60 Years Ago
January 1959
William M Gumfory, Gas City, is the new superintendent of the United Tile and Brick Co. plant east of Iola, succeeding F.T. Cranor, Iola, who is retiring. The plant employs about 30 men when in full operation. It is not in production at the present time.
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Iolas weather instruments have been moved near the settling basin which is part of Iolas water plant. Mrs. H. J. Fronk, whose husband is superintendent of the municipal power plant, will be the new weather observer. Since 1906 the instruments have been situated near the government building at Sycamore and Broadway which was erected by the U.S. Weather Department. However, the records have been kept by the Soil Conservation Service for about 30 years. With the opening of the new courthouse, the SCS moved to that building and Bill Qualls, work unit conservationist, and his staff found it increasingly difficult to read the thermometers and check the rain gauge every 24 hours. Mrs. Fronks new job pays no salary but she does have the satisfaction of knowing she is performing an essential service for the community and state.
21 Everett Shepherd, who has been Iolas assistant chief of police for several years, will head the department Feb. 1 when the recent resignation of Mack Percy becomes effective. Percy will remain on the force, Shepherd said.
