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

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U. SUSPENDS STEVE HOKUF, 5 OTHERS

Action Follows Investigation of 'Beer Flat;' Withholds Students' Names

At least six students of the University of Nebraska, including Steve Hokuf of Crete, junior, and star athlete, were suspended from school Wednesday by Dr. T. J. Thompson, dean of men, following his investigation of the "beer apartment" across the street from the campus, which was raided last Saturday night.

Dr. Thompson, in a statement announcing the result of his investigation, did not name the students who had been suspended, but said "the young men who were responsible for the rental of the apartment and those associated with this incident are being suspended from the University of Nebraska."

5 TO BE ARRAIGNED

Hokuf lived in the apartment with Warren Crawford, 19, of Lake City, Ia., and George Cook, 24, of Casper, Wyo. The latter two were among the five youths arrested in the raid.

The other three arrested are Fred Wickman, 19, Tekamah; Jack Calkins, 18, York, and Max Von Bargen, 20, Lincoln.

The five students will be arraigned in justice of the peace court Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Thompson said in his statement that he was convinced the youths were not making liquor for sale. His statement, in part, follows:

"Last Saturday several young men were discovered in an apartment in which it was apparent liquor was being manufactured.

"I have satisfied myself they were not making liquor for sale, however, the young men responsible for the rental of the apartment and those associated with the incident are being suspended from the University of Nebraska."

The dean did not reveal how long the students will be suspended, but it was reported at Lincoln the suspension will be for the rest of the school year.

Hokuf was a mainstay of the track team. His suspension will

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SIX OUSTED IN BEER RAIDS

necessitate his withdrawal from athletics for the term.

The dean's statement continued:

"The university does not ordinarily discuss in a public way such cases. The fact, however, that this affair has been given such wide publicity leads me to believe the conclusion of the matter in so far as the University of Nebraska is concerned should be made known."

That was the total content of the statement.

Dr. Thompson, questioned later, refused to comment on the affair or on his statement.

"Was Steve Hokuf suspended?" he was asked.

"I neither deny nor affirm it," he replied.

"Were the five boys arrested in the raid suspended?"

"Use your own judgment," he said.

Hokuf was asked if he had been suspended and said:

"I am employed by a Lincoln paper and it will get the first story."

Hokuf said Tuesday he lived in the "beer apartment," which is located at 439 North Tenth street, just across the street from the campus. The athlete was questioned Monday, Tuesday and again Wednesday. He did not attend classes Tuesday or Wednesday.

Frank "Hi" Prucka of Omaha, athlete and friend of Hokuf, accompanied Hokuf to Dr. Thompson's office for the first interview. Hokuf said Prucka had been trying to help him.

Hokuf and the five students arrested are members of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

In giving out the statement Dean Thompson declared he had urged the boys to register for extension work. He declined to comment on a report they would be allowed to return to school next fall.

The ruling will make Hokuf ineligible for football competition next fall. He is also a basketball and track athlete.