17 May 1944
Page 1
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Newspaper
Washington Evening Journal
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 17, 1944
Page
1
Iowa farmers face worker shortages as the governor proclaims a farm labor registration period. The notice urges all residents to volunteer for year round and seasonal farming tasks to boost food production during the war effort.
Washington county is asked to purchase war bonds totaling 1 243 000 for the fifth war loan opening June 12 through July 8. State war finance officials say this is the county’s largest quota yet and note county deposits exceed 12 000 000, with regional plans underway to boost sales to individuals and corporations. The national goal is 16 billion, with the campaign emphasizing buy more than before.
Oskaloosa says Wright general store and post office operated by Charles Witt and son for 36 years burned Tuesday. Lightning suspected as cause. Fire detected by George Comstock at 4 a.m. Loss includes building, stock, and records. Estimated total damage seven thousand dollars.
The Des Moines bureau of the FBI asks Iowans to watch for two German prisoners who escaped Tuesday from Camp Crowder in Missouri. They are Lothar Scheldauer, 23, 5'9", 182 lbs with blue eyes and brown hair. Gunther Schmidt, 21, 5'10", 1387 lbs with brown eyes and light brown hair. Both speak English with possible accents.
Reuben Smith 26 a Negro railroad shop worker was shot to death in Waterloo in a running gun battle that began at his common law wife Alice Smith home and ended on the lawn. Thomas Quall 62 a cousin and suspect fled and surrendered at the station minutes later and is held for investigation by Police Chief Ralph Davis.
Harold C. Handke 17 died when lightning struck a tree where his tractor was parked during a storm. Funeral plans were delayed on Tuesday awaiting word from a brother serving in the army.
The Iowa Prohibition party filed with the secretary of state a slate of nominees for national and state offices for the November general election. Presidential candidate Claude A. Watson of Los Angeles and vice presidential candidate Floyd C. Carrier of Tacoma Park were chosen at an Indianapolis convention, while Des Moines native Glen Williamson was nominated for governor at a Des Moines state convention.
Charles City report states Wendell D Frazee owner of Whimp's cafe was arrested by a state highway patrolman on Highway 65 south of Kensett. Frazee waived preliminary hearing before Justice Morris Bakketun and was bound over to the grand jury under a 1500 dollar bond after six cases of liquor were found in his car.
Des Moines A. J. Love land Iowa chairman of the agricultural adjustment agency and Hervey Hazen and H. L. Dietrich, state committee members, travel to Chicago for a conference on government contracts tied to farmers pledging corn for military needs. The discussion centers on securing 80 million bushels of corn across 121 Midwest counties.
A 1823 event features Swiss bell-ringers whose performance startled the North Carolina audience and drew a note from Judge William Gaston, reflecting a notable reaction to the artistic display.
Allied forces press a general offensive in Burma while Chinese troops battle to halt a westward Japanese push toward Shensi and Szechwan. Loyang in Henan sees fierce street fighting as Japanese armor nears control. In Yun nan and Mogaung valley Chinese and American air power aid a Burma border advance under monsoon conditions.
William F Alllaugh files for divorce from Anna May Alllaugh in district court citing desertion. They married in Essex Maryland on December 41 4941. Attorney L J Kehoe represents the plaintiff.
Mr and Mrs John Hughes received a telegram from the war department stating their son Lt Hayden T Hughes was reported missing in action over Germany since April 29. He had been overseas since November 1948 and served as a bomber pilot.
Moscow reports a German raid on Soviet fronts hints at a Russian buildup in Estonia for a northern push toward Narva and Pallin. The sleeve of forces includes corps withdrawn from Crimea and Ukraine as Moscow readies a summer offensive across the eastern front.
US Navy reports indicate 200 tons of bombs dropped on the Wakde Sarmi coast 110 miles west of Hollandia. A navy search plane operating from the Aleutians raided Shumushu in the northern Kurile islands for a second straight day Sunday without opposition.
Walter J. Kline acting director of the Des Moines OPA district explains that farmers are relieved for now from collecting red ration points when selling meat except for prime cuts in beef. The revised meat chart guides points for quarter or side beef, and red points remain valid in advance to enable bulk purchases of rationed cuts.
Commencement exercises for Washington High School will be held Thursday at eight o'clock in the Methodist church. The program at Case field is canceled due to weather and smaller class size. Virgil M. Hancher of Long University will be commencement speaker with the theme Tomorrow's Challenge. A mixed chorus and marimba trio will perform. Scholarships will be awarded and diplomas presented by H. W. Ramseyer.
Memorial programs were held this week at several school buildings to honor Memorial Day. Speakers represented patriotic groups including the Womene Relief Corps and the American Legion. Participants included Mrs. Mery Beggs, Sheriff H. M. Pitman, Maxine Marshall, and Mrs. L. J. Ward, with band performances by I. W. Easter and Evgrotte Burhume.
General H H Arnold described the Detroit area foremen strike as the air forces’ most severe setback since inception. The walkout halted production at 24 plants affecting over 70 000 workers, with 10 plants closed and 14 others hampered. The Foremen’s Association executives urged a return to work after hearings with the War Labor Board.
A small fire broke out yesterday evening in the kitchen of the State cafe in Carr. Damages were minimal as firemen arrived promptly and contained the blaze.
London May 17 an Admiralty communique says planes from a British carrier force damaged at least four ships and shot down 11 enemy aircraft along the Norwegian coast in attacks on shipping and oil facilities.
Mrs Dallas Topping of Wellman reports her brother Lt Hal Nelson bomber pilot has been missing in action since April 29 over Germany. Family in Iowa City Wellman and Wellston were notified after word reached his wife. Nelson had completed his fourth bombing mission as a member of the Army Air Corps. He formerly lived in Washington Iowa and received his wings about a year ago.
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