Police Seek Young Couple At Washburn

WASHBURN--Two 17-year-old Washburn High School juniors have been missing since Dec. 21 and it is believed by police officials that they left home to get married. According to, the Washburn police chief, Linda Lee Vaughn and Merle Bragg failed to appear back at school after having gone home for lunch.

Police Chief Kenneth Espling reported Monday the couple were last seen with Bragg's father's car, a navy blue Dodge with registration number 284-158. Espling said that Bragg apparently had packed a suitcase with clothing to take with him, but was unable to leave the Bragg home without the bag being seen.

Linda apparently didn't take anything with her, the police official explained. But she was reported to have left a note with neighbors for her mother, in which she stated that she would cail her mother the next night.

But Espling said no word had been received from the teenage couple here as of Monday.

It was also reported Monday that the missing couple withdrew funds from their savings accounts before leaving home.

Linda is the daughter of Mrs. Margaret Allen and Bragg is the son of Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Bragg.

Linda is five feet, two inches tall and has blue eyes and brown hair.

Bragg is about six feet, two inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.

Espling requested that he or the state police be notified by persons with further information about the couple. 1