Sports: Rough start for Iola hoops squads See B1
The Weekender Saturday, December 5 , 2015
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Survey not kind to governor, state lawmakers
A HEAVY LOAD
By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
“As a farmer do I enjoy not paying taxes? Yes. Is it fair? No. Brownback’s experiment did not work,” a constituent wrote to Rep. Kent Thompson. About two weeks ago Thompson, who represents Iola, Chanute and adjoining areas in the Kansas House, mailed surveys to constituents. Within a week 150 had been returned. Tabulations made clear respondents are against the recent sales tax increase. They also are against Gov. Sam Brownback’s income tax cuts, voted in 2012 on the rationale they would trigger investment by the wealthy and be a boon to the state economy. State revenue paints a stark contrast to Brownback’s economic development projections. So far, revenue is down $170 million for fiscal year 2016 — even with a recent “bump” in November receipts. To deal with the shortfall, $124 million in budget “adjustments” have been ordered so the state may con-
Handicap-accessible restrooms were put in place with the help of a large crane Thursday at Humboldt’s Neosho River Park. The crane was necessary to move the 50,000-pound structure. At right, Dominic Padilla, Reuller, inc., Whitney, Texas, eyes a seem as the restroom is positioned over a concrete vault. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Humboldt park gets eco-friendly restroom By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
HUMBOLDT — The latest amenity to Humboldt’s Neosho River Park — restrooms — again illustrates what a community can accomplish through the spirit of cooperation, Humboldt City Administrator Cole Herder said. Herder spoke Thursday as crews installed a new restroom facility in the park on the western outskirts of Humboldt. The 25-ton cement structure required the use of a large crane to be placed near the park entrance. The project was the latest — and perhaps last — amenity added to the park, which for generations included little more than a circle drive near the river dam for fishermen. A citizens committee be-
gan looking at ways back in 2008 to improve the area. They built a new platform and stairwell, making it easier to reach the river Cole Herder for fishermen or other outdoor enthusiasts. A walking trail and flower garden came soon thereafter, followed by a limestone amphitheater for outdoor events. Finally, fresh flowers and limestone displays were erected along the park perimeter, making the area a dazzling attraction to draw visitors from miles around. “You’d be surprised at how far some people have come to see this park,” said Humboldt City Councilwoman Vada Aikins, one of the driving forces behind the park’s improve-
ments. The restrooms should be open to the public as soon as the city completes a sidewalk area surrounding the structure. After studying several options for a restroom facility, a team of local volunteers with the Humboldt PRIDE Committee and a Healthy Ecosystems Committee decided a prefabricated restroom was the most economical option. The facility is waterless — waste goes into a pair of large, water-tight cement vaults, where it can later be removed by septic cleaning devices. The structure relies on “sweet smelling technology,” or a solar-powered ventilation system to mitigate foul odors, Herder explained. Organizers agreed a water-
Rep. Kent Thompson tinue to keep its doors open. “I don’t know where it’s going,” Thompson said, of the persistent shortfalls. “Frankly, I don’t intend to start looking closely at the budget until shortly before the session starts on Jan. 11,” when more immediate numbers will be on hand. Then, he and other legislators — unless some extraordinary recovery occurs — will be faced with the same distressing fiscal problems of last session. WHILE admitting the survey was not a scienSee SURVEY | Page A8
Stringed harmony Iola High School orchestra members played a medley of songs Thursday as part of their winter concert at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Among the students were, front from left, Sloan Geddry, Chloe Hageman, Kanyon Beasley and Karly McGuffin; second from left, Ethan Coleman and Jacob Burcham. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
See PARK | Page A6
Soup supper a hit in Gas
Local agencies hold their own in finding officers
By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
Manning the troops of law enforcement departments can be a challenge. Low pay and a suffering image especially pose a problem for departments in big cities. Locally, however, the Iola Police Department and Allen County Sheriff ’s Department, are holding their own. Iola Police Chief Jared Warner and Sheriff Bryan Murphy spoke about a recent Associated Press article detailing the difficulties
GAS — Forty place-settings quickly were filled and more tables were set up Thursday evening at the Gas Community Center (nee old Gas school) for a fundraising event featuring spicy chili, bean soup laced with ham and rich potato soup. “I started cooking at 5 a.m.,” before taking leave to See GAS | Page A8
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
Quote of the day Vol. 118, No. 21
such agencies as the Wichita Police Department — which has 50 vacancies — and the Kansas Highway Patrol — with more than 100 openings — are facing. The AP article said two reasons for the shortage: low starting salaries, and negative publicity regarding law enforcement. While both Murphy and Warner noted pay always has been an issue for officers and deputies, the negative publicity for law enforcement isn’t nearly as promiSee POLICE | Page A6
Brian Plumlee gave up other other, more lucrative careers in order to join the Iola Police Department in 2012.
“In the end, people are persuaded not by what we say, but by what they understand.” — John C. Maxwell, American clergyman 75 Cents
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