James Westfall, well known resident of the Lewis section, was found dead in his home, about a mile southeast of Lewis, Sunday. He had been dead for a number of days and it is believed he had been murdered. It appears that someone entered the place, about April 16, bound and gagged the old man, robbing him, left him alone to die. Westfall had apparently been struck on the back of the head with some blunt instrument and then gagged and bound. He was tied with pieces of rope, towels and pieces of cloth and an old tea towel was tied about his mouth. It is believed that Westfall was killed by some transient who happened into the place, or someone who knew that he frequently carried a considerable sum of money.
Another CCC camp may be located in this immediate neighborhood, if plans of the government men who were here this week and local business men are carried out.
The Dolores town board held an interesting session Tuesday evening. Mayor R. B. Dunham and all members were present. Three applications for beer or Liquor dealers licenses were approved. John Smith applied for license to sell beer and wine, V. E. St. Claire made application for license to sell hard liquor as did Wm. Brumley. These applications must be forwarded to the secretary of state and the town license will be issued upon the return of the states licenses.
The entire San Juan basin received a good soaking of moisture last Friday and Saturday. While the dampness was not especially needed, it is generally regarded as beneficial. Snow to the depth of a foot or more fell between Thompson park and Hesperus. The storm was general with heavy fall of snow or rain in all parts of the basin.
Several local people are suffering with the disease commonly called the mumps, an epidemic of which is prevalent in Dolores and vicinity. There are a few cases which might be called "mumpses," but these are rare. With the mumpses you do not ride a bicycle.
Steve Maslen reports that a rabbit drive will be held Sunday in the section northeast of Yellow Jacket. There are still a good many rabbits left in the neighborhood, it is said.
Tim Walsh, of Canon City arrived in Dolores Tuesday evening to visit Mr. and Mrs. Howard Poteet. He left Thursday, Mr. Poteet taking him to Durango.
Earl S. Stone, of Durango, was in Dolores and vicinity Wednesday and Thursday.
Mrs. Edithe Trimble underwent a major operation at a Durango hospital Wednesday morning. Reports that evening were that her condition was favorable. Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Musgrave went over Wendesday to be with Mrs. Trimble and Mrs. T. H. Akin and Mrs. B. F. Greene also drove over for the day.
Francis Burshears entertained the Boy Scouts with a series of pictures in his room Tuesday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Francis McCabe went to the Cliff Brown ranch up the river Wednesday for a few days.
Mrs. Morey Plumlee entered a Durango hospital Tuesday for treatment. Morey took her over to Durango, returning that evening.
Bryant Bauer was appointed assistant cashier at the J. J. Harris bank this week.
Mrs. Wm. McGregor, of Mancos, visited friends in Dolores Monday.
Mrs. Emma Musgrave has been unable to be at her post at the Akin store this week because of illness.
