Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, April 23, 1913, Page 1

Grand Rapids Vor, XXIII. No. 43 Granp Rarips, Irasca County, MINN., WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1913 - FATAL SHOOTING. NEAR KEEWATIN Young Austrian Uses Gun on Two Countrymen Without Ap- parent Cause MURDERER NOW IN COUNTY JAIL Tragedy at Keewatin Saturday Night Results in One Death— Little Hope for Recovery of Other Victim Louis Wocovich shot Mike and Steve Vukabratovich. near one of the mining locations at Keewatin Saturday night, between 141 and 12 o'clock. Wocovich is an Austrian | and says he is twenty-one years of age. The victims of his as- sault are said to be cousins, aged | about thirty years, also Austrians. | Sheriff Riley and County Attor- ney McOuat were notified and left Grand Rapids for the scene of the shooting Sunday morning by auto- mobile at 5:00 o'clock. Officer Tul- ler, chief of the Oliver Iron Min- ing company police, at Hibbing, was also notified, arriving ahead of the Itasca county officials and had the murderer lodged in the Keewatin jail when the sheriff and attorney reached that village. The injured men were later taken to the Road hospital at Hibbing where Mike Vu- kabratovich died Monday night. The other injured man is not ex- | pected to recover. Sheriff Riley | brought Wocovich to Grand Rapids’ and lodged him in jail. He will | be given a hearing today. So-far-as County.-Atterney.McOuat} was able to learn the shooting of these two men was without provo- cation. The assailant was employed at the Stevenson mine just across the line in St. Louis county. He had spent the afternoon Sunday at one of the Keewatin locations and j started to return home about eleven} o’clock in the evening. The Vu- kabratovich men were also present at the boarding house visited by Wocovich, but they lived at an- other boarding place. They all went out at the same time, accom- panied by another Austrian named Churchich. The latter was a little | behind the others on the trail, and says the first he knew of any trouble was when he heard the re- volver report, saw the two men fall to the ground and Wocovich started to run in the direction of Stevenson. He says four or five shots were fired. One bullet passed | through Steve’s face almost entirely removing the nose. He was also shot through the bowels. Mike sustained a fatal wound through the right side, the bullet lodging | under the skin at the back. The | weapon used was a_ 38 caliber U. S. revolver. When arrested the murderer had the gun still in his possession, besides metal knuckles and a hunting knife about twelve inches long with the blade open. He also had a roll of money in his | pocket, about seventy-five dollars. | When arrested Wocovich was en- gaged in a poker game at a board- ing house at Stevenson. He offered no resistance when the officer told ; him he was under arrest. Officer Tuller took Wocovich to the pres- ence of one of the wounded men and was identified by him as the man who did the shooting. The accused man displayed no signs of remorse or regret when he looked upon the sufferer before him. He stood stolidly and as unmoved as} a dumb brute might under similar circumstances. | The only clue to a cause for the murderous assault was a statement | made tby an Austrian workman at the Stevenson location to Attorney | McOuat, that Wocovich had stated | upon his return from Keewatin that] some time ago he had trouble with the Vukabratovichs over a poker | game and that he had got even | with them. Wocovich is having a prelimin- ary hearing today before Justice Kearney. Over 100,000 trees and plants have, JUDGE 6. W. STANTON CLOSES COURT TERM Twenty-one Days of Record-break- ing Court Business Finished Last Friday. Judge Stanton heard the last court case for the March term last Fri- day and returned to his home in Bemidji on the noon train. The session lasted twenty-one days and local attorneys say more business was disposed of in that period of time than ever before in the his- tory of Itasca county. Sessions were held nearly every evening un- til ten o’clock and after. When it is considered that it costs from $100 to 0 a day to hold court it will be seen that the extra time put inrepresents a considerable sum of public money saved to the tax- payer Three days were given to court cases after the discharge of the petit jury. These matters were heard, some of which will be sub- mitted on briefs, and all were tak- en under advisement. In the appeal of Attorney H. W. Stark from a verdict against him by a justice court jury, in which he was charged with committing an assault on the portly person of one Frank F. Price, the verdict was set aside. Following the ver- dict of the jury, Justice Kearney imposed a fine of one dollar on Defendant Stark. This is the case which laid the foundation for a damage suit brought by Price against Stark in the sum of $4,000. Stark countered with a suit for $10,- 000 damages for defamation of char- Demeadows, Calumet, and Thoren acter and general slander. Price also served notice on the Duluth News Tribune that a suit for $30,000 would be instituted unless a retraction and apology was forth- coming by the News Tribune pub- lisher for publishing a news men- tion of the fracas between Stark and Price, in which the latter sus- tained a few slaps in the face. Wm. MeMillin brought — suit against Ex J Farrel to recover-om a note given in payment of life in- surance premium. Farrel claimed misrepresentation by the insurance company agent. The decision will be rendered later by the court. To settle the title to a 40-acre tract of Itasea couny land an action was brought by Abbie J. White against Kremer & King. Taken un- der advisement. The case of A. A. Mitchell against Itasca county involves the provi- sions of a road contract with the board of county commissioners. The road is a ten mile stretch in Third River, 14-28-58. Mitchell’s original claim against the county was $7,- 600. On the report of ex-State En- gineer John A. Brown, the com- missioners allowed the bill at %5,- 990. The Mitchell company now sues for $9,419.29. The matter willl be submitted on briefs and later Judge Stanton will render a deci- sion. ‘FARMER DELEGATION MEETS WITH BOARD Citizens of Townships Affected by Proposed Highway Ap- pear En Masse A delegation of about twenty farmers, representing the district through which will pass the east and west state road under consid- eration by the county commission- ers this week, were present at the hearings in the matter at the court house on Tuesday. They were a representative committee of actual settlers to whom the granting of the road petition meant a great deal, and as they could give the commissioners first hand information concerning the needs of their districts and the condi- tions of the territory through whit theseswere: left to’ thes wits the proposed highway will pass, their presence lent unusual weight to the proceedings. Every one of them is a bona fide farmer and the commissioners were glad to have them here to present their argu- ments. Those present were: Da- vid Wolfe, John Filmanson, Wil- liam Gustafson, Emil Bruman, Eric Nieman, and Oscar Gustafson of Max; Olaf Lund and Hans Olson, Lake Jesse; Walter Stickler and John Lundeen, Marcell; Emil John- son and J. A. Bageley, Alvwood; J. A. Thorson, C. A. Dahlquist and been placed about the grounds of | Charles Lind, Popple; Albin Rud- the Exposition at San Diego, Cal., | quist and John Condit, Good Hope; in’ 1915. and Seth Peterson, Sand Lake. \Nineteen-Thirteen Season Opens Showing is Taken by Itasca County People--Duluth and Da- venport Next. | The first land sale for the 1913 | season was conducted at the court house on Monday by Theodore Nel. {son of the state auditor's office. The total number of acres sold was 2103.44, and most of the buyers are already Itasca county residents The Grand Rapids purchasers a the sale were: Bert 8. Booth Frances Windsor, Peter Gregerson, and Edwin Voigt. Among other’ buyers making theirhomes in the county were: Emil Kaulto, Mike Oja and Andrew Forssi of Wa- wina; Ed Jeffers, William Bertram and Louis Mohler, Cohasset; Ben Jones, Deer River. Other purchas- ers were from Duluth, Waseca and Blackduck, Minn., while a large amount went to parties from Da- venport, Iowa. The prices received ranged from to $10 per acre, and the | re- ceipts for timber on the different} descriptions amounted to about “Mr, Nelson says that the seas son opens with every promise of being the most important and suc- } cessful of any since the presen state land law went into effect. At the sale conducted last week/. at International Falls, over 5 acres were disposed of, and the sale at Duluth was most satisfac- ! tory for the first of the season. *) The advertising campaign con- ducted by the state and other own- ers of Minnesota lands is having its effect, and the good work done by settlers from other and older communities already here in send- ing back reports of the opportuni- ties offered beginners is bound to, more and more call the atten- tion of the crowded sections to the fact that in Northern Minnesota there is room and opportunity for the man of small means who is willing to put his labor into pro- ducing things from the soil. } ‘TWO SEPARATIONS GRANTED BY COURT Mismated Couples are Set Free by Decree of the District Court. Judge Stanton granted two di-+ vorces at Thursday’s session of the district court. In the case of Joanna Everson vs. Iver Everson, the plaintiff al* leged desertion. Everson entered a counter-claim, praying for a sep- aration on the same grounds. Dur- ing the testimony there were a number of letters placed in evi- dence, going to show that the wife was the deserting party, and-the di- vorce was granted to Mr. Everson. There are two children, one three years old and the other a baby of a few months. The custody of the father being given the“privilege of retaining them for a certain period during each year. They are now in the custody of the parents of Mrs. Everson of Prescott, Wis. and both parties in the divorce action were placed under bond not to at- tempt their removal without an or- der from the court. Mrs. Everson is at present teaching school in Goodhue county. Ellen Dufficy was granted a di- vorce from her husband, Martin, and in the division of property was awarded the hotel property known as the Bountain house in the vill- age, Mr. Dufficy retaining the farm at Pokegama lake. | With a Very Satisfactory | | The Greater Part of This Acreage| Products of Field, Garden FIRST LAND SALE FARMERS’ EXHIBIT ENTERTAIN IS WELL ATTENDED! TRAIN HERE FRIDAY Railroad Special Will Remain Here Over Night and be Open to Inspecti ion. QVER TWO THOUSAND ACRES SOLD) BOOSTERS BANQUET IN THE EVENING chard Will be Displayed, To- gether With an Entire Car of Live Stock. The agricultural demonstration train sent out under the auspices jof the different railroad systems, whose mileage extends throughout this section will visit Grand Rapids from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning of this week. It is the third annual trip of the special, and this years arrangements are on a more extensive scale than before been attempted. Among the features not hereto- fore included will be a live stock ear, in which specimens of the farm animals best adapted to this section will be exhibited. A car fitted up as a farm kitchen where- in will be displayed household con- veniences for the home will also be a feature. Instruction will here be given in cooking, housekeeping, the care of children, beautifying of premises, etc., and will be in charge! have of three lady instructors. Everything of interest to the poul try fancier will be carried, and as many in this neighborhood are paying particular attention to this ment will prove of great played, being especially».selected with a.view. to the conditiens to ‘be met with in a wooded territory. There will be large and varied “displays of the products of the garden, field and orchard, and in- struetions will be given as to the different kinds and grades of pro- ducts from which the best results have been obtained. Clover, corn,| alfalfa, roots and other fodder crops| will come under this head and should prove of more interest to the people of this part of Itasca county than any other section of the exhibit owing to the growing in- terest in dairying shown nearly everywhere. In the evening the visiting dem- onstrators and lecturers will be guests of the local Boosters’ club at a supper to be served in the as- sembly hall of St. Joseph’s church. No set program of addresses has ‘| been announced for the evening, tha arrangements of this having been left open to suit the convenience and wishes of the visitors. Prof. A. J. McGuire of the North Central Experiment station here, who is one of the demonstrators in charge of the train, has been delegated to look after this part of the program. The tickets for this supper will be! limited in number as it is the de- sire of the committee in charge to reserve sufficient seats so that all farmers wishing to attend may be accommodated. Reports trom the different places already visited by the special are to the’ effect that people every- where are enthusiastic in their praise of the practical value of the exhibition Never before in the history of the Northwest has a} movement having for its object the benefit and education of the farm- er been attempted on so vast a scale or with such practical re- sults. Nothing that can be raised | or grown in this territory has been omitted. from the display and every- one depending upon any of the products of the soil for a livelihood. will here find the item in which he is most particularly interested displayed and demonstrated in the highest degree of perfection pos-! sible of attainment. We hope that every farmer in the county who can possibly get to Grand Rapids will be here to visit the cars.on Friday afternoon and attend the banquet in the evening. Ed Jeffers of Calumet was among the bidders for state land at the Monday sale. He secured a_ tract near Cohasset that will be convert- MENT AND. PUBLIG AFFAIRS Itasca County Booster Club Held * Important Meeting Last Evening Officers of the Itasca Booster club held a meeting last evening at which arrangements were made to carry on some important public matters within the next few weeks. The Itasca County Development as- sociation meeting to be held at Grand Rapids on May 30, was giv- en special attention. This gather- ing of citizens is planned to be the biggest of any of the series. Men of statewide reputation will be on the progrom, and it is estimat- ed the attendance will be much Jarger than at any similar meeting hitherto held. Secretary Peterson will send out invitations to every civic organiz- ation in Grand Rapids to delegate three members to meet with the Booster club committee on May 2nd to complete arrangements for the celebration of the greatest memor- ial day ever known.-in Itasca coun- ty. The Itasca County Agricultural society will be invited to join with the club in making early prepara- tions for county and state fair COMMISSIONERS CONSIDER ROADS Important Meeting of County Board When Many Road Petitions , are Acted Upon. STATE ROAD PETITIONS ARE HEARD Committee of Three Will Present Itasca County Petitions to State Highway Commis- sion on April 29. The meeting of the board of county commissioners now in ses~ ion is tha most important in many, spects of any held for some ‘ime. Public highway projects wen considered and acted upon, that if carried out under the provisiong of the Ellwell law, will involve the expenditure of a vast sum of money and give to this county a road system second to none im exhibits. This can best be done|Minnesota. The petitions present- by getting in communication with |ed and acted upon favorably covers farmers in all sections of the coun-|the road from Cass to St. Louis ty who will give special considera-|counties through Grand Rapids; tion to raising a variety of grains,|{rom the Aitkin line through ta grasses, vegetables, for exhibit. While this plan has been followed largely in other coun- ties, Itasea has always relied upon taking chanees on what might be picked up in a general way. University week in Grand Rapids is looked forward to with unusual interest. Last year the people of this vicinity learned to know and fruits, etc.,|oochiching; the Balsam-Alvwoo@ road; Marcell to Third River; Ef- fie and Deer Lake and from Deen River nerth. Under the Ellwell law one half the expense of these roads will be paid by the state, one-quar- ter by the county and one- quarter by the- benefitted real estate om each side of the highways so con- ‘structed. Commissioners King, O’Brien and Shellman were ap- appreciate the value of bringing pointed a committee to appear be- educational extension work by Pres ident ness beyond the dreams of the man who originated the plan. They missioners people of Grand Rapids are deeply interested in preparing for educa- tion and entertainment the second week in June. At the meeting last evening a committee was appoint- ed to take up the local work neces- sary to preparation for University week. The committee consists of} E. C. Kiley, A. L. LaFreniere, 0. J. Niles, M. L Bolter, A. E. Free- man, A. J. McGuire, C. E. Burgess, Cc. B. Webster, Mrs. L. W. Hunt- ley and Mrs. C. C. McCarthy. This committee will meet at the office of Raiph A. Stone on Monday even- ing, April 28th. FIRST BALL GAME OF THE SEASON Grand Rapids High School Will Cress Bats With Deer River Boys Saturday The base ball season for Itasca county will formally open next Sat- urday afternoon, when the High school team will cross bats on the local diamond with the Deer River team. Last season the Grand Rapids team was about the finest aggregation in its class in this section of the state, and the team has been strengthened this year. Deer River High school always has a good bunch of players and we can promise everyone at- tending that they will see agame worth while. WANT PHOTO VIEWS TO ADVERTISE ITASCA The Great Northern Railway | company is preparing a booklet for issue about the first of June, dis- criptive of summer resorts, fishing and hunting, etc., along its lines. Representatives of the company were in Grand Rapids Monday. For incorporation in this work lake scenes, etc., are desired. Anyone having views of lakes, streams, forests, fishing or hunting secnes; views of hunting and fishing lodges, etc; are requested to send or bring at the earliest possible moment... branch of husbandry, the depart-|a portion of the State University|ro.¢ the highway commission om value.|to them that they might become a) pri) 29th to present the petition machinery will also be dis-| part of it. It is an innovation iD} fo, ¢inai action. The board took up and favorably Vincent of the University Jacted upon the matter of leti that will grow ‘in p7 ; e Se the- approaches to the Mississippt bridge west of Grand Rapids. Com- King, Shellman and O’Brien went out to the bridge yes- terday and very naturally expresse@ their astonishment at the manner in which the structure was planned by engineer Patton of Duluth. It stands in the middle of the stream, short about forty feet on each end. Estimates furnished by Engineer Lidberg gives the cost to complete the work at about $2,800. The township has already expended ‘about $3,500 more than the county in its construction. There was an unusual amount of business to look after and the board remained in session until after nine o’clock last night. Rou- tine affairs were taken up this morning and the board will be im session this afternoon. The com- plete official report will be pub- lished in the Herald-Review next week. CREAMERY OFFICIALS DECIDE ON CHANGES local | Will Advertise for Bids to Do All Teaming Necessary At Plant A meeting of the board of direct- ors of the Itasca Co-operative creamery was held last Saturday afternoon. The report of Secre- tary Niles showed that the insti- tution was doing a very satisfactory, business, and that improvements in milk receipts are being marked. It was decided to advertise for bids to do the teaming work ne- cessary at the creamery, including the milk delivery in the village. In this connection Mr. Niles said that the patrons could very greatly aid in expediting the work of the delivery man by having their tick- ets and bottles ready when he calls. A delay of one minute at each place means that over two hours are lost on each trip, and this is quite an item to a busy concern. Bidders for the job will receive an outline of what is required by applying to Mr. Niles. eccrine About three dozen of the young people of the village held the first picnic of bee season on Sur day. They put in the day at ty