The rumors are out that Jake Burton's giant grasshopper was kidnapped on its return trip to Kentucky and is being held for ransom. Nobody will talk much about the kidnapping but reliable sources have informed me that a small fortune is being asked for its safe return. I understand that the FBI has assigned several agents to the case.

Jake Burton's giant grasshopper has arrived from Valdosta, Georgia and is grazing on Mr. Burton's farm.

Mr. Burton kindly requests the public to refrain from disturbing the big hopper at this time, due to the fact that molting season is near.

Mr. Burton said he would inform the public whenever the molting season is over and at that time the big one will be on display.

Old Purdy, located near Green River in eastern Adair County and just this side of the Narrows on highway 206, was the scene of the dastardly crime of kidnapping or I should say grasshopper napping since it was Jake Burton's big grasshopper that got napped.

When questioned, Mr. Burton gave the following account. Mr. Burton stated that late Monday afternoon he watered and fed Big Hop and allowed him to graze for about half an hour, then curried and combed his wings and stabled old Hop in the barn hallway. That's the usual daily procedure required by Big Hop. After dark Mr. Burton and family retired for the night and was aroused sometime during the night by the sound of a truck turning around in his driveway.

Upon going to the barn to feed in the morning Mr. Burton immediately noticed that Big Hop was missing also a calf halter was missing.

Mr. Burton believes that some low down scoundrel sneaked into the barn and enticed Big Hop with a plug of sweet chewing tobacco, then slipped the halter on the big grasshopper and whisked it away.

"It is rumored that Mr. Burton has turned down several buyers with offers from circuses, carnivals, a Hollywood motion picture show, a country music singing star, a well known gospel quartet and a Nationally known fried chicken company.

When questioned as to receiving any ransom letter or phone calls, Mr. Burton replied, no comment. But did say a substantial reward would be offered soon. So far the local authorities have a few partial clues. The description of a truck with Tennessee licences, a broken shoe string, the cap from a ball point pen and a wad of chewing tobacco.

Naturally, the Burton family are heartbroken about Big Hop being stolen and an air of sadness darkens the household. Everyone connected with Big Hop the giant grasshopper is hoping for his safe return.

Mrs. Burton further stated her neighbor, Mrs. S.P. Hudson, had informed Mrs. Burton that "she thought she knew right where he was up on Sulphur Creek, at Pikes Ford, locked up in a barn (poor thing.)

Mrs. Burton then intimated in the strongest possible way that "Mr. Neat and my husband, F.W. Burton should investigate.