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BUY UNIT** VOLUME NO. LXIX AIRMAN RICHARD OBERLY MISSING IN GERMAN AREA Missing Staff Sergeant Was Turret Gunner on B-17 Fly ing Fortress War Department Notifies Father That Son is Missing Since March 15 Staff Sgt. Richard Oberly, 19, tur ret gunner on a Flying Fortress, has been missing in action over Germany since March 15, according to a tele gram from the War Department re ceived Tuesday morning by his father, Millard Oberly, of Cherry street. Sgt. Oberly was based in Italy with the 15th American Air Force, the first station to which he was assigned after completing AAF aerial gunnery training at Las Vegas, Nev., air field in August, 1944. Prior to his enlistment in the air force on December 20, 1943, the youth was employed in the calibrating de partment of Th Triplett Electrical In strument Co. In February, Sgt. Oberly received the Air Medal for “meritorious achievment while participating in aerial flight.” He was the second in his family to be so honored, his elder brother, 2nd Lt. Kenneth Oberly, navigator on an English based Flying Fortress having received the same award in January. Sgt. Oberly was graduated from Bluffton High school in 1943. In ad dition to Lt. Kenneth, there is another brother overseas, Sgt. Robert, who is ■with the American army in Belgium. Their father is a veteran of World War I. Funeral Friday For Mrs. J. H. Tschantz Mrs. Elizabeth Tschantz, 79, died Wednesday at 1:50 a. m. at her home at 117 East Kibler street. Her -death followed four days illness after a period of failing health. Funeral services will be held Fri day afternoon at 3:30 o’clock at the First Mennonite church with the pastor, Rev. J. N. Smucker officiat ing after which thebody will be taken to Dalton, Ohio, for services in the Salem Mennonite church Sat urday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. A. S. Rosenberger, pastor of the Salem church will officiate at the latter service and burial will be in the Salem cemetery. Mrs. Tschantz was born in Putnam •county, the daughter of the iate John and Ann (Steiner) Geiger.' She was married to John H. Tschantz and resided in Wayne county on a farm near Dalton most of her married life. Following the death of her hus band in 1928 she moved to Bluffton where she has since resided. She ■was a member of the First Mennonite church here and also the women’s wnissionary society. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. S. F. Pannabecker and Mrs. D. W. Bixler of Bluffton and Mrs. R. S. Gerber, Dayton and three sons, Clyde Tschantz of Warren, and Irv ing and Amos Tschantz of Dalton. Two brothers surviving are Aaron and Peter Geiger of Bluffton and a aister, Mrs. Leah Leichty of Pan dora. The body will be at the Paul Diller funeral home until time for the services here Friday afternoon. After the services it will be returned to the funeral home until Saturday morning when it will be taken to Dalton. Announce Program For Good Friday Program for Bluffton’s Good Fri day union service was announced the first of the week by the Bluffton Ministerial association. Service will be held at the Presbyterian church from 12:30 to 3 o’clock in the after noon. The program theme of seven Good Friday scenes will be divided into 7 parts of twenty minutes, with one Bluffton minister in charge of each. Pastors will speak in the fol lowing order: Rev. J. A. Weed, Rev. Stanley Rupp, Rev. Robert Welch, Rev. J. N. Smucker, Rev. G. T. Soldner, Rev. John Esau, Rev. V. C. Oppermann. Real Estate Deal Jerome Herr has purchased the Mi's. Amos Moser farm of 80 acres one-half mile west of Gratz cross ing. The place was occupied by Mrs. Moser’s son, Rawleigh Moser who is moving on the Chester Matter farm of 80 acres south of Bluffton which he recently purchased. Missing Otaff Sgt. Richard Oberly, Fly ing Fortress turret gunner, and son of Millard Oberly of Cherry street, has been reported missing in action over Germany, by the War Department. RECORD HATCHERY BUSINESS BOOKED HERE THIS SPRING Demand For Chicks Increases After OPA Price Boost For Poultry Situation in Contrast to 1944 When Oversupply of Chickens Prevailed Expanding emphasis on chicken and egg production on Bluffton area farms is indicated in the capacity business booked by the town’s two hatcheries this spring. Hatcheries, already doing a rushing business .reported that OPA action of last week in raising chicken prices one and onehalf cents a pound retail, resulted in a stronger demand for chicks, with some indication that this season’s hatchery output may assume record proportions. Farmers generally are increasing the size of their flocks, with this year’s situation in contrast to that of one year ago when hatchery business was slow and there was little de mand for chickens. Last year the market was flooded with eggs, while this spring’s egg market is strong, with no danger of an oversupply de veloping. Feed prices, however, are higher this year, and farmers say the raise in the price of chickens will be absorbed by that increase. Increased retail prices for chickens likely will bring more poultry to the market, thereby helping to offset the lack of other meats. The action is also seen by many as foreshadowing a raise in prices paid for hogs, a market situation in which a serious shortage is threatened. Many such moves are anticipated in the coming months to spur increas ed production of poultry and livestock, as a means of helping to relieve a critical shortage of meat expected to develop as U. S. responsibilities in crease in the feeding of liberated European and Asiatic countries. Red Cross Meeting Next Monday Night Annual business meeting of the Bluffton Red Cross will be held at the high school library Monday night at 8 o’clock. Reports will be given and officers elected for the coming year. Anyone who has paid one dollar for Red Cross membership in the past year is a member of the organization and invited to attend. Arrive Overseas John Stonehill lias arrived in Germany, according to word received by his wife, Mrs. Meredith Stonehill. Mrs. Rosalie Rakosky has received word of the arrival in France of her husband, Cpl. J. Gail Rakosky. Lawn mowers are going into ac tion on Bluffton lawns this week, the earliest in recent years as abnorm ally warm weather of the past two weeks continues, apparently for the remainder of the week. Oriental cherry trees along Cam pus Drive at Bluffton college are in bloom and apricot trees are blossom ing as temperatures continue in the seventies. Various early blooming shrubs are in blossom, dandelions are seen on lawns and spring beau ties and violets in the woods. ft U Trees In Bloom Lawn Mowers Are Busy As Warm Weather Continues Highest temperature this spring 1HE BLUFF Government Report Brings To Light Almost Forgotten Morphine Supply A NEWSPAPER DEVOTED TO THE INTER Civilian Defense Stock of Drug Has Been Locked in Mayor's Safe Medical Supplies Included in Many Items Sent at Start of War A questionnaire received here the first of the week from the federal government focused the attention of municipal officials on an all but for gotten stout paper carton, somewhat smaller than a shoe box, which has been under lock and key in the big iron safe in the mayor’s office for the last three years. In the carton are nine smaller boxes filled with morphine in the form used by hospitals and physi cians for medicinal purposes, and which is so eagerly sought by “dope” addicts that it never is left unguard ed. The morphine is in one-fourth and one-half grain glass ampules, or tiny glass containers. None of it has been used. It was sent by the federal govern ment three years ago in establishing a medical supplies reserve built up here as a part of the civilian defense program, which mushroomed into a nation-wide organization shortly after the outbreak of war. Custodians of the various supplies furnished to the town by the govern ment are Mayor Wilbur A. Howe and Fire Chief Guy Corson. Report on Morphine The questionnaire dealing with the morphine, entailing a report on where it is kept, how safely it is guarded, how much of it has been Used, etc., is believed here to be a preliminary step in action on the part of the government to reclaim supplies furnished in connection with civilian defense. Other civilian defense supplies stored here in the city building in clude 120 hand-stirrup pumps for extinguishing fires, 120 metal hel mets, 120 gas masks for fire fighting, five cots, stretchers, arm and leg splints. Another item sent to the town was a motor driven pump mounted on an iron wheel trailer, to be used as an auxiliary fire trailer pump. It has never been used because there is no way to get it to the scene of a fire except to hitch it to the back of a truck, and Bluffton’s motorized fire fighting equipment can reach the scene of a blaze much quicker. Pfc. Ned Schultz In German Prison Camp Pfc. Ned Schultz, reported by the War Department as missing in ac tion since last December 16, is a prisoner of war in Germany, ac cording to word received last Wed nesday afternoon by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Schultz, of Kib ler street. Notification that he was alive and well came in the form of a post card written by him from a prison camp in Germany, the location of which was undisclosed. The card was dat ed January 25. So far Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have received no official notice, either through the Red Cross or the War Department, that their son is being held a prisoner of war, but his com munication ended more than two months of uncertainty which have elapsed since they were notified on Jan. 15 that he was missing in ac tion. Pfc. Schultz’ last previous com munication received by his parents was a letter dated Dec. 13 in Bel gium, which had been written by candlelight. Army records reported him missing three days later on December 16. BLUFFTON MARKETS Wednesday Morning Grain (bushel prices) Wheat, $1.68 corn, $1.12 oats, 80c soys, $2.04. was 82 degrees last Sunday after noon. Weather forecasters predict the present temperatures will con tinue for the next five days with light showers on Thursday or Fri day. Prospects for a warm and springlike Easter appear promising. Farmers are going all out for spring plowing and early garden truck planted some two weeks ago is beginning to appear. Grass is not uniformly high but most lawns have developed splotches of high grass which need cutting now. MANY ACTI MARK ARRI EASTER WE BLUFFTON, OHIO, THU MARCH 29, 1945 -—. ................. Special services in chu Easter wardrobes, the wme gardens, all are includ* interest in rise service for the day with four evenings Dr. John superintendent will close with this Wedne Methodist clhurch. IES OF Special Services Sunday Union Good Friday Service in Afternoon Sunrise Service at St. John’s Reformed Church Opens East er Program ______ Easter—one of the outstanding events on the church calendar, tradi tional harbinger of spring and of considerable significance in mercan tile circles—will be observed next Sunday. Approach of the holid in the pre-Easter activi are absorbing the inter community this week. is seen s which of the s, new srennial a sun n plans Prices, s-Easter churc] Union pre of addresses by Versteeg, Lima ’district of Methodist churches, a meeting at 8 p. m. ?sday in the Bluffton Communion Service A united communion service for the various denominations will be held at 8 p. m. First Mennonite church, day services will be condi 12:30 to 3 church. Thursday at the pyj. from p. m. in the Presbyterian Bluffton college students will enjoy noon morn- an Easter recess starting Friday and ending on Mondi ing. Easter Sunday services ushered in with a sunrise the St. John’s Reformed church at 6:30 a. m. with the program consist ing of a cantata presented by the young people’s federation. Special services will be held during the day in all churches of the town and the surrounding community, with most of the Easter events scheduled for the morning. One of the princi pal Sunday evening events will be a musical program by an adult choir at the First Methodist church at 8 p. m., with Mrs. Pearl Mann directing. IF. Delos Keel Dies Wednesday Morning W. Delos Keel died Wednesday morning at 6:45 o’clock at his home at 213 South Main street. His death followed a two years’ illness of diabetes and complications. He was aged 78 years, one month and 26 days. Mr. Keel, a retired farmer, lived in Bluffton for the past 21 years. He was born February 2, 1867, in Union township and was married October 16, 1890 to Nannie B. And erson. For a number of years the couple resided on a farm between Bluffton and Pandora. While living there he served eight years as a member of the Pandora board of education and two terms as Riley township trustee. He was a member of the Masonic order. Surviving are his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Grace Longsdorf and Miss Mildred Keel all of Bluffton. Also surviving are two half-sis ters: Mrs. Joe Barnett of Lima and Mrs. Lee McElderry of Delphos. Funeral services will be held at his late home Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock with Rev. John Hummon of Louisville, Ky., officiating assisted by Rev. J. A. Weed of Bluffton. Burial will be in Benton Ridge cemetery. Name May Queen For* College Campus Fete Miss Lois Sommer of Pekin, Ill., Bluffton college senior, was elected May queen by a vote of the student body it was announced the first of the week. She will preside at the May day festivities, the open air fete during commencement week. The student body also elected Miss Phyllis Bachman, of Washington, Ill., also a senior as maid of honor who will crown the queen. Births Mr. and Mrs. Byron Smith of Je nera are the parents of a boy bom at Bluffton hospital, Thursday. N NEWS OF BLUFFTON AND VICINITY_____________ Pfc. Edgar E. Huber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Huber, residing on the Lincoln highway east of Beaver dam, a member of the Marine Corps, figured in one of the weirdest ad ventures reported on the bitter fight ing that figured in the U. S. con quest of the Japanese island fort ress, Iowa Jima. Accompanied by a Marine compan ion, Pfc. Huber crawled thru heavy mortar and sniper fire to assist what they thought were wounded Marines lying in a trench. Instead of buddies they found six dead Japs, dressed in Marine outfits complete with helmets and packs. The enemy soldiers apparently had taken the clothing from dead Ma rines. Early Spring This Year Similar to 1942 When Easter Came April 5 Spring Gardening and Plowing is Full Month Ahead of Last Year weather prophet borne out by this closed Friday generally will time of the Gc services, but Business during the afternoon public schools have cancellt usual Good Friday vacation 1 up time lost from classes during last winter’s severe snow storms, Bluffton ?d their Bo make In 1943, Easter on April 25 was late and spring was correspondingly late in setting’ in, and in 1944 Easter on April 9 found spring coming later than it has this year. Date of Easter may vary from March 22 to April 25, with its ar rival determined by the various phases of the moon. The generally accepted rule for establishing the date is that Easter comes on the Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or after nox, altho this rule casional variations out of astronomical Bluffton Marine Figures In Weird Adventure In Capture Of Iowa Jima “Early Easter—Early Spring” Weather Prophecy Is Ho aimed by old-time appears to be year’s weather. The Easter holiday comes quite early this year and spring weather so far has given every indication of being here to stay. Spring plowing is under way on farms of the area, and in town spring gardening has gotten away to a start at least a month earlier thain in 1944. Weather observers report that spring this year is similar to that of 1942 when Easter came on April 5 and the arrival of spring was cor respondingly early. the spring equi is subject to oc in the working calculations. Wife Gets Husband's Purple Heart Award Mrs. John Gilbert of Orange town ship received Monday the Purple Heart medal awarded to her hus band, Pvt. John Gilbert who was wounded in Germany on Feb. 2. Pvt. Gilbert who was hospitalized following his wounding was released on February 15 and has since re turned to duty. Sgt. Carl Steiner Is Wounded In Germany Sgt. Carl Steiner, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Steiner residing south west of Bluffton was wounded in Germany on March 7, according to a telegram received by his parents from the War department. He is now in a hospital in France. Sgt. Steiner entered the service three years ago and has been over seas four months with a mechanized cavalry reconnaisance squadron of the Ninth army. Bluffton’s Red Cross War Fund drive is within $360 of going ‘over the top” in the campaign to raise $3000 locally, it was reported Tues day night by Woodrow Little, chair man of the drive. In house-to-house solicitation of the town, a total of $2,267.70 was raised toward the $3000 goal, and an addi tional sum of $177.35 was contribut ed to the fund by a special collection at the Star theatre. Solicitation of clubs, organizations, business places and industries so far has netted $195 additional. Only a little additional impetus is needed to make sure that Bluffton will reach its quota, and anyone who has not contributed, or who wishes to contribute more, may do so by contacting either Chairman Little, or Mrs. J. S. Steiner, assistant chair man. Red Cross War Fund Drive Within $360 Of Bluffton Goal Of $3,000 Auto Tag Purchase Deadline Is Saturday Only three days remain for the purchase of 1945 automobile license plates if motorists expect to operate their cars after Saturday of this week, Harold Montgomery, Bluffton license registrar, warned Wednesday morning. The number of tags sold Wednes day morning had reached the 1000 mark, with about 250 more purchases to be made if last year’s total of 1250 is to be equalled. have the new 1945 Motorists must license plate on the back end of their cars after midnight Saturday or be subject to arrest. ding True This Year RETAILERS HERE FIGURING NEW PRICE CEILINGS Wearing Apparel and House furnishing Affected by OPA Order Schedules Must be Filed by April 20 for OPA Approval by May 4 Bluffton retail merchants are starting this week the task of figur ing new price ceilings on more than 100 classifications of wearing ap parel and house furnishings in ac cordance with a new regulation of the Office of Price Administration. The new ceilings must be filed with the OPA district office by April 20 and merchandise cannot be sold after May 4 unless OPA approval been received. or to accept war jobs has to The new regulation applies men’s, women’s, children’s, or fants’ wearing apparel, apparel cessories, shoes, household items like blankets, towels or sheets, furniture, floor coverings, lamps, bed ding and scores of specialized items. in ac- textile New ceilings will be based on the net cost to the retailer and on the average percentage of profit on all items If a kinds of shirts, his average percent age of “markup” for all shirts be comes the percentage “markup per missible on any brand of shirt”. The same procedure is followed in all categories. offered in the same category, retailer has in stock a dozen As a result, ceilings will be slight ly higher on some items and slightly lower on others, OPA officials ex plained. Shipping charges cannot be includ ed in the cost price, officials said, but must be paid from the profit. Merchants have 25 days in which to list all purchase prices and all selling prices on items on their stores, figure the average “markup”, and determine their new ceilings. Prices are to be figured on a base date, which is March 19, 1945. Personal Tax Return Deadline Is Saturday Saturday is the deadline for filing of personal tax returns, it was stat ed by Allen County Auditor Floyd Griffin. One-half year’s payment of personal taxes will be due at that time and the remainder may be de ferred until September 30. Bluffton Sergeant Weds In California Staff Sgt. Marvin Hilty, son of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hilty south of Bluffton was married to Miss Edna Howard of Redding, Calif., at her home, Friday evening, according to word received here the first of the week. The bride is a graduate of Redd ing high school and the University of California and for the past six years she has been engaged in so cial work in Redding. Sgt. Hilty was graduated from Bluffton high school in the class of 1937. He is stationed at Great Bend, Kansas, where the couple will reside. BUY VNRW •TATU NUMBER 49 WARTIME CHANGE MAY KEEP HIRED HAND OFF FARMS Hired Man Now in Army or Industry Being Replaced by Mechanical Aids Bluffton District Farmers, Single Handed Operating 200 Acre Tracts The ‘hired man”—a fixture on the average good-sized farm before the outbreak of war—apparently is going into the discard as a result of post-war planning for more in tensive mechanized farming general ly adopted thruout the district. of farm mach- icchanized increased of acres and ap an out of future is forced scene Forced to get along with farm rk as best they could, farmers of e area have worked out a new (Continued on page 8) Home On Furlough Lt. Harry Mehfllin, navigator on B-24 bomber, arrived the first of week after 35 missions over a the Germany to spend three weeks with i his wife and little daughter. H/“ has been overseas since last During his absence Mrs. M^hollin and daughter are making th home with the former’s parentv ’-’fr. and Mrs. Homer ZimmerlW north ox Bluffton. Byron Fritchie SM wc of the Navy is home on a three wAs’ leave vltJit ing his parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fritchie here. Staff Sgt. Robert Cooney, gunner on a B-24 bomber is home lough visiting his wife and parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Cooney, Sr. Sgt. Cooney who has been overseas in the European theatre of operations recently completed 35 combat mis sions. Everett assigned laboratory on fur Staff Sgt. Gene Mericle who has been overseas for the past two years is home on a 47 day furlough visit ing his wife and little son Jerry and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mericle. has been Research Hiestand, who :o the Naval Washington is spend leave with his parents in Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Hiestand of Orange township. On conclusion of his leave here he will be transferred to Boston to study in the Massechu setts Institute of Technology. Kenneth J. Krautter 1/c of the Navy has returned to New York 'after spending a 14 days leave with his wife and parents. His wife, the former Lillian Huber, will join him in New York for several weeks after which he will return to active sea duty. Pfc. Wm. Holtkamp left Tuesday, returning to Camp Fannin, Texas, after spending a ten day furlough with his parents, Prof, and Mrs. Otto Holtkamp. Easter Music An Easter cantata “The Crucified” by Mevin will be presented by the Young People’s C. E. Federation, Sunday morning at 6:30 o’clock in St. John’s Reformed church. A union chorus of 40 voices is directed by Mrs. James Suter. Soloists are Jean Ann Steinman, Genevieve Buh ler, Alice Jean Bixel, Dean Niswand- er and Ralph Balmer Weed is accompanist. Annabelle A union adult choir Mrs. Pearl Mann will program at the Methodist church, Sunday night ?t 8 o’clock directed by present a “The Story of the Cross” by Dud ley Buck will be given Sunday night at the Ebenezer Mennonite church at 8 o’clock, by the mixed chorus of the church directed by Prof. Otto Holt kamp. Mabel Amstutz is accompan ist. “Olivet to Calvary” will be pre sented at the Grace Mennonite church, Pandora, by the church choir, Sunday night at 8 o’clock under di rection of Prof. R. A. Lantz. Solo ists are John S. Walters, baritone Russell Childs, tenor, both of Lima Dorothy Lugibihl, soprano, Pandora, and Eulalia Steiner, organist.