Otis McDaniel, who with his brother Herbert McDaniel is charged with the murder of James Westfall, of Lewis, a month ago, is safely lodged in the La Plata County jail, where he will await the convening of the Montezuma district court and trial. McDaniel came into Red Mesa, telephoned the officers that he was there and for them to come and get him. He was promptly arrested and Monday was arraigned at Cortez and formally charged with the murder. Herbert McDaniel had been previously arraigned and the two will be tried at the same time in the next term of the district court which will probably be held in July.
The annual meeting of the San Juan bankers association was held at the Tucker Coffee Cup last Saturday with a good attendance from various towns in the basin. Dinner was served after which the bankers enjoyed a lively business session and round-table discussion of matters in which bankers are interested.
Reports have been circulated recently that Wolf Creek and Cumbres passes are not open to travel, in some cases causing a good deal of inconvenience to travelers. Neither of these passes are open and there is no indication at the moment as to when they will be open, but it should be within a short time. The recent storms have, no doubt, set the openings back several days.
Dove Creek folks are asking for a rabbit drive next Sunday and plans are being made to stage such an event that day. Hunters will gather at Dove Creek, and the drive will be made east of that place. Dinner will be served, and shot gun shells may be obtained on the ground. Dolores should be well represented at this drive. Rabbits are said to be numerous and destroying crops in that vicinity.
The eastern portion of the San Juan basin and the higher level have been drenched with rain, and Tuesday morning, Pagosa Springs people said it had rained almost continuously for two weeks. Unimproved sections of roads, and particularly the Pagosa Springs-Lumberton road, were passable only to big trucks with plenty of clearance. The San Juan River has been showing some of the effects of the continued downpour.
Fred Bradshaw, editor of the Dolores Star, has recently taken over the publication of the Pagosa Springs Sun, and has enlisted the services of John R. Durham, experienced newspaper man, to have active charge of the plant and paper.
Brooks McCormick, for several years linotype operator on the Durango Herald, died at Mercy hospital in Durango, of pneumonia, Saturday morning. Mr. McCormick was one of the best known printers in the basin and had a great many friends. He was a member of the Durango lodge of BPOE and the International Typographical union. Funeral services were held Monday with interment at Durango.
George Lofquist has been appointed to the position of secretary of school district No. 4 to fill the vacancy created by the death of Arthur Georgetta. County Superintendent of Schools Myrtle E. Jordan made the appointment this week.
Dr. H.C. Lefurgey has recently completed the beautification and renovation of his Dolores pharmacy and is highly pleased with the improvement. Chuck Lee always keeps the place looking spic and span and every bottle in its place.
An enthusiastic water meeting was held at Arriola school house last Monday evening, which was attended by a large crowd from all sections of this part of Montezuma County. It is apparent that people are awakening to the necessity of improving water storage facilities and are ready to take whatever action that is necessary to perfect such a move.
The Geology class of the Dolores high school went on an all-day observation tour at Mesa Verde park last Saturday. Mr. Stanley Moore guiding the trip.
Mrs. C. H. Webb returned home from Durango last week, after recuperating from a major operation.