Retrospect: Plants were seized

More than 200 marijuana plants were found in Jay County cornfields forty years ago this week.

On June 23, 1977, Jay County Sheriff’s Office seized 192 marijuana plants that were found growing between rows of corn west of Portland. Officers also discovered 15 plants in a trailer and five more in another residence.

Two days earlier, Pennville Town Marshal Everett Bower discovered and seized 112 marijuana plants in a field 1 mile south of Pennville.

Sheriff Gerald Kirby said the combined street value of all the seized plants exceeded $22,000. Police destroyed the seized marijuana and encouraged farmers to keep an eye out for plants in their fields.

“It is not possible for us to cover every square inch of our 400 square mile county,” said Kirby. “We need the help of every concerned citizen.”

Two men were arrested for the plants seized near Portland. Everett Gildewell and Jan Reynolds were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken to Jay County Jail, where their bond was set at $3,000.