Janet Perkins, seventh-grade student in Iola Junior High School, was the winner of the annual Allen County Spelling Bee. Janet also won last year’s bee, said Ralph Trout, elementary education supervisor, who was in charge. There were 49 contestants. Miss Perkins will represent Allen County at the state bee in Topeka.
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As the result of a court order, the Kansas Senate was reapportioned for the first time this century to give urban areas representation proportional to their population. The Legislature also brought Wichita University into the state regents system.
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The passing into history of Iola’s “number please” operator system Sunday brought about a change of employment for 29 Iola women. The dial system equipment eliminated the need for even one operator at the local telephone office. All the operators have been offered employment elsewhere by the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. The two remaining female employees at the local office are Thelma Roberts and Lucille Mahan. Roberts has been with the company 34 years and has a record of perfect attendance. Mrs. Mahan has been with Bell for 26 years. Iola’s first telephone service began in 1897 when even the manager, J.D. Arnett, doubted it would be in much demand. Within 18 months he was forced to expand. In 1903, the company became part of the Bell system, giving Iola its first long distance connection.
