Storm watch group forming

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

West Liberty Gossip:

Mr. Gilbert Spaur of Richards, Mo., and Miss Cora Stevens, of this vicinity, were married at Kansas City on Wednesday, April 10. Miss Stevens wore a beautiful gown of blue chiffon over blue satin. The groom wore the usual color black. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mrs. R.M. Stevens and is a very charming young lady. The groom is a successful young farmer of near Richards. They have a large circle of friends.

A story, the variety of which cannot be guaranteed, is being told about the Missouri freight house fire. When the blaze was at its height, and the entire depot was burning, it made a brilliant light. The Alexander chicken house, which is near by, was suddenly aroused with cackles. Upon examination this morning several hens, mistaking the light of the burning building for daylight, had laid eggs.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

Plans for a decided enlargement of the natural amphitheater in front of the band shell at the South Main Street Park are to be completed and sent to the WPA district office so work can begin immediately. A resolution appropriating $2,410 from the city's general fund as the sponsor's share in paying for the improvement was passed by the city commissioners. Just south and west of the band shell there is an area of land sloping gently down toward the shell. This is being smoothed and stationary benches are being installed. The heavy concrete supports for these benches were made in the basement of Memorial Hall. Movable benches will be placed on the band shell terraces and also on similar terraces at the south end of the municipal swimming pool.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

Mrs. Stella Prager Rice, 94, of 224 S. Main St., widow of Oscar Rice, founder of the Western Insurance Companies, died yesterday. She attended the Fort Scott schools. She married Oscar Rice in 1894. The body is at Cheney's.

"It will be another 30 days before we get radios," said Allan Lotterer, head of the storm watch group. According to Lotterer, there is a possibility that the radios have come too late to be of maximum use. He said the storm season will be nearly at its peak within 30 days.

A retired Hiattville man has indicated he will help the storm watchers. Lotterer has attempted to organize storm watchers there for the past several years. Hiattville, said Lotterer, is an ideal location for a storm watch group. Located southwest of Fort Scott, the Hiattville area would be directly in the path of most storms which would threaten the city.

Less than 3 cents a serving -- that's all! You get three full glasses of Coke over ice in the brand new half-quart bottle of Coca-Cola. Carton of 6 half-quarts, 40 cents.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

Recalling the Western:

Lincoln National Corporation's donation of Western Insurance artifacts will add a new dimension to the collection in the Ralph Richards Museum. The memorabilia includes several items of furniture from the early days, bric-a-brac and several boxes of documents, including the first policy issued by the company after its founding in 1911. The items to be donated were selected by an ad hoc committee of several former Western executives: Don Hewett, E.D. Gordon, Clifton Otto, Tom Mayhew, Charles DuBoc and Bill Henry.

Photo caption: "Fort Scott City Commissioner Wally Anthony, the top vote-getter at Tuesday's election for commission, expressed his gratitude by having his plane flown over Fort Scott trailing a message. Banner Towing is a new service in Fort Scott offered by Fort Scott Aviation, owned by Fred Farid, manager of the airport."--Photo by John Lechliter.