1973: Gypsies Suspected in a Robbery of a Local Woman

May 1, 1973

An elderly Engle lady was the victim of a theft of about $70 Saturday afternoon, but the sheriff’s office reported no arrests had yet been made. Two women and a man reportedly drove up to the victim’s house in a red car. The women got out and went into the house, then hurriedly returned to their vehicle and drove away. When the victim discovered her money was gone, she called neighbors and asked them to contact the sheriff. Roadblocks were set up on highways leading out of the area, but the search was fruitless. Deputy Sheriff Erich Bauch, who lived nearby, conducted the investigation. Officers said the women who allegedly preyed on the senior citizen may have been gypsies.

Prospects for agricultural crops for 1973 were hanging in the balance, according to William W. Wilson, executive director of the Fayette County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office. About 90% of crop acreage was planted. However, very little cotton had been put into the ground. Some milo maize was six to eight inches high, but much of it hadn’t seen a plow because of excess moisture. Maize that was usually planted in May would, in most cases, need to be sprayed to combat the midge problem. Only 45 farmers had indicated that they planned to plant cotton in 1973, and little of that crop was already seeded. Most cotton farmers had released their acreage allotments by sale or lease.

Funeral services were held for: Mrs. Stella Bardin, 76, of La Grange; Mrs. Millie Psencik, 81, of La Grange; and Monroe V. Harris, 78, of Winchester.

Decoration Day services were being held at the Drawe Cemetery near Warrenton on Sun., May 6 at 4:30 p.m. The annual meeting of the Cedar Cemetery Association was set for Sun., May 6 at 3 p.m. at the cemetery. Those attending were asked to bring a picnic lunch and drinks.

Anyone interested in the preservation of the past in La Grange and Fayette County was invited to assist the Friends of the Library with starting a collection of local history. Any material donated would be stored in a safe place and kept under lock andkeyexceptwheninuseinthe city library. The group was particularly interested in: pictures of houses, public buildings, street scenes and pioneer citizens; old newspaper clippings, magazines or books printed in La Grange or information about the community or its citizens; and old letters, diaries, journals, school, club or public records that included old programs, speeches, catalogues or yearbooks. Inquiries could be directed to Mrs. E.T. Lueders.

An enthusiastic group of 35 La Grange youngsters walked in the Christian Rural Overseas Program to raise funds to feed hungry children overseas.

The sixth grade intermediate band from Hermes Elementary School under the direction of Wilbur W. Johnson was awarded a Division 1 rating at the Blinn College Area Elementary Music Meet in Brenham.

D.C. Wiley announced his retirement and the sale of his La Grange business, the Tom’s distributorship, to Lloyd Kolbe of La Grange. Mr. Kolbe planned to continue his association with radio station KVLG after taking over Tom’s. Mr. Wiley thanked his loyal customers whom he had served for 32 years, as well as the excellent relationship he had enjoyed with the Tom’s organization.

The Willow Springs Home Demonstration Club chose the following officers: Mrs. Franklin Dockal, president; Mrs. Elo Schertz, vice president; Mrs. John Mikus, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Otto Markwardt, council delegate; and Mrs. Herman Weiss, council alternate. Also at the meeting, County Agent Mrs. Nettie Mae Freudenberg presented a demonstration about diabetes and decisions in making clothes.

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