Project Editor: Jeffrey Miller, History 470: Digital History, Spring 2008

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Question Steve Hokuf in 'U.' Beer Flat Raid

'Hi' Prucka Intercedes for Athlete Who Denies Guilt

Steve Hokuf of Crete, a junior and crack University of Nebraska football, track and basketball athlete, was drawn Tuesday into the university's investigation of the "beer apartment" across the street from the campus, which was raided Saturday night.

Asked whether university authorities had decided to expel the students, Chancellor E. A. Burnett answered, "No decision has been reached, so far as I know."

Dr. T. J. Thompson, dean of men, who has been investigating the case, informed reporters today that he might make a statement Wednesday.

Hokuf told a reporter for The Omaha Bee-News he had been questioned by Dr. T. J. Thompson, dean of men, Monday and Tuesday and expected to be questioned further Wednesday. He did not attend classes Tuesday.

Frank "Hi" Prucka of Omaha, also a Cornhusker football star, accompanied Hokuf to Dean Thompson's office Monday.

Prucka said he did not appear in his own behalf but refused to name the student he was attempting to help. Hokuf said Prucka was intervening for him.

DENIES GUILT

Hokuf asserted he had lived in the "beer apartment," which is located at 439 North Tenth street, Lincoln. He said he had gone voluntarily to Dean Thompson's office and is not implicated in the operation of the "beer apartment." He said he did not know whether he will attend classes Wednesday, and is undecided whether to keep up track practice.

Other students, members of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, were interviewed Monday and Tuesday. They included the five young men who were arrested in the raid on the apartment, located at 439 North Tenth street, Lincoln. Arraigned in a justice of peace court, the five youths pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of liquor and were released without bond to appear for trial Thursday.

Two gallons of alcohol, 115 bottles of beer, 2 crocks (8 and 10 gallons), a length of hose and 70 empty bottles were confiscated.

A Gladstone bag, fitted to carry bottles silently, was not taken. According to Police Capt. Frank Weygint, who led the raid, compartments large enough to hold quart bottles snugly were built within the bag.

SENATORS DEBATE

Meanwhile, several members of the senate finance committee, which controls appropriations for the university, threatened to demand the expulsion of all students involved if the school officials do not dismiss them.

Senator J. C. McGowan of Norfolk, president pro tem; Senator Kenneth S. Wherry of Pawnee City, Senators James A. Rodman of Omaha, J. A. Axtell of Fairbury and R. R. Vance of Hastings voiced this sentiment.

Police Captain Weygint said the raid was made without a search warrant.

"We received a tip that liquor was there and just raided the place," said Weygint. "We arrested Fred Wickman leaving the place with a half gallon of alcohol."

Wickman, 19, is from Tekamah. The others arrested are Jack Calkins, 18, of York; Warren Crawford, 19, of Lake City, Ia.; George Cook, 24, of Casper, Wyo.; and Max Von Bargen, 20, of Lincoln.