The
IOLA REGISTER Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Locally owned since 1867
A ‘DREAM COME TRUE’ Humboldt volunteers make park a reality By STEVEN SCHWARTZ steven@iolaregister.com
Top, the Neosho River Park sign and amphitheater were built by employees at B&W Trailer Hitches and chiseled by Weide’s Cemetery Service and Memorials in time for Saturday’s ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. in the park. Tours of the park begin at 4 p.m. Above, Vada Aikins, left, and Larry Tucker were essential in the organization of the numerous volunteers and logistics of having the park completed. They are both members of the Humboldt Healthy Ecosystems committee. Register/Steven Schwartz
Vada Aikins first stepped foot onto the wooded area on the west side of the Neosho River in 2008, its meadow was crowded with vines and overgrowth that blocked the view of the river. “It was difficult to get down to the bank,” Aikins said. “It was treacherous.” She met some fishermen who had made their way down to the bank as well, and they began discussing the “what ifs” of cleaning out the area for a community park. It planted a seed in her mind that would eventually blossom into a full-blown project. Now, five years later, the ribbon is going to be officially cut on the Neosho River Park. Aikins is part of a group called the Humboldt Healthy Ecosystems committee, who has been meeting since 2010 to get the park in order. She said the park was originally a summer camping area for the Osage tribe, then it was a city park neighbored by a horseracing track and fairgrounds in the late 1800s. At the turn of the century the city park faded away and was lost as a
public recreation area. It is now decorated with picnic tables, benches, a pergola (a wooden shelter), rock amphitheater, walking trail and kiosk. “I tend to be a little bit more optimistic (than others),” Humboldt City Administrator Larry Tucker said, while sitting on one of the benches by the river, “But I’m thinking this will be the number-one tourist attraction in Humboldt.” Both he and Aikins gathered at the park Tuesday afternoon, after morning rain showers had cleared. The sun was hidden behind the high canopy of trees as two boys threw nets into the river. One of the Humboldt city crew workers began to put the finishing touches on the lawn, mowing and edging the grass around the parking area. The ribbon cutting ceremonies, which begin with tours at 4 p.m. on Saturday, represent five years of hard work — along with help from countless volunteers. “I ALMOST hate to give anyone credit, because there See PARK | Page A3
BASEBALL Wichita State coach fired See B1
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Worship tent on courthouse grounds nixed By BOB JOHNSON bob@iolaregister.com
Joe Neal’s efforts to set up a Christian ministry outside Allen County Courthouse to help those stressed by court appearances, was partially accepted by commissioners Tuesday morning. County Counselor Alan Weber said Neal had a First Amendment right to talk with anyone on public property, including sharing Scripture and his beliefs, but questioned whether having a structure — Neal mentioned a tent — to support his ministry would be appropriate. “That would set a precedent and open up opportunities” for anyone for any reason to do the same, Weber said. Commissioners agreed. “I have no problem with you speaking to people,” said Commissioner Tom Williams. “I applaud your efforts,” as did Chairman Dick Works. Neal said he had worked at Gates Corporation 19 years and recently had set aside a part of his paycheck to fund meals for people leaving court appearances. The tent would provide shelter for a table and food. Neal said he understood the stress of appearing in court, recalling his own experience in divorce court a few years ago. “I want a chance to share See STRESS | Page A3
IHS athletics takes on seismic shift A split among the state’s 64 Class 4A schools will mean a seismic change for Iola High School athletics. The Kansas State High School Activities Association announced Tuesday the split of Class 4A into two 32-team divisions. The vote passed overwhelmingly, 42 to 22. A representative from each school in Class 4A voted. No longer will Iola and its 361 students — the school’s official enrollment for 201213 — be among the smaller 4A schools. Now, Iola is likely to rank in the top 10 Class 4A, Division II schools. The new classifications will
go into effect immediately in volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball. Enrollment
confident Iola will remain in Division II. Iola’s 361 students were
“
This is about coaches being able to look in their student-athletes’ eyes... to honestly tell them they will be playing schools their own size, and if you work hard enough you should be able to compete. — Randy Heatherly, Girard Middle School Principal
“
By RICHARD LUKEN richard@iolaregister.com
on Sept. 20 will determine the makeup. The split goes into effect for football in 2014. While the numbers won’t become official for another three months, Martin Bambick, IHS athletics director, is
less than half the number enrolled at Topeka-Highland Park (729). Pittsburg, another 4A school, has 710 students. The widest variance was See ATHLETICS | Page A3
County signs on Shelter with rail trail registry established By BOB JOHNSON bob@iolaregister.com
By BOB JOHNSON bob@iolaregister.com
If severe weather were to hit Allen County, emergency responders would know where to look for survivors with help of a registry Pam Beasley is developing. Beasley, emergency management director, told county commissioners Tuesday a list of private storm shelters would allow victims to be found quickly if they were trapped by storm debris. Finding survivors was a problem after the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, Beasley said. A registry of shelters will include contact information, the shelter’s address and the See REGISTRY | Page A5
Allen County officially became a managing partner of the Southwind Rail Trail between Iola and Humboldt Tuesday morning. The trail’s dedication will be Saturday afternoon. Commissioners had agreed to be involved with the trail several months ago, to alleviate volunteers from having to formally organize. “The volunteers will keep the trail up through an agreement with its owner, the Sunflower Rail-Trail Conservancy, Inc.,” said County Counselor Alan Weber. Allen County would be responsible for the trail’s upkeep if volunteers defaulted, he added, but allowed the likelihood was remote. “They spent hundreds of hours to get it where it is today,” Weber said, and had made something good and Vol. 115, No.156
positive that the public may enjoy. Allen County Public Works employees recently completed covering the trail’s surface with limestone screenings that have left it ideal for both hiking and biking. In months beforehand volunteers cleared literally tons of brush and underground from the right of way, made the iron railroad bridge over Elm Creek safe and prepared for the county’s surfacing work.
THE SHAUGHNESSYS, Bob and Toby, won’t get a property tax abatement from Allen County for a new restaurant, Sam and Louie’s New York Pizzeria, they are building south of the entrance to Walmart. Iola gave the Shaughnessys a waiver to include the property in its NeighborSee COUNTY | Page A3
Register/Kayla Banzet
Children attending Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School, above, sing along with the Bible school music. Below, due to rain Tuesday, the VBS attendees moved game time into the Wesley United Methodist Church basement.
VBS ‘rocks’ audience By KAYLA BANZET kayla@iolaregister.com
Laughter, music and excitement has taken over Wesley United Methodist Church. A joint Vacation Bible School between Wesley United and First Presbyterian Church started Monday and will continue through Friday. The Bible school starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until noon. The 120 children start their day off together in the Methodist Church sanctuary for an opening ceremony and then they disperse into smaller groups. The two churches alternate hosting privileges every year. Lori Cooper, VBS director, 75 Cents
said members of the Presbyterian Church will attend a joint service on Sunday in the Methodist Church sanctuary. “The kids will perform the songs they learned for everyone,” Cooper said. “Five kids are chosen to give their testimony during the service, too.” Cooper has the help of about 60 volunteers who keep the children busy with multiple activities. After the opening ceremony the groups rotate through making snacks, attending music, crafts, Bible adventures, games and chatter, which are like movie skits. See VBS | Page A5
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