Public debate invited

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

The people of Fort Scott have been in the habit of having city water bills mailed or sent to them quarterly, showing how many gallons they used and what the charge is. Beginning this month, water consumers were not reminded of their indebtedness to the city water plant. They were advised through an obscure few lines in the newspapers that it would thereafter be the customers' responsibility and they must voluntarily call at the city treasurer's office and pay their bills before the 20th of the month or they would not be entitled to the discount. Not many of them have acted upon this notice. Hundreds of them have neglected to pay water bills. And now that the 20th of the month has passed, they are penalized and will have to pay 27 1/2 cents per thousand, for the first four thousand gallons and 26 cents for the next ten thousand gallons. Had they paid before the 20th the discount allowed would have made the water cost them just 25 cents per thousand. Under the new system recently adopted, the water works office just sits still and waits for you to bring you money in.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

In conjunction with the Fort Scott district dairy celebration last week, prizes were offered for essays by rural and high school students on the subject of dairying.

First prize in the high school division was won by Kenneth Cochran, whose essay was entitled "Better Times for Dairymen." First place in the rural school group went to Betty Lou Collins, who wrote on "Milk and Its Uses."

TOPEKA (AP) -- The 1938 automobile license tags will be more easily read than those of past years so that witnesses to accidents may note the numbers at a glance if a driver should attempt to leave the scene of an accident, said Carl Newcomer, vehicle commissioner. The new tags with white numbers will be an inch and a quarter wider, but two and a quarter inches shorter than the 1937 tag. The plates will be short enough not to interfere with trunks and jump seats at the rear of cars.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

Kenneth W. Pollock, president of the Fort Scott School Board, invited Dr. R.E. Hicks, superintendent of schools, or any other board member, to meet him in a public debate on the proposed $450,000 bond issue for a gymnasium building. Pollock said the issue is not primarily an educational one, but a business one and that he does not think the proposed plan and architectural arrangement look like good business. In a further statement, Pollock said that if other architects could design buildings of similar general construction and appearance costing from $8.50 to $9 per square foot, he can see no reason for authorizing a bond issue for a building costing $12.50 per square foot. He also questions why $50,000 to $60,000 in the special building fund should not be used.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

Due to last night's fire Margaret's Boutique will relocate to 1605 E. Wall St. After Monday, call 223-6285. Thanks for your patience.

Win! Win! Win! Register to win free prizes to be given away by area merchants at the Christmas Festival Party at the Scottish Rite Temple on Friday, Nov. 27. Register from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Drawing to be held at 8 p.m. Must be present to win. Sponsored by Downtown Fort Scott Project.

Fundraising supper for Meals on Wheels and Transportation. Chili, vegetable soup, pie, tea, coffee $2 per person. Nov. 27 starting at 4:30 p.m.