2015 McFadden scholars See A5
The Weekender Saturday, May 2, 2015
Locally owned since 1867
www.iolaregister.com
FIELD DAY FUN
Officers charged in Gray incident By JULIET LINDERMAN The Associated Press
Above from left, Marmaton Valley Elementary School fifth-graders Sara Harrison, Alexis Elam, Kamryn Boyd, Kendall Scharff, Hannah Moore, Jenni Armstrong and Allison Ard work together to win a tug-of-war match during Friday’s Field Day activities at the school. Below at left, Kassidy Beggs, sixth grade, launches a softball out into the shot put field. At bottom right, fifthgrader Quincy Adams sprints through hoops in an obstacle course. Field Day was funded this year through an FCCLA grant with MVHS Family, Career and Community Leaders of America helping organize the activities. REGISTER/KAYLA BANZET
BALTIMORE (AP) — Saying “no one is above the law,” Baltimore’s top prosecutor announced charges Friday against six officers involved in the arrest of a black man whose neck was broken in police custody, a decision that comes amid outrage around the country over police brutality against African-Americans. State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby declared that Freddie Gray’s death was a homicide, his arrest was illegal, and his treatment in custody amounted to murder and manslaughter. She said even though Gray requested medical help several times, officers repeatedly missed opportunities to get it for him. “The findings of our comprehensive, thorough and independent investigation, coupled with the medical examiner’s determination See BALTIMORE | Page A6
Hundreds attend rally for disabled By DAVE RANNEY KHI News Service
TOPEKA (KHI) — As a child, David Beecham’s disabilities were so severe his family couldn’t care for him. “When he was born, he didn’t have any muscles in his face, so the doctors had to make him a face,” said Linda Lock, executive director at Brown County Developmental Services (BCDS) in Hiawatha. “His family kept him as long as they could, but his mom died, his dad remarried, and with five kids they felt like they couldn’t keep him.” Beecham, now 67, spent much of his childhood and early adult years living in nursing homes. “Keep in mind this was back in the 1950s, the 1960s, and the early 1970s,” Lock said. Beecham’s circumstances changed about 30 years ago when BCDS started a community-based residential program for adults with developmental disabilities who were living with family members or in institutions. Today, Beecham lives in a supervised apartment in Hiawatha. He uses his Social Security check to pay his rent.
The services that allow him to live semi-independently are financed through the state’s Medicaid program. Beecham, who is nonverbal, goes to BCDS for day services and has an “in-community job” shredding paper at the special education co-op. “He’s where he belongs,” Lock said. “He’s part of the community.” Lock brought Beecham and seven other BCDS clients to a Thursday morning rally outside the Statehouse. “We’re here to protect the HCBS waiver,” she said, referring to funding attached to the Medicaid program’s home- and community-based services waiver. “That’s 78 percent of our budget, so if gets cut, it would affect us enormously.” Lock said all but a handful of BCDS’s 42 clients are living in apartments similar to Beecham’s; half have supported-employment jobs in the community. “We’d have more people here, but it’s hard for them to miss work,” she said. “And they don’t want to miss work.” See RALLY | Page A6
Quote of the day Vol. 117, No. 127
Marmaton Valley High School band members will perform Wednesday at Fine Arts Night activities at the school. The band members are, front from left, Clara Boyd and Jesse Gardner; and second row from left, Emily Boyd, Genna Mitchell, Kaitlyn Knavel, Michale Johnson and Molly Henderson. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Marmaton Valley to spotlight artists By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
MORAN — Good things come in small packages. With one of the smallest high schools in the state, Marmaton Valley’s halls are filled to the brim with artistic
talent. MVHS students have earned league, state and even national honors for its entries in speech and drama, music and art competitions. Some of that work will be on display Wednesday at its Fine Arts Night at Marmaton Valley.
“Things don’t have to change the world to be important.” — Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder 75 Cents
The event kicks off at 7 p.m. in the MVHS band room. Musicians Clara Boyd, Emily Boyd, Jesse Gardner, Molly Henderson, Michaele Johnson, Kaitlyn Knavel and Genna Mitchell will perform. See ARTS | Page A6
Hi: 79 Lo: 59 Iola, KS