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NAME LESCHER FOR BANK AT SAND COULEE Will Be in Charge Temporarily; Belt Concern Closes. Herman G. Lescher, long associated with the banking business in Great Falls, has been appointed temporarily to the staff of L. Q. Skelton, state superintendent of banks, and during his incumbency will be in charge of the Miners State bank of Sand Coulee. The bank recently was closed, following the arrest of L. B. Lockhart, vice president and owner of control, on a charge of misappropriating the bank's funds. Lescher's appointment as a temporary deputy bank examiner was indirectly incident to the closing of the Belt bank Friday morning. This bank also was in the charge of Lockhart and alleged misappropriation also figured in his arrest. The bank remained open after Lockhart's arrest until Friday, but it then was decided that suspension was necessary. Both banks were investigated by Deputy Examiner H. E. Stewart prior to their closing and he retained supervision of the Sand Coulee bank until the Belt bank suspended, when it became necessary to place another man at Sand Coulee, Steward removing to Belt. Lescher will be in charge at the Sand Coulee bank until the state department is able to transfer a permanent member of the examiner's staff to that place. Lockhart was twice arrested after charges had been preferred by Stewart, each time furnishing $2,500 bail.
