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Tennis: Local pair ready for regionals

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THE IOLA REGISTER Thursday, May 8, 2014

Longshot novice targets Jenkins By SUSAN LYNN The Iola Register

Margie Wakefield knows it would be an upset of epic proportions to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins. Which is why the Lawrence Democrat has been surprised by the support she has been attracting for the 2nd Congressional seat, which includes Allen County. “I’ve been gobsmacked,” said Wakefield in a visit to the communities of Iola, Humboldt and Chanute on Wednesday morning. Wakefield, 56, credits the response to constituents tiring of Jenkins’ toeing

the Republican Party line, with nothing in return for Kansas. Earlier this year, for example, Rep. Jenkins introduced legislation to overturn the Affordable Care Act — the 51st time by Republicans. “That’s the very definition of insanity,” Wakefield said, “where you try the same thing over and over but expect to get a different result. “The majority of Americans like the new health insurance plan,” Wakefield said. “They like that they can get health insurance despite having a pre-exist-

Mackenzie Weseloh, right, gives the call to worship to her classmates during baccalaureate services for Iola High School seniors at Wesley United Methodist Church Wednesday evening. Winners of the McFadden Scholarship, below, were announced at Wednesday evening’s IHS awards assembly. From left are Mackenzie Weseloh, Bryan Mueller, Tyler McIntosh, Michaela Ingle and Halie Cleaver.

See WAKEFIELD | Page A5

Evening’s focus on IHS seniors By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register

Margie Wakefield

In a run-up to graduation ceremonies Sunday afternoon, Iola High School seniors were honored twice Wednesday evening. First, they and a handful of underclassmen were recognized at an awards presentation in the school’s commons area. Complete details of award winners will be reported in Saturday’s Register. Then, they trekked to Wesley United Methodist Church for baccalaureate services.

Banking on pot

Youth ministers Mason Wilson, Harvest Baptist, and Matt Stuckey, Wesley United, encouraged the seniors to keep their paths centered on God. Wilson asked the 30 seniors attending to “love God and love people. My goal is to see every young person make a difference, have an impact.” “There are many houses of worship, but one thing brings us all together, God,” Stuckey said. “You will have many highs and lows and God always will be there for you.” He encouraged the students to talk daily with God through

Dancing in the street

Lawmakers approve marijuana financial system Organization sponsors stoplight dance By KRISTEN WYATT Associated Press

Colorado lawmakers have approved the world’s first financial system for the marijuana industry, a network of uninsured cooperatives designed to give pot businesses a way to access basic banking services. The plan, approved Wednesday, seeks to move the marijuana industry away from its cash-only roots. Banks routinely reject pot businesses for even basic services such as checking accounts because they fear running afoul of federal law, which considers marijuana and its proceeds illegal. The result: Pot shop owners deal in large amounts of cash, which makes them targets for criminals. Or they try to find ways around the problem, like drenching their proceeds in air fresh-

ener to remove the stink of marijuana and try to fool traditional banks into accepting their money. “This is our main problem: Financial services for marijuana businesses,” said Sen. David Balmer, RCentennial. “We are trying to improvise and come up with something in Colorado to give marijuana business some opportunity, so they do not have to store large amounts of cash.” Colorado became the first state to allow recreational pot sales, which started Jan. 1. Washington state will follow suit, with retail sales expect to start in July. The U.S. Treasury Department said in February that banks could serve the marijuana industry under certain conditions. With the industry emerging from the underground, states want to track marijuana sales and collect taxes. It’s a lot easier

Quote of the day Vol. 116, No. 136

prayer. “And don’t be afraid to serve,” Stuckey said. “You’re all unique and you can leave your mark on the world.” Several of the seniors had roles in the service. Mackenzie Weseloh led the call to worship and also sang in the Wesley praise group. Levi Baker gave the invocation. Hannah Endicott and Bryan Mueller read Scripture. Halie Cleaver read a commissioning statement, concluding with, “Be at peace with your neighbor and your God, and be happy.”

to do that when the businesses have bank accounts. But most banks have shrugged at the Treasury guidelines, calling them too onerous to accept marijuana-related clients. “This is not something that we can wait for any further,” said another banking sponsor, Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. The bill approved Wednesday would allow marijuana businesses to pool money in cooperatives, but the co-ops would on take effect if the U.S. Federal Reserve agrees to allow them to do things like accept credit cards or checks. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper supports the pot bank plan and is expected to sign it into law, though a spokesman said Wednesday the governor had yet to review the final language. See POT | Page A5

By KAYLA BANZET The Iola Register

Iolans will have the opportunity to bust a move on the town square. Power Up Iola is hosting its first fundraiser in the community with a Stoplight Dance from 9 to 11 p.m. May 16. The dance will be on the east side of the square between Madison Avenue and East Street. Those who are in a relationship are encouraged to wear red, if it’s “complicated” wear yellow and singletons are to wear green. “We wanted something exciting and fun for our first fundraiser,” Power Up member Elyssa Jackson said. “We had a dance like this at my university and people here really liked the idea.” Power Ups are 21- to

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis, writer 75 Cents

39-year-olds who live in rural areas. Power Ups enjoy things like the ability to know your neighbors, commute to work with no traffic, being able to shop in local stores and have community engagement. The newly formed Iola organization is trying to raise funds to help out in the community. To enter the event dancegoers must purchase a wristband for $5. The wristband comes in handy after the dance. Local bars, Scooters and 5 O’clock Somewhere, will have exclusive drink specials for those wearing the stoplight wristband. Wristbands will be available at the dance or can be purchased at Around the Corner, Class Act and Fifty 50. These stores are managed or owned by Power Up age people. “That’s what is important to me, supporting Power Up-age business owners and managers,” Jackson said. “I want to help support them in their business ventures.” See STOPLIGHT | Page A5

Hi: 76 Lo: 54 Iola, KS


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