The Iola Register
The Real
Weekender Saturday, June 15, 2013
Locally owned since 1867
FISHING
Area youth wins Bassmasters title See B1
www.iolaregister.com
MEN OF STEEL
Happy Father’s Day 2013
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAD... “My dad was a very stable influence of my life. I learned so much from him, about people and working and horsemanship… Although my dad passed away before my sons were born, I know he would have been proud of the men they have become.” — Janet Sutterby Buck “My dad was my rock, he is the one who kept us in church. I miss him. Happy Father’s Day to you daddy, ‘cause I know you and mommy and Our Heavenly Father are watching over us and some day soon I will meet you in heaven.” — Tonie Vest “My dad was my stability, my hero, my guidance and my everything. He is not here anymore but I know he watches from heaven. I miss him more than words can say but I will see him again.” — Linda Mead
Register/Steven Schwartz
Register/Bob Johnson
John Hughes, a stepparent, sits with his dog on the front porch of his Elsmore home.
Lee Rogers spends weekdays looking after three of his grandchildren. He is holding Keegan, who turns 5 on Monday. Standing are Emma, 9, and Orion, 11.
Biggest reward is being called Dad
Rogers takes on unconventional role
By STEVEN SCHWARTZ steven@iolaregister.com
By BOB JOHNSON bob@iolaregister.com
John Hughes is in a place he thought he’d never be — a widower of two years, a veteran in the U.S. National Guard, a stepfather to three of whom two call Dad. John has no biological children of his own. Due to an operation in his childhood, he can’t have children. But, his stepdaughters have seen him as a father figure for the past 15 years. “He is more of a father than a stepfather to me,” Helen Leckrone, his stepdaughter said. She and her sister, Tiffany, have been involved in John’s life since he met their mother, Tammy. The third stepdaughter, Marie, is not in contact
“Dad always is there when we need him,” Desiree Rogers said of her father, Lee Rogers, on the eve of Father’s Day. “No matter what, he’ll do without for us.” That’s praise any father would covet, as well as that from grandson Alex, 12: “He’s the best grandpa.” Three other grandkids who live on South Buckeye chime in with the similar tributes. Rogers, 47, watches after them Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until mid-afternoon, during the summer while their parents are at work. His wife, Melody, has things to do at home.
See HUGHES | Page A3
See ROGERS | Page A4
Westervelt on front lines against drugs By BOB JOHNSON bob@iolaregister.com
The way out of addiction to alcohol and drugs is accountability, Jamie Westervelt told Iola Rotarians Thursday. Westervelt is a counselor at Preferred Family Healthcare, 726 W. Patterson Ave. The private company offers counseling in alcohol and drug abuse as well as mental health and domestic violence counseling. Most of her cases are referrals from the court system. “We seldom have walk-ins,” Westervelt said. She had a role in the development of Allen County’s drug court, including counseling now done online. Drug court means to keep offenders in the mainstream and working, rather than incarcerated. “Drug court is about accountability,” she said, with the objective to make those who have abused drugs and alcohol productive citizens. “We want them to find a job and be proud to have one,” Westervelt said, and also understand the advantage of not being involved in drugs or abusive levels of alcohol. “We’re also looking for people (employers) who are willing to take a chance and hire someone who has been in the court system.” Part of the battle is education, she said, making those
who have fallen into trouble understand that staying clean and being productive is a better way of life. The light bulb does pop on ocJamie casionally. Westervelt Westervelt said some o f f e n d ers are so proud of having a clean urine or drug test that “they frame it and put it up on the wall.” Drug court is working to the point that some clients tell Westervelt they’ve never before been held so accountable. They know full well a slip-up means jail time. While she strives to change lifestyles, Westervelt knows the likelihood of relapse is extremely high. “That’s something you have to accept, but I also work with clients to have a plan for what to do when it happens,” she said. Her patience has limits. “I’m done when they keep blaming everyone else for their problems,” she said. “I’m not their friend, not their mother, I’m their counselor.” With drug court in place, Westervelt’s workload has increased. When she joined Preferred Family Healthcare, she had 10 cases. “Now I have about 25,”
“He means comfort and encouragement in any obstacle I might need to overcome. When he lost his only son, he comforted me on the loss of a brother instead of dealing with his loss. My father has never put himself first, but last… I can only pray that I’m half the person he is.” — Stacy Wright “My dad is a role model. He means everything to me and I love him very much. Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you!” — Maggie Wilson “My dad means the world to me. He didn’t believe that one person was better than any other. Being popular and having money didn’t impress him. He was “old school.” He would open doors for anyone and would even walk me to the school door when I had 7:30 gym. I lost him 39 years ago… I know in my heart he is watching over all of us.” — Spring Sutterby “My dad means the world to me. I am so proud to be his daughter. He works very hard and he is a person everyone likes. He is loved by everyone. He is the best father in the world. I am so lucky to have a dad as wonderful as mine. I love you dad!” — Michelle Drury
THURSDAY NIGHT TUNES
Register/Kayla Banzet
Above, the Iola Municipal Band performs for a large turnout Thursday night on the bandstand at the Iola square. The Allen County Multi-Agency Team organized a family fun night during the Farmer’s Market Thursday evening. Families learned about fire safety, seatbelt safety and the importance of bike safety. Below, Daren Kellerman instructs a family Thursday evening on the importance of bike safety.
See DRUGS | Page A4
Vol. 115, No.163
75 Cents
Iola, KS