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Minnesota millionaire’s kidnapping ends in tragedy for captor

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Minnesota millionaire’s kidnapping ends in tragedy for captor


Editor’s notice: That is half 3 in a three-part sequence on the kidnapping of Haskell Bohn in 1932. Earlier articles on this sequence:

half 1

and

half 2.

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After six days of blindfolded isolation in a basement with minimal daylight, Haskell Bohn realized that his launch had been efficiently negotiated.

Lastly, freedom was close to.

Twenty-year-old Bohn, son of a Minnesota millionaire, had been kidnapped by gunpoint the morning of July 30, 1932, from his St. Paul residence. His captors tossed the household’s chauffeur a ransom notice as they drove off, revealing their demand of $35,000 (about $756,641in 2022 {dollars}) in trade for his launch.

Six days later, Bohn was launched from his captors’ custody, in trade for a negotiated $12,000 ($259,420 in 2022 {dollars}) – a far cry from the unique demand, however sufficient to purchase again his freedom.

His captors, whose identities have been nonetheless unknown to Bohn, drove for almost an hour down bumpy, winding roads — a deliberate transfer meant to confuse the sufferer, rendering him unable to identification to authorities the place he had been held.

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Because the car got here to a cease, the abductors gave him very particular directions.

“That’s after they instructed me to not say or do something for 10 minutes, after which they instructed me to stroll to the suitable for a half hour and after I known as up to not name up the police however to name my residence and ask for my father,” Bohn instructed legislation enforcement, based on the police transcript completely obtained not too long ago by Discussion board Information Service.

Earlier than setting him free, his captor handed him $10, fulfilling a promise made to pay him again for $7 that had been taken from his billfold on the day of his kidnapping.

Bohn lay face down on the bottom as the abductors drove away into the darkish evening. He adopted orders, for probably the most half, ready nearly 5 minutes earlier than getting up and trekking by way of a discipline, which led him to a close-by farmhouse.

Arriving on the farmhouse

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Bohn was technically free, however he nonetheless had a big process forward of him: making his manner residence. That was a tough one contemplating he was completely uncertain of his whereabouts.

Verne Sankey is thought to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping of Haskell Bohn of St. Paul in 1932.

Photograph courtesy of Newspapers.com

“As I crossed the corn discipline, and crossed the highway, I seen an indication, ‘For Sale.’ The home had fairly a number of lights on the aspect, and canine have been barking. And as I walked, I consider it was the girl that mentioned, ‘What would you like?’ She mentioned, ‘What would you like?’ And I mentioned, ‘I’m Haskell Bohn that was kidnapped,’” he mentioned within the transcript.

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After displaying his identification, he was welcomed into the house. Regulation enforcement was known as. He was reunited together with his household, and the hunt for his captors started.

Unbeknownst to legislation enforcement, they have been headed to Colorado to proceed their kidnapping spree. However they would not escape the legislation for lengthy.

Greater than two years after Bohn’s kidnapping, two males named Verne Sankey and Gordon Alcorn have been arrested in Chicago on costs associated to the 1933 kidnapping of rich Colorado businessman Charles Boettcher.

Similarly to the Bohn kidnapping, Boettcher was approached at gunpoint, blindfolded with tape and thrown behind a car. His spouse, current on the time of the kidnapping, was given a ransom notice demanding $60,000 (about $1.37 million in 2022 {dollars}), a value they finally obtained.

Boettcher’s spouse’s capacity to determine the 2 males was vital to their seize, and useful to the Bohn case.

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Bohn recognized Sankey and Alcorn as the 2 males who kidnapped him from his residence in the summertime of 1932, based on a March 1993 Minneapolis Star Tribune article.

As Bohn acknowledged within the 40-page police transcript, he interacted with two important captors. Nevertheless, he had instructed legislation enforcement the ring chief did allude to the truth that a gang of individuals have been concerned within the crime. At one level, when discussing what to do with Bohn, the ringleader claimed he’d talk about their plans with the remainder of the gang.

Because it seems, Sankey did run with a number of Canadians that he had recruited from his time on the railroad to assist him in his felony enterprises. Along with Alcorn, Sankey requested Ray Robinson to assist him out.

There are competing theories on Alcorn’s involvement within the Bohn kidnapping. Whereas Bohn did partially determine him as one of many captors, one other member of Sankey’s gang later confessed that he performed a vital function in Bohn’s abduction.

After being arrested in Canada and extradited to Minnesota in 1933, Robinson confessed to taking part in a key function within the Bohn kidnapping, based on an April 3, 1933 New York Occasions article.

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Along with his confession, he instructed authorities that Sankey was the felony thoughts behind the operation. He additionally instructed legislation enforcement that Sankey’s spouse, Fern Sankey, was an confederate, having cooked meals for Bohn whereas he was held in her basement.

Whereas Fern Sankey was arrested and tried for the Bohn kidnapping, she was finally discovered not responsible by a jury who seen her as a sufferer of her husband’s crimes.

Verne_Sankey_Widow__Montana_Standard_.jpg

Fern Sankey, spouse of Verne Sankey, was acquitted by a jury for her alleged function within the Haskell Bohn kidnapping.

Fern Sankey, spouse of Verne Sankey, was acquitted by a jury for her alleged function within the Haskell Bohn kidnapping.

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Robinson obtained a 25-year sentence, served at Minnesota’s Stillwater Penitentiary. It was a far cry from the life sentence different kidnappers – together with Sankey – have been dealing with beneath the newly minted Lindbergh Regulation.

Within the aftermath of the notorious 1932 kidnapping of the 20-month-old baby of well-known aviator Charles Lindbergh, Congress handed laws to crack down on the rising variety of kidnappings being carried out by gangs all through the nation.

The transfer made crossing state borders with a sufferer a federal offense, with a punishment of life in jail.

The Lindbergh Regulation included a provision that acknowledged a captive held for seven days or extra would robotically be assumed to have crossed state traces, opening up the door for federal prosecution and life in jail.

On the time of Robinson’s confession, Sankey and Alcorn have been being held for the kidnapping of Boettcher.

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As a result of Boettcher was held captive on Sankey’s farm in Buffalo County, South Dakota, Sankey was transported to Sioux Falls, the place he was to face trial for the kidnapping of Boettcher. It’s additionally alleged that he was going to plead responsible to the kidnapping of Bohn.

Nevertheless, on his first evening at South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, Sankey’s physique was discovered unresponsive – he had hung himself in his cell.

Verne Sankey ranch South_Dakota_ranch_.jpg

Verne Sankey’s Kimball, South Dakota residence was used to carry Colorado businessman Charles Boettcher. Sankey kidnapped Boettcher in trade for $60,000.

Picture courtesy of Newspapers.com.

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The next day, Alcorn was sentenced in Sioux Falls to life in jail for the Boettcher kidnapping, a time period he carried out in Colorado’s Leavenworth penitentiary.

Bohn went on to stay an in any other case regular life. Whereas his household’s enterprise did not outlast the Nice Melancholy, he carried out a profession within the energy sector, retiring from Illinois Energy Firm as its district supervisor. He was married, had youngsters and settled in a rural Illinois space.

Whereas his life took an in any other case regular flip, his youngsters grew up listening to tales from a really completely different period of his life — one which included his time in captivity by the hands of the FBI’s most needed felony.





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Minnesota

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Shuts Down Questions on Minnesota Overturned Touchdown

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USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Shuts Down Questions on Minnesota Overturned Touchdown


The No. 11 USC Trojans lost to Minnesota 24-17 on Saturday, Oct. 5. It’s hard to win games on the road in conference play.

The Golden Gophers scored in the final minute on a fourth down quarterback sneak with Max Brosmer. The officials initially ruled Brosmer short of the end zone, giving the Trojans the ball in a tie game. However, the play was reviewed and changed to a touchdown.

After the game, a reporter asked Trojans defensive end Jamil Muhammad if he thought Minnesota reached the goal line on the Gopher’s last touchdown.

“Don’t ask him that. Next question,” said USC coach Lincoln Riley before Muhammad could respond. “Who cares what he says on that? Like what, a player’s opinion? Let’s ask a more professional question.”

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USC WR Zachariah Branc

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Ethan Robinson (2) breaks up a pass intended for USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Trojans once again found themselves in a dogfight on the road in the first half. The total yardage, first downs gained, and turnover battle were virtually deadlocked at the half. The score was10-10 thanks to a career-long 54-yard field goal from kicker Michael Lantz just before intermission. 

The Trojans came into the game with a plus-32 second-half scoring margin and experience in close-ball games. They leaned heavily on that muscle memory to grind out a few hard-fought drives to take control of the game with a great scoring drive and two early defensive stops that had Minnesota on the ropes.

An early fourth-quarter near sack strip flew into the air and turned into a Miller Moss interception. That was a massive turning point because the Trojans had a 17-10 lead and were driving in Golden Gopher territory with a chance to essentially put the ball game away. It may sound like a broken record at this point, but it’s the truth, the same issues that have been on tape for the Trojans cost them a ball game. 

The Golden Gophers reeled off 14 consecutive points, concluding with a 12-play, 75-yard drive that left the Trojans less than a minute to go in the game. At 24-17, USC’s only option was a touchdown. While quarterback Miller Moss got the Trojans in striking distance, it wasn’t quite enough as Moss was intercepted while taking a shot to the end zone.

Minnesota beat the USC Trojans for the first time since 1955.

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USC QB Miller Mos

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The biggest issue with the offense, and honestly the team, is the trouble the Trojans have protecting quarterback Miller Moss. He came into the game as the most-hit and pressured quarterback in the Big Ten and the most-hit quarterback in the country. The Trojans didn’t fair much better today in that aspect. 

The quick passing game and Moss’ decisiveness provided relief on some passing attempts, but when USC had to truly go five-step dropback it wasn’t pretty.

Moss notably added muscle mass and weight going into this season and he’s needed it. The Trojans must find a way to keep Moss upright. Their season ultimately depends on it.

USC Trojans Defense

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs the ball against the USC Trojans during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

As for the biggest red flag on the defense? Their inability to hold the line in the biggest moments of the game. The defense, much like the Michigan game, was superb up until the last stand. Minnesota ran for 193 yards, most of which came on the final two possessions. The Big Ten trenches discourse has surrounded the Trojans, but they’ve mostly held up.

The time of possession was virtually even so being worn down isn’t an excuse. The Trojans held the Gophers to 2/8 on 3rd downs, but the Gophers converted twice on 4th down, one being the go-ahead touchdown. Sometimes, the scheme isn’t the issue. The Trojans don’t have an issue there defensively. In this case, USC needs their playmakers to step up in the biggest moments. They’ve done it before, they must do it more.

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Lincoln Riley-led teams have been in this situation multiple times. A lead, an offense that’s humming, and a decision to make: run the ball and control the clock or pass. On the drive that ultimately flipped momentum with the interception, the Trojans dropped back on third and four from the Minnesota 35. 

Sounds fairly normal to throw there, right? Not so fast. The Trojans averaged 6.2 yards per carry and held a seven-point lead. At that point, the worst-case scenario if they failed to convert was a short fourth down attempt or a field goal attempt to potentially go up 10 points with 10 minutes remaining.

You could say that’s hypercritical, but the very next possession, tied at 17-17, there wasn’t a single rushing attempt. Minnesota got the ball back after a three-and-out and the rest is history. When will Riley trust his run game to close out these close contests? 

USC has shown how resilient they are, maybe too much for everyone’s liking this early into the year. They’ll have to prove it every week from here on out to reach their goals. There’s no more wiggle room. There’s no more grace period. The Trojans have to win out. 

Across the college football landscape, many ranked teams were tested against unranked foes. Georgia passed the Auburn test, and Ohio State passed the Iowa test. Alabama fell to Vanderbilt in one of the biggest upsets in college football history. Michigan faltered on the road to Washington. Tennessee was upset by Arkansas.

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MORE: Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver Drake London Injury Update After Overtime Win

MORE: Why Elite Recruit Floyd Boucard Committed To USC Trojans Over Oklahoma Sooners

MORE: USC Trojans’ Lincoln Riley Addresses Schedule Updates: Notre Dame, Missouri State

MORE: USC Trojans’ Bear Alexander Reveals Potential Transfer Back to SEC Team

MORE: How To Watch USC Trojans vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers: Preview, Injury Update, Channel

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MORE: Chicago Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams: Fantasy Football Sleeper Pick?



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How to watch #11 USC Trojans vs. Minnesota football: Time, TV channel, FREE live streams

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How to watch #11 USC Trojans vs. Minnesota football: Time, TV channel, FREE live streams


The 11th-ranked USC Trojans seek their second straight Big Ten victory on Saturday with an evening matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT) with TV coverage on BTN and streaming on-demand.

  • How to watch: Live streams of the USC vs. Minnesota game are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), SlingTV (low intro rate) and DirecTV Stream (free trial).
  • For a limited time, FuboTV is offering $30 off the first month after the free trial period. With $30 offer, plans start at $49.99.

#11 USC Trojans (3-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-3)

NCAA football matchup at a glance

When: Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT)

Where: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.

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TV channel: BTN

Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | DirecTV Stream (free trial)

USC remains in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot and could still jump back into the mix for a Big Ten title, but a sound effort will be required for Saturday’s trip to Minneapolis. The Trojans toppled Wisconsin (38-21) last time out to rebound from their first loss to Michigan (27-24), driven by four total touchdowns (one rush) from quarterback Miller Miss.

A challenging stretch continues for the Golden Gophers who look to avoid an 0-3 start in Big Ten play after falling to Iowa (31-14) and No. 12 Michigan (27-24) in their two most recent games. Minnesota is an 8-point underdog against USC in a line that shifted from 9.5 points and an over/under of 51.5 to 8 points and 46.5 through early action banking on a lower-scoring affair.

USC Trojans vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers: Know your live streaming options

  • FuboTV (free trial)excellent viewer experience with huge library of live sports content; free trial lengths vary; monthly rate after free trial starts at $49.99 for duration of $30 first month discount.
  • SlingTV (low intro rate) discounted first month is best if you’ve run out of free trials or you’re in the market for 1+ month of TV
  • DirecTV Stream (free trial) not the same level of viewer experience as FuboTV, but the standard 7-day free trial is still the longest in streaming.

The Trojans and Golden Gophers are set for a 7:30 p.m. ET start on BTN. Live streams are available from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate).



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This small-town bakery draws crowds from across the Midwest, in just three hours a week

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This small-town bakery draws crowds from across the Midwest, in just three hours a week


NEWBURG, MINN. — Driving down a winding road dotted with farms, churches and roadside produce stands, it can be easy to miss the only business in town here, an old red shop tucked behind rows of flowers and hanging ferns.

But make no mistake, behind those century-and-a-half-old walls is one of the top food destinations in Minnesota’s Driftless Area.

For the past seven years, Irene Fishburn has been delighting locals and road-trippers alike with made-from-scratch delicacies at Newburg Vintage Home and Garden and Small Batch Bakery.

Fishburn opened the business after she and her husband, Glenn, moved to southeastern Minnesota to be closer to family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After leaving the grind of their corporate careers in California, the couple settled on a former general store where Irene, a former merchandise buyer for more than 35 stores, could sell garden gifts and baked goods, and Glenn could fish in a nearby trout stream.

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Their retirement was set — at least that was the plan.

“When we first bought it, we imagined sitting on the front porch and having coffee with neighbors who stopped by,” Irene said. “We had no idea that it would become a destination-type business.”

Open only on select Saturdays — and then for only three hours — the Newburg bakery regularly draws scores of people willing to stand in line for up to an hour during the busiest summer months to get a taste of authentic French baking. Others come from just down the road.

Mike and Cheryl Erickson, both retired military members, spend their summers in nearby Mabel, Minn., where Mike grew up. He remembers getting ice cream as a kid outside of the same building and said he initially came to the bakery with low expectations.



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