Those were some of the problems encountered by Goodland marshalls and policemen through the years as reported in the newspapers of the time, with some deeds recorded in city council minutes when the city fathers took action “to the end that our sons and daughters may be reared in a community where law and order is upheld” [Mayor Kelly April 11, 1911]

In 1903 the City Marshall was W. F. Bartlett at a salary of $25 per month, however he was also Street and Water Commissioner. On March 7, 1905 the council ordered that “all saloons, joints, gambling places be closed up at once; county attorney to close such places forth with.” Dogs were evidently a problem in 1905 when the council ordered that the fee for killing & burying dogs shall hereafter be 50 cents and no more. In October 1905 the Marshall was instructed “to close the Bowling Alley on Boulevard Ave. at 10 o’clock p.m. and not allow them to operate after that time.”

In 1906 fighting erupted on the streets of Goodland over a meat account. One man went to the shop with the purpose of settling an account when he claimed he was called abusive names and knocked down. The fight continued near the Donly & Scott store. Policeman Pat Cochran appeared in view and gathered them in. Both men were fined $2 and cost, amounting to about $8, which both paid.

Dogs again in August 1909, Marshall F. H. O’Dell was paid $13.50 for killing and burying dogs. Also in November 1909 the council “moved that the Marshall enforce the curfew ordinance.” On Jan. 4, 1910 the curfew ordinance was repealed by the council.

During 1911 Mayor Kelly proposed that Marshalls be allowed $2 for each arrest in case of drunkness, fighting or disorderly conduct on the streets of Goodland. He also wanted Marshalls allowed $20 for conviction of the sale of intoxicating liquors, or for gambling or the operating of a gambling house. Mayor Kelly wanted Goodland to be “a place we will not blush with shame when we speak of it as home.” The council all accepted and voted affirmative on his proposals. At this same time the Marshall was ordered to inspect alleys and notify all persons with filth in alley that it must be removed.

Speeding and autos must have been a perplexing situation in July 1911 when 37 citizens petitioned the council and the solution was “No automobile or other motor vehicle shall run on the streets of Goodland at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour, nor traverse the crossings or intersection of any other street within the corporate limits of Goodland at a greater speed than 10 miles per hour.” The speeding was still problematic in June 1912 when the City Marshall was ordered “to watch all autos, motors, or bicycles on sidewalks, and when speed limit is exceeded to arrest the party at fault.” Alleys came under more control in Feb. 1913 when an ordinance “to prohibit fast driving or riding on streets or alleys of Goodland, Kansas” was passed. Then in May 1913 an ordinance prohibited “bronco busting, or riding a bucking horse of any kind through or on the streets or alleys.” The council also ordered “corrals be abolished, the high board fences taken down, the manure hauled away and the ground plowed in accord with Ordinance 157”. Dr. Smith, as Health Officer, appealed in November 1913 to have laws enforced regarding: livestock running at large; keeping alleys clear of refuse and filth; fast driving of autos and motorcycles; and the importance of all motor driven vehicles to be properly lighted at night. The Marshall was ordered to promptly arrest any violators.

The year 1914 must have been calmer, however A. R. Schroeder was appointed City Marshall and Water Commissioner in April, and the salary was up to $75 per month. Mr. Schroeder also became acting City Clerk in December of that year.

In 1915 dancing came to the attention of the city fathers when they passed an ordinance “making it unlawful for any person or persons to give, manage, engage or in any manner participate in any public ball or dance at any place within the corporate limits of the city of Goodland, Kans, at which dances known as the “Tango”, “Turkey Trot’, “Grizzly Bear”, “Bunny Hug”, Moon “light waltz”, and other kindred dances of like nature are engaged or indulged, or to furnish any hall or room or place where such dances are permitted or engaged in”.

During 1916 the city was using printed stationery and this is the first mention of a title Chief of Police. Officers listed on the letterhead were: Geo. Kelly, Mayor; C. C. Calvert, City Treas., Geo. A. Nerren, Chief of Police; E. W. Sullivan, City Lerk; Herman Neu, Police Judge.

The abolishment of pool halls was under discussion in 1917, however no action was taken. In June no watering of lawns or garden except between 5 to 7 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. was to be enforced. Fine was $5. In August the City Marshall was instructed “on no circumstance to permit gambling in any form, book making or betting in any manner.” The Marshall was also instructed to “not allow the carnival people to operate or conduct a dancing pavilion in the city of Goodland.” In September 1917, speed was again a topic when Dr. Smith complained regarding the unnecessary and disgusting practice of our motorcycle boys and also some automobile owners exceeding the speed limit & having no regard as to the operation of motor vehicles with open cutouts. At this time special police were hired for the Chautauqua and the carnival.

In 1920 the council hires a Special Traffic Policeman, due to the disregard of laws of the road and parking of vehicles on Main Street, and they discuss the destruction of street lights and other property. Marshall Reed was to recommend another temporary policeman for 2 weeks at salary not to exceed $5 a day. Dogs again: in Dec. 1920 the Marshall is told to take effective means to get rid of extra dogs around town. He was also directed to take down the flag pole at 11^th & Main.

Arms were provided for police in 1921 when the council instructed the city clerk to purchase a gun for the use of the Night Marshall. There is no mention of just when the city first started to have a Day Marshall and a Night Marshall. [Lock & gun bought from John W. Bock, for $32.50, Dec. 6, 1921] The Marshall was also instructed on Dec. 6, 1921 to notify all persons operating slot machines or punch boards to remove same within 24 hours.

When the Rock Island Railroad strike was happening the city was to be held responsible for the peace of the community and Mayor Knight appointed Sherman Reynolds, Emery White, Charles Partridge, W. R. McNeely, Felix Jones, J. M. Rose, Frank Morris, and Earl Brooks, to act as Asst. Marshalls to patrol that part of town near the Rock Island Shops. Others also paid for “guarding” were: Luther Douglas, J. L. Oliver, Wade Morris, I. R. Pruitt, L. B. Calvert, H. S. Wallace, R. A. Wallace, and Ralph Walker. Guns caused a disturbance in August 1922 when on a Saturday night about 50 shots, fired at the railroad yard fence near the north gate from the outside, passed through the fence and came dangerously near the workmen in the yards. Extra guards were also put on duty by Sheriff Teeters. In November the council voted to remove both Wm Marshall and Mr. Miller after receiving a petition signed by about 150 people. Council thought that two men sent from Topeka could handle the situation alone.

On April 4, 1924 Mayor J. J. Knight appointed W. D. Marshall as Marshall, and the following month C. W. Jupe was appointed as Night Marshall, hours 12 o’clock midnight to 12 o’clock noon. Dogs again: W. D. Marshall as marshall paid for salary and killing dogs. The newspaper reported during June that “there are a number of young people frequenting the streets after midnight, and unless they cease there will be some more arrests, says marshall Marshall.” Also in the news was a bootlegger resisting arrest and a barber disturbing the peace, not being quiet in his shop and trying to tell Marshall where to head in. The barber consequently spent the night in jail.

In 1925 marshall Marshall asked council to change the hours of the day and night marshalls from 12 to 12 to 6 to 6 and it was done. In March Mr. Roy Short, Night Marshall, asked for a raise in salary (C. W. Jupe had resigned as of January 1, 1925). Dogs again: John Van Buren was paid $1 for burying dog. [what happened to the 50 cents and no more?]

In December 1926 the question of fixing up the old brick fire station facing the alley on the lots where the library is located, for Police Headquarters, was brought up before the council. After discussion it was understood that it would be a good place for the Police Headquarters and that it would cost somewhere between $75 - $100 to fix it up for this purpose. A motion was made to do so and it passed unanimously. The Building and Grounds Commission was instructed to look after the fixing up.

The city council voted to have a light system placed on the top of some building on Main Street, whereby the Marshalls would be signaled when they were wanted, and this was to be operated through the telephone office. This red light system was approved May 3, 1927. Also in 1927, uniforms were purchased for the city Marshalls, “the price not to exceed $70 for the two uniforms.” Hugh Robertson was paid $39.50 for Police Stars, and the W. S. Darly Co. was paid $7.30 for Police Clubs, and a Police light was bought from the Union Power Company for $60. [C. M. Millisack Store, paid $74.05 for police uniforms Aug 2, 1927] [C. M. Millisack Store, paid $70 for police overcoats Nov. 1, 1927]

During 1928 John R. Fenno, Otis Todd, W. H. Meng, R. L. Johnson, L. H. Dugan, and R. F. Wolfe, were paid for police work, and on May 2, 1928 the marshall was instructed to notify Dr. H. N. Shell to clean up his lots and keep his things on his lots and out of the street.

Police Phone Signals were talked about on May 7, 1929, but no action was taken toward purchasing or installing same. In July Mr. Arthur Jaggard appeared before the council relative to the age of boys playing pool in the pool halls. Dogs again: M. T. Wilson, Marshall, paid for salary and killing dogs. On October 1, a letter from the Telephone company about police phones was read, but no action taken.

In April 1931 Mayor Steever appointed J. H. Ellis, Day Marshall and O. T. Cline, Night Marshall, and the $2 Marshall fees for making arrests was discontinued. November 1931—City jail to be built of tile instead of brick, provided the builders include a brick chimney.

The work load was affecting the police department in 1933 when Golden moved, seconded by Chambers, “that the salaries of the day & night Marshalls be reduced to $100 per month and that an extra night watchman be hired at salary of $45 per month.” In July the council agreed to try a plan of running the Police Force on three shifts, each officer to work 8 hours and to alternate every 30 days. Mayor Steever appoints J. H. Ellis, Arthur Kreuzer and O. T. Cline as Police Officers for this plan.

During 1934 and 1935, slot machines being operated came under scrutiny. Mr. W. F. Kelly was called before the council to discuss ball or marble machines, the topic was laid over until information was obtained about licenses. On Feb. 5, 1935 the Police were told to instruct all places operating marble or ball machines to remove said machines and discontinue operation of same.

During the building of the new high school in 1937, a bricklayer went on a drunken rampage; having a grudge against the foreman he fired a rifle shot, hitting the WPA sign at the corner of the building. Policeman Frank Williams took the man in custody, putting him in the city jail. The culprit then proceeded to wreck the jail, setting a blanket on fire, tearing up a cot, pulling down light cords, and took a piece of the bed and began pounding a hole in the tile wall. He was then removed to the county jail to sober up.

During the Sept. 6, 1938 meeting the council approved having “two policemen, hours of duty: one on duty 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., other 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. Each on call on hours off duty at 1 ˝ time pay for such calls. Regular pay established at $100 per month.”

Birds were a problem in January 1940 when the city clerk was authorized to purchase some gun shells for use by the Police Department for eliminating birds. In June, equipment for Police use was to be purchased, consisting of uniform cap, shirt, and Sam Brown Belt, tear gas gun with cartridges and other miscellaneous equipment needed. Overcoats were bought again in October. In September motion was to “authorize Superintendent to tear down the old city jail and put ramp in surface reservoir.” There was no indication of the motion passing.

In 1941 Earl Derby was appointed as a Special Officer for Saturdays (the big shopping day?), and there were complaints about noise at 17^th and Cherry. Dogs again: Supt. Eaves to build a dog pound, and the police are to enforce the ordinance relating to dogs.

Gasoline allowance was approved, Cline to be 40 gallon and Austin 30 gallons per month.

On February 13, 1942 Oscar Cline and Gordon Austin appeared before the council on matters relating to tires. [war rationing?] On Feb. 25 the city purchased a 1941 2 door Ford sedan from the Sim Hudson Motor Co. for $845. This was the first police car, before that time officers used their own personal cars. In March the city bought a fire extinguisher for the police car. The war was affecting the police—on November 13 Gordon Austin requests a leave of absence for war service and it was granted November 15.

When appointments were made May 4, 1943, Oscar Cline was appointed Chief Marshall, Geo. Kleinschmidt, Asst. Marshall, and Gordon Austin, USN, Asst. Marshall with leave of absence for ‘duration’. [Mayor Reed Jan 15, 1946 appointed Gordon Austin as Chief of Police] However in July 1943 P. M. Newell from Phillipsburg was hired, Everett Goodenow was put on duty, and Geo. Kleinschmidt, who was drafted for police from the electric line crew when Austin went to the navy, returned to his former job.

In September of 1944 thieves cut a screen and broke a window in the Sinclair Filling station at 9^th and Main, and took a small amount of money and some merchandise. No followup was reported in the newspaper.

Following the war, another Police car was bought—a Tudor Plymouth to be purchased from either Scott Motor Co., or Puttroff Motors, which ever can deliver first, subject to satisfactory trade allowance.

Policeman Oscar B. Cline, an 18 year veteran member of the Goodland Police force, in October 1949 was featured in a news story. “When I first came on the force, there were two of us to patrol this city. Of course, in those days, Goodland was about half its present size. I worked a 12 hour shift, and the other man had the other 12 hour period.” Cline used to chase criminals in his own car. It wasn’t until 1944 (sic) that the city bought a car for strict police use. For the past two years, he has been on the merchant police beat. Cline patrols the main sections of the city’s business districts and has worn out more than one pair of shoes on his beat. He walks Main from 8^th to 17^th , “enough times to patrol the district.” On average, Cline finds two doors unlocked every night, and has to rout the owner out of bed via telephone to come down and lock up. (Goodland Daily News, October 18, 1949)

Some other interesting occurrences through the years: 1966—Police department was to make an honest survey to learn who is “hauling trash for hire” and “licenses be obtained by these people,” and that “city be constantly surveyed by the police department for unsightly junk”. Audrey Smith compiled a report showing that most accidents occur at 11^th & Main (16), with 10^th & Main (8) second. 1967—a UFO was spotted by Goodland city patrolmen and law officers in Wallace and Thomas county. “What the object was is anyone’s guess, but because no one who observed it could tell what it was, it was labeled an Unidentified Flying Object." 1977—City received but one bid on two new police cars. They will trade a 1975 and 1974 Ford on two Pontiacs from Finley Pontiac. With trade-ins, the total bid was $7,700. Dogs again—City ordinance requires any owner, keeper or harborer of a dog within the city limits to purchase a tag and affix the tag to the dog’s collar. Also in 1977, a youth problem made the news, with minors reported congregating along Main Street from early evening until early in the morning “because there isn’t anything for them to do.”