The
IOLA REGISTER Wednesday, June 12, 2013
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The Kansas license plate turns 100 Local expert sheds light on living history By STEVEN SCHWARTZ steven@iolaregister.com
In 1913, the “horseless carriage” was just beginning to sputter down the streets of Kansas towns. Cities had identification plates required for the drivers the vehicles, made out of leather or tin. On July 1, the state created the first-ever license plate for Kansas. Now, on the license plate’s 100th birthday, some of those who care most about this everchanging piece of history are chiming in on the importance of the registration of a vehicle over the years. “A license plate shows a lot of history,” Paul Sorenson, a local expert and member of the Kansas License Plate Collectors Association, said. “If they could talk, they could tell a lot of stories.” The law, mandated by the signature of Gov. George H. Hodges, stated motor vehicles required to be registered included, “all vehicles propelled by any power other than muscular power, excepting, however, traction engines, road rollers and any vehicle which runs only on rails or tracks.”
renson said. It is a black plate with a raised Kansas insignia that has interlocking letters. The plates originally were labeled with a number assigned to each counties; Allen County’s was 26. In 1930, the counties were assigned letters, which now represents the county as AL. Sorenson said the KLPCA served as a historical catalog of license plates, mainly because the Department of Motor Vehicles doesn’t take as much interest in preserving plates. “It’s not much of a state thing,” he said. “They don’t seem to be interested in that kind of thing.” He said the organization even Paul Sorenson is a local license plate expert and mem- receives calls from Highway Patrol investigators, looking ber of the Kansas License Plate Collectors Association. to identify plates on a vehicle. They are experts on the color, According to information from design and layout of plates for KLPCA President Duane John- any year. son, the first-ever plate went to SORENSON has a collection W.W. Web, Topeka; the second of over 250 plates, which he plate went to J.R. Burrow, Tocalls meager compared to many peka. Sorenson said license plates other collectors in the state. “Some of the big collectors were changed every year, until metal shortages in the second in Kansas have 30,000 or 40,000 world war. Then, states adopted plates in their collections,” he stickers for registration and said. He said he had a much largdidn’t force Kansans to rebuy plates yearly. Prior to World er collection before he moved War II, plates were colorful and from California in 2000, but more decorative than succes- downsized during the move. He has plates from every year sors. “The 1916 plate is more decoSee LICENSE | Page A5 rative than any other year,” So-
Quick Facts: — Walter E. Wilson, a senator from Washington County, introduced Senate Bill 239, which proposed license plates. — The 13th plate given to a citizen, Dr. J.C. McClintoc, was returned because it was “an unlucky number” and he did not want his family riding in a vehicle with that plate. — The first motorcycle license plate was mailed to C.E. Hollenbeck, R.F.D. 1, Leavenworth. — Other states that implemented their plates in 1913: Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, North Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming. — 39,889 cars and trucks were registered in the first 12 months of license plates. Of charges, $168,315.75 went for county roads, and $33,631.75 stayed in the state general fund. — According to Forbes Magazine, a 1921 Alaska license plate sold for $60,000. Values of license plates vary according to the state (some states, like Alaska, had fewer plates manufactured), condition and year.
Concealed carry commission topic By BOB JOHNSON bob@iolaregister.com
Allen County might have to spend as much as $200,000 to reconfigure its courthouse and provide personnel to restrict concealed carry of firearms into the building. That estimate came after commissioners met with District Judge Daniel Creitz, County Attorney Wade Bowie and others in executive session to consider courthouse security. A law that takes effect July 1 permits concealed carry in public buildings, except those housing agencies having some reliance on federal funding. The Kansas Capitol, where legislators who passed the
law gather each year, also is off-limits to concealed carry, noted Creitz. A reprieve immediately deciding whether to permit concealed carry, or go to the expense of not, is an opportunity to put off a decision for six months until Jan. 1, 2014. Commissioners exercised that option and instructed County Counselor Alan Weber to write the attorney general’s office to express their intention. In brief discussion in open session, commissioners mentioned closing some courthouse entrances to the public — workers would See CARRY | Page A5
Safety and fun in store at local farmers market Vegetables, baked goods, jellies and jams will be very much a part of Thursday evening’s Allen County Farmers Market on the southwest part of the courthouse square. An added attraction will be Family Fun Night from 5:30 until 7. Allen County’s MultiAgency Team (ACMAT), which brings together a broad array of community groups, will have entertain-
ment, activities for kids — including inflatables — and booths promoting safety in all adults and kids do. ACMAT’s mission is to build a healthier community, said Angela Murphy, 911 director and one of its members. “We want to meet the needs of individuals and the entire community, by providing education and resources to improve the quality of life for Allen County citizens.” Prevention organizations, law enforcement, See MARKET | Page A5
Vol. 115, No. 161
Register/Bob Johnson
A helping hand
DeeDee Martin, left, chief nursing officer at SEK Multi County Health Department, and members of Allen County Community Emergency Response Team look over equipment included with backpacks purchased for the team by money from a grant the health department won from Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The local CERT team received 10 hats, command vests and backpacks, as well as a large fold-up command board, which Pam Beasley, county emergency management director, said would be valuable when the team responded. CERT members are, from left, David Fontaine, Larry Crawford, John Smith and Beasley. CERT teams in Woodson, Bourbon and Anderson counties also received equipment from the grant.
Gracie is recovering HUMBOLDT — Little Gracie Dillow was all pooped out Tuesday afternoon. “Yeah, she was tired,” said Brian Dillow, her father, after she was went outside for a while, walked around some and then went with her parents to Walmart. “She took a nap when we got home.” Gracie, 6, has had two fiveday stays in Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, the second ending when she came See Gracie | Page A5
Iola Municipal Band -Since 1871Thursday, 8 p.m.
At the bandstand
Jake Ard, director
Star Spangled Banner...............................Arr. J.P. Sousa
Officer of the Day....................................Hall
Just a Closer Walk with Thee........................Arr. E. Osterling The Band Played On................................Ward/Palmer The Chimes of Liberty..............................Goldman
Phantom of the Opera.............................A.L. Webber
Over the Rainbow..................................Harburg/Arlen
Them Basses........................................Huffine
When the Saints Go Marching In...................Arr. Walter
The Liberty Bell.......................................J.P. Sousa 75 Cents
Iola, KS