in leadership and a note about schedules for the week ahead.
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