The Iola Register Locally owned since 1867
Weekender Saturday, April 6, 2013
BASEBALL MV boys defeat Yates Center See B1
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For Business Series to examine state of locally owned restaurants
Kings’ success spans 58 years
The restaurant scene in Iola has seen its ups and downs in recent years, due to economic shortages, gains and changes. The question — “where are we now?” Over the course of next week, The Register will explore the status of Iola restuarants, highlighting the struggles and successes of everyone from the oldest veterans to the new guys in town. According to statistics gathered from Iola City Clerk Roxanne Hutton, the restaurant sales tax amounted to $9,426.96 for March 2012 — 10.17 percent of the total sales tax revenue. For comparison’s sake, in March 2011, restaurants brought in $8,830.40 (8.4 percent of total revenue). This year’s tally for March saw restaurant sales tax revenue at $8,803.11 — 9.9 percent of the total sales tax revenue. While the numbers may seem like a drop in the bucket to the local economy, the restaurants in town affect employment, population and the image that Iola conveys to the surrounding area. While our economy may seem to be on the rise, do our restaurants reflect that fact? We will let you decide. Our first two features 12 are King’s Sandwich Shop, one of Iola’s old10 est restaurants, and Corleone’s, the newest res- Percent 8 taurant in town. Every of total 6 tax day for the next week, we revenue 4 will put the spotlight on local restaurants, focus2 ing on what they do to 0 keep their food on your 2011 2012 2013 plate.
By ALLISON TINN
allison@iolaregister.com
King’s Sandwich Shop’s success comes from something money can’t buy — a good reputation. The Iola staple has been in business since 1955. In its almost 60 years it has always been in the King family. Though business fluctuates, Kyle King, Kyle King current owner, said the restaurant “holds its own.” King spends about $1,500 on food each week, not including operational costs, insurance and employees. “The economy doesn’t help right now,” King said. “To keep a business going it needs consistency in product and service.” Along with consistency King wants to keep the restaurant feeling homey. Most days King is in the restaurant working and personally checks on customers. “I have my regulars,” King said. “I know them on a good business level. Where else can See KING’S | Page A6
Register/Allison Tinn
From left are Katy Boren, owner, chef Brian Donovan and manager Carri Sailor.
Corleone’s: the ‘new guy’ making waves By ALLISON TINN allison@iolaregister.com
Corleone’s Pizza, Pasta and Pub opened its doors about six months ago, and already is making a name for itself. Owner Katy Boren said response to the restaurant has been great, although cold and snowy weather has put a crimp in some activities she and the staff would like to have. The restaurant has a staff of 35, and finding help hasn’t been a problem, Boren said, although it indicates “there are a lot of people out there looking for jobs.” “We have a wide swath of people,” Boren said. “We have people who have worked in the industry for years and people where it’s their See CORLEONE’S | Page A6
Moran shares public’s frustration By BOB JOHNSON
bob@iolaregister.com
Congress isn’t as polarized as the national media portrays, Sen. Jerry Moran told Iola Rotarians Thursday. Rather, it may be that some in the two houses “throw a fit, yell and scream” to get attention, Moran said. “On the majority of things we can find common ground.” Even so, there is division in the country and constituents see those in Congress and the President “as not giving an inch, while in most cases there is an inch to give.” But, he continued, “there are things that are black and white,” and don’t lend themselves to compromise.
Moran said he learned long ago — he was in the House 14 years and is starting his third year in the Senate — that Kansas cong ressmen have to “work with urJerry Moran ban and suburban folks to get anything for Kansas.” “We need a leader,” Moran said, and no one better suits that role than the president — if President Obama would assume it. Obama needs to reach out to Congress, but that hasn’t been an outcome of
the president’s re-election, Moran said. Whenever Obama meets with congressmen, it’s more like a press conference than a joint session, he said. “In my view this president (thinks he) is above the fray,” Moran said. “We have to find common ground, and it doesn’t come through the press.” EFFORTS to rein in the deficit and deal with the national debt have to include entitlements — Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — and service on the national debt, Moran opined, noting that they represent about 70 percent of national spending.
Area students compete in Aggie Day events
See MORAN | Page A6
Iola crews mend water lines By BOB JOHNSON bob@iolaregister.com
Iola is taking advantage of pending reconstruction of U.S. 54 at the east edge of town to upgrade an 8-inch main carrying water to Gas. The second of two service lines to carry water to customers on the south side of the highway was done this week. Both have entailed cutting some of the highway’s pavement. A third cross-highway connection remains. That will tie a main running about 700 feet east from the Welcome to Iola sign to a main along the south
of the highway that continues on to Gas. The new mains are made of high-grade plastic and are replacing old cast iron lines. The 8-inch portion of the main that will be under the highway to connect north and south components will be in a 12-inch plastic casing to protect it from the pressure of constant traffic. Corey Schinstock, assistant city administrator, said when the upgrade is completed about 1,500 feet of lines that had transported water down the middle of the highway would be abandoned in favor of the new mains.
Register/ Steven Schwartz
Register/Steven Schwartz
Iola Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock, left, talks with Josh Mueller, right, as he welds the piping of the water lines along U.S. 54 Thursday afternoon. Vol. 115, No.113
On Thursday morning, more than 20 area high schools attended the Aggie Day competitions in Iola. Top, students identify 50 different plants and gardening tools based on their characteristics and qualities. The plants and the tools were donated by Duane’s Flowers. Middle, a sheep rests next to its tether at the Allen County Fairgrounds. Below, students compete in a livestock-judging competition. 75 Cents
Iola, KS