The Portsmouth Times, May 19, 1933, p. 7
Minford School Changes Staff
Jacob McKinley Replaces Pearley Gaskill And Coach Bitzer Not Rehired
Perley Gaskill, for three years principal of the Minford High School, has been succeeded by Jacob McKinley. Fight to remove Gaskill was precipitated, it was said in well informed school circles, when he took an active part in circulating prohibition referendum petitions on behalf of the dry organization. Anti-McCowen forces also lined up in the move to remove Gaskill. Coach H. L. Bitzer was not rehired. Filling of the coaches' position will be made at a later date.
McKinley, the new Minford principal, is a resident of Lucasville, but has been superintendent of the McArthur schools in Vinton county. The McKinley family has been aligned with the Anti-McCowen group in Lucasville. Louis McKinley, a brother, is cashier of the Lucasville bank and formerly taught in Lucasville. Gaskill formerly came from Athens.
One other change was made in the Minford High school staff. Avanell Coriell was employed in place of Miss Hoke. Other teachers employed were Agnes Daumer, Clara Posten, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Koehler, Jessie Coriell. Fave grade teachers reemployed were S. D. Eckhart, eleanor Parks, Levi Elliott, Mabel Coriell, Mrs. Everett Ault. Dale Bridges janitor was not reemployed.
From The Portsmouth Times, May 28, 1933, p. 20
POLITICAL INTEREST IN CITY LAGS BUT FIGHT IS FORECAST
Both Major Parties Expected to Get Into Race For Council Positions; Power Plant Issue Also Likely to be Bitterly Fought
Political interest in the city still is lagging as the date for council petition circulating nears. During the last week no new names were added to the prospective candidates hat.
Three candidates, Charles Schirrman, Gus Warman and Frank Bickett came out "flatfooted" in favor of a municipally owned light plant, making "power" an issue this primary.
Proponents of the light plant filed their third petition with city council last week. It contained 1,700 signatures. November will be the third time the issue has been placed before the electors. It was defeated in 1930 and almost passed last November.
Three council candidates will be supported by the Democratic party and leaders of the Republican party are planning to get behind three candidates.
With both major parties entering a partisan scrap and with the power plent issue involved, it appears that the non-partisan feature of the city charter will be "tabled" this election. There is little doubt but what a Republican-Democratic fight for control of the city will be waged. Both sides are strengthening party lines for the battle of ballots.
With the partisan contest and Ohio Power Co, and its opponents fighting it out the "heat" should be turned on before many more weeks pass.
Arthur Harwood, Republican, was rewarded for his political efforts last week by landing a job as superintendent of county roads.
Efforts of the Democratic committee to "unhorse" Carlos Graham, state forester, and Dennis Jewett, fire warden, have met with little success so far. Graham is now advisor of the federal forestry camp in Shawnee forest. He is under civil service.
Policital gossip reports that a comprimise, resulting in the ousting of Pearly Gaskill, as principal of Minford High school prevented a break in the Square Deal board controlling the district. Gaskill created resentment by circulating a petition opposing sale of beer in the school district, it is reported. Two Square Deal members supported him and a third opposed.
Walter F. Gahm spiked the frequent rumor that he will be council candidate. Gahm said that while he has been approached to run, he will not enter politics. in recent years, Gahm has turned down many political offers.
May 30 is the day to start circulating countil petitions. They must be filed by June 19. An elector can sign petitions of only three candidates. In signing a petition he pledges his support to the candidate.