Softball: Allen women win to snap losing skid See B1
Locally owned since 1867 www.iolaregister.com
THE IOLA REGISTER Monday, March 24, 2014
Legislators get an earful
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, left, explains her most recent efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act, Saturday morning, as State Sen. Caryn Tyson listens. Ken McGuffin, right, makes an impassioned plea for legislators to vote for “what’s right, not always the party line,” drawing applause from a large gathering at the legislative forum sponsored by Allen County Farm Bureau.
Town hall meeting filled with criticism, concern By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
“It’s dead,” Kansas Sen. Caryn Tyson said here Saturday morning of Senate Bill 411, which would have changed the way consolidated Extension districts are funded. That was a sea change for Tyson, Republican whose 12th District includes Allen County, and sponsor of the bill. Tyson joined Kent Thompson, 9th District state representative, and U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins at a legislative forum sponsored by Allen County Farm Bureau. Senate Bill 411 would have re-
turned taxing authority from an elected board for Extension districts to county commissioners. In 2010, Allen and Neosho counties formed the Southwind Extension District; the next year Bourbon County joined in. Pressed by Iolan Jerry Dreher, long a 4-H leader and local banker, Tyson said she seized on the bill because of “constituent concerns,” including lack of budget oversight by county commissioners. THE MORNING forum also gave vent to public concerns. “I’m frustrated with Washington,” said Ken McGuffin, a former elementary school principal and
now trustee at Allen Community College. “I’m tired of the vitriol and finger-pointing, including that of this morning.” He referred to when Nancy Kassebaum and Bob Dole were in the U.S. Senate and how they were able to form relationships and compromise with Democrats. “I want you to vote for what’s right, not always toe the party line,” McGuffin said. “Please have the courage to cross the aisle.” “We’re frustrated, too,” Jenkins replied, blaming lack of positive action on “people not willing to find common ground, which is different than compromise.” Jenkins said she was a mem-
ber of a small bipartisan group of House and Senate members that meets “to find things we can agree on.” She said 12 bills had come from the group, though none was a newsmaker. McGuffin also had advice for Tyson and Thompson, saying he found confrontations between the Legislature and judicial branch distressing. That was in reference to attempts to change the way judges are appointed to office and the legislators’ contention that setting a figure for school funding was their responsibility alone. McGuffin reminded legislators See LEGISLATORS | Page A4
Works will not run Dick Works won’t seek reelection to the District 1 seat on the Allen County Commission. Works announced his intention during a legislative forum in Iola Saturday. He first was elected in 1990 and has served since. The district contains Humboldt,
Moran, Elsmore, Savonburg and nearby townships. The filing deadline is June 1. Commissioners earn $18,678 year, and have the option to participate in the county’s health insurance and the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS).
Fundraiser brings in $4,565 for Robbs Barbara Anderson, standing, and Heather Curry have fun participating in an auction-type event at Friday’s annual meeting of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Susan Lynn
Chamber lauds area businesses By SUSAN LYNN The Iola Register
Cameron International and The Bowlus Fine Arts Center were named this year’s big and small industries of the year, respectively, by the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce. The awards were an-
nounced at the Chamber’s annual dinner Friday night at Bass Community Center. Cameron purchased Precision Down Hole Pumps in 2009. Cameron works in the oil drilling industry, maintaining a work force of 60. It is part of global network with over 300 plants around the world. Mi-
Quote of the day Vol. 116, No. 103
chael Johnson is plant manager in Iola. The fine arts center’s recognition coincides nicely with its 50th anniversary this year. The center came about through a bequest by Thomas H. Bowlus, longtime Iola See CHAMBER | Page A4
By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
A biscuits-and-gravy fundraiser at Iola Elks Lodge Saturday brought in $4,565 to help Steve and Becky Robb, Gas, while he is off work because of a rare illness. Robb became ill in early January with what was eventually discovered to be mucormycosis, a fungal infection of the lungs. The first three hospital stays totaled 33 days. He returned to KU Med after
“Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes 75 Cents
problems resurfaced late last week. Money raised will help the Robbs with medical and living expenses. Becky Robb works as a paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary School. She has been off work since her husband became seriously ill. Robb is city superintendent at Gas and has been kept on the payroll through generosity of fellow employees who have shared sick leave and vacation time. See ROBBS | Page A4
Hi: 51 Lo: 27 Iola, KS