Basketball: Wildcats take down KU in thriller
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THE IOLA REGISTER Tuesday, February 11, 2014
‘Good news and bad news’
City council updated on high natural gas costs, outlook By STEVEN SCHWARTZ The Iola Register
“I have good news and bad news,” Scott Shreve said when addressing the Iola City Council Monday evening — a concise way to sum up a complicated issue on gas and electric utilities.
Humboldt finances due a review
Shreve is the consultant on utilities for the city. He is employed by EMG Inc., Topeka. He was at Monday’s meeting to answer questions regarding unusually high gas bills in recent months. The culprit? An “interim” rate put in place by Southern Star Pipeline for transportation costs, which happen to be nearly 200 per-
cent higher than normal costs. “How do they justify that,” City Attorney Bob Johnson asked. According to Shreve, increases in delivery costs and tariffs have resulted in changes in the industry, and the pipeline company has the right to put the rates in place for a limited time, then refund the excess money that was paid for the cost. Other than that, Shreve said there is no See COSTS | Page A3
Scott Shreve, with EMG Inc., addresses the city council Monday. REGISTER/STEVEN SCHWARTZ
AN OLYMPIC CELEBRATION Deposed coach asks board to reconsider
By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
HUMBOLDT — Chanute City Clerk Rebecca Woods will look at Humboldt city finances, to see where money might be saved and reserves rebuilt. The review is expected to take about eight weeks and cost $4,000. Mayor Nobby Davis said Woods had cleared the project with Chanute officials, and noted she had a role in Chanute’s financial analysis. “I think having an outside party, another set of eyes, look at our finances will be helpful,” said Vada Aikins, a council member. “This isn’t being done because of any problems,” just to give a different perspective.
COLONY — Brent Smith, head football coach for the past decade at Crest High School, asked USD 479 Board of Education members to reconsider their decision not to renew his coaching contract for 2014. Smith’s plea was all for naught, and was not the only surprise at Monday night’s school board meeting. In addition, board members refused to let members of the public speak because of a technicality. And Jerry Turner, superintendent of schools and high school principal, handed in his resignation.
I think having an outside party, another set of eyes, look at our finances will be helpful. This isn’t being done because of any problems. — Vada Aikins, Humboldt council member
USA's Julia Mancuso celebrates her bronze medal win in the women's super combined skiing at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Center during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Monday. For more information, see page B3. NHAT V. MEYER/
DISTRICT OFFICIALS notified Smith after their January meeting his employment contract as Crest’s transportation director would remain, but his coaching contract would not. Smith spoke for about five minutes about his commitment to the team, and the team’s commitment to the community. “I’m here because I love my players, past and present,” Smith said. “I put my heart and soul into this deal.”
MCT
Davis pointed out auditors had recommended an outside review of finances, with emphasis on rebuilding reserves. Asked his opinion, City Attorney Fred Works said the arrangement seemed prudent. “A lot has happened in the last five to six years, a lot of projects that have taken down reserves,” Works said. Council members approved the proposal unanimously, with two of the eight — Sunny Shreeve and Jo Ann Roether — absent. Davis said the review would start immediately, which will give time to incorporate any findings into preparation of the 2015 budget. Deadline for budget completion is late July. Cindy Hollingsworth was sworn in to fill a council vacancy. She replaces Bryan See FINANCES | Page A6
See COACH | Page A6
Food service a hot topic
By KAYLA BANZET The Iola Register
Foodservice was a boiling topic at USD 257’s board meeting Monday night. Only four of seven board members were present at the meeting. USD 257 is working toward hiring a foodservice company to help cut food costs across the district. The district is spending around $250,000 annually on in-house food preparation and delivery. OPAA, a foodservice company based out of Chesterfield, Mo., assessed the district’s situation and proposed it could save them close to $100,000. See FOOD | Page A3
Quote of the day Vol. 116, No.74
Chartwells representatives Scott Murphy, left, and Randy Whitwell address the USD 257 board members about their food service program. REGISTER/KAYLA BANZET
“Just because nobody complains doesn’t mean all parachutes are perfect.” — Benny Hill 75 Cents
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